Your MSc Computer Science questions answered by the Programme Director

Are you considering a future in computer science? Whether you're looking to advance your career, transition from another field, or simply deepen your knowledge, the online MSc Computer Science programme at Heriot-Watt University, delivered in collaboration with Coursera, offers a flexible and globally recognised pathway to success.

In a recent Admissions Webinar, Programme Director Dr Abrar Ullah answered key questions about the course structure, career opportunities, and what makes this programme unique.

What makes Heriot-Watt’s online MSc Computer Science unique?

This programme combines deep theoretical knowledge with practical skills directly related to industry needs. With a focus on flexibility and accessibility, students can balance their studies alongside other commitments while gaining expertise in AI, machine learning, programming, databases, and software engineering.

Dr Ullah emphasised: "Some of the courses on the programme are strongly industry-focused. Since it’s a computer science programme, it covers core theoretical underpinnings but at the same time, we emphasise industry-informed practical knowledge to tackle real-world problems."

One of its standout features is that it is a conversion programme, meaning students from non-computer science backgrounds can transition into the field through the Performance-Based Admission (PBA) route.

"We call it a ‘conversion programme’ or a ‘transformative degree’ because we allow students without a computer science background to join through our performance-based admission route", said Dr Ullah.

How does the Performance-Based Admission (PBA) route work?

The PBA route is designed for those without a formal background in computer science, providing them with an opportunity to prove their capability by completing an initial course with a minimum required grade. This makes it accessible to individuals from various industries.

"If somebody comes from, say, the pharmaceutical industry or medical sciences, or even humanities, they can still enrol on the programme. They just need to meet the required grades in the first course through the Performance-Based Admission route."

What can students expect from the curriculum?

The curriculum is carefully structured to ensure students gain both fundamental and advanced computing knowledge. It covers:

• Core courses: Programming and Program Design, Mathematics for Computer Science, Databases and Knowledge Representation, Data Structures and Algorithms, Data Mining and Machine Learning, Software Design and Engineering, and Artificial Intelligence.
• Industry Specialisation: Courses developed in partnership with global tech leaders such as Google, IBM, AWS, and Meta.
• Capstone Project: A final project that enables students to showcase their skills in a real-world application.

Dr Ullah highlighted that these courses have been specially created to align with skillsets required by top employers: "We designed the programme based on industry surveys and market demand while ensuring alignment with the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) curriculum benchmark for computer science."

What industry-relevant skills will students gain?

This MSc is designed to inspire and prepare students for the evolving tech landscape by offering industry-relevant learning opportunities. Students can gain experience in:

• Full-stack development
• UI/UX design
• Backend and mobile app development
• DevOps

Additionally, students have access to specialised industry courses from leading tech companies like Google, IBM, AWS, Meta, and DeepLearning.ai., providing further exposure to practical, in-demand skills.

What career opportunities are available to graduates?

Graduates from this programme can explore a wide range of career paths, including:

• Industry roles: Software development, web development, data analysis, UX/UI design, machine learning engineering, and cloud computing.
• Research: Opportunities to pursue a PhD or take up roles in industrial research.

Dr Ullah shared: "Being in computer science opens doors to careers in industry, research, or academia. Some students may even take their MSc towards a PhD leading to a teaching career."

Many students use the MSc as a stepping stone for career transitions, whether into industry roles or research pathways.

Can students exit with a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma if they don’t complete the full MSc?

Yes, students have flexible exit options:

• Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert): Requires 60 credits
• Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip): Requires 120 credits
• Master’s Degree (MSc): Requires 180 credits

Students who complete part of the programme but do not finish the full MSc can still receive a recognised qualification, providing valuable credentials at each stage.

Which programming languages are covered?

The programme primarily focuses on Java and Python, with additional exposure to React, Node.js, Firebase, and AI/ML libraries, depending on students’ chosen specialisations.

Why choose the MSc Computer Science at Heriot-Watt?

This programme embodies the university values of collaboration, inspiration, and global recognition, offering students the flexibility to study online while accessing world-class teaching and industry expertise. Whether you’re new to the field or looking to deepen your expertise, this MSc provides the perfect platform to develop the skills that employers demand.

Applications close on Monday 24 March, register for the online MSc Computer Science today to begin your studies in May.

Want to find out more? Book a call with a Coursera team member.