Key information
- Level
- Postgraduate Taught
- Delivery type
- Full Time, Part Time
- Degree qualification
- MSc
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 1 year
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Start date
- September, January
- Next intake
- September
Our MSc in Software Engineering provides you with advanced technical knowledge and practical expertise to design, develop, and maintain high-quality software systems, applying best practices from computer science, engineering, and project management.
This programme is aimed at graduates or those already in the industry who are interested in gaining deeper knowledge and skills in areas such as dependable systems, big data applications, interactive systems including games, and biologically inspired computing.
With this programme, Heriot-Watt prepares you for a wide range of careers in IT firms, R&D divisions, financial services, defence, and government agencies, supported by hands-on innovation opportunities through the National Robotarium, which provides exposure to robotics, AI, and automation technologies and fosters the ability to apply software engineering expertise to global challenges.
Reasons to study:
- Industry-relevant curriculum: Plan and execute research projects in specialist areas such as dependable systems, big data applications, interactive systems including games, and biologically inspired computing, while also offering opportunities to collaborate on projects with industry and academic partners for real-world experience.
- Mastery of Essential Tools: In today's competitive job market, proficiency in key software tools like Python, R, SQL, and data visualisation is essential for data scientists. Our programme will equip you with mastery of these indispensable tools.
- Industry-Driven Employability: To ensure your success, we've actively collaborated with industry experts to understand precisely what employers are seeking in software enigineers. We've meticulously integrated insights such as problem-solving, adaptability, communication, and business management skills into our programme, giving you a competitive edge during job interviews and setting you up for success from day one.
- Comprehensive, customisable curriculum: Provides opportunity to specialise in several areas through four optional courses, including data mining and machine learning, biologically inspired computation, big data management, games programming, and more.
- Supported learning: Delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, and guest lectures and be assessed by coursework, and your dissertation while receiving support and feedback throughout the programme. Gain access to state-of-the-art labs at the Robotarium and GRID, gaining practical, real-world experience with authentic datasets and AI models.
Royal Academy of Engineering Motorsport Scholarship programme
The MSc Motorsport Scholarship, supported by Mission 44, empowers talented students from underrepresented backgrounds - including those who are Black or mixed-Black, women, and individuals from less advantaged socio-economic groups - to pursue a master’s degree in motorsport or a related subject.
Find out moreYour student experience
Heriot-Watt University has over 50 years of excellence in computer science research and teaching, supported by world-leading faculty. Students benefit from state-of-the-art labs at the Robotarium and GRID, gaining practical, real-world experience with authentic datasets and AI models.
Course content
September Intake - Edinburgh
Year 1
Mandatory September
- Rigorous Methods for Software Engineering
- Industrial Programming
Optional September
- Biologically Inspired Computation
- Computer Network Security
- Computer Graphics
- Systems Programming
- Computer-aided Verification
- Data Mining and Machine Learning
Mandatory January
- Advanced Software Engineering
- Research Methods and Project Planning
Optional January
- Advanced Human Computer Interaction
- Advanced Network Security
- Big Data Management
- Distributed & Parallel Technologies
- Games Programming
Mandatory May
- Masters Project and Dissertation
January Intake - Edinburgh
Year 1
Mandatory January
- Advanced Software Engineering
Optional January
- Advanced Human Computer Interaction
- Advanced Network Security
- Big Data Management
- Distributed & Parallel Technologies
- Games Programming
Mandatory September
- Research Methods and Project Planning
- Rigorous Methods for Software Engineering
- Industrial Programming
Optional September
- Biologically Inspired Computation
- Computer-aided Verification
- Computer Graphics
- Systems Programming
- Data Mining and Machine Learning
- Computer Network Security
Mandatory Second January
- Masters Project and Dissertation
Disclaimer
The courses mentioned above may change between now and the time that you study. For more information, please view our Terms and Conditions.
Programme Video
Computer Science subject video (PG progs)
Fees and funding
| Status | Full Time | Part Time |
|---|---|---|
| UK | £12,584 | £6,292 |
| International | £26,296 | £13,148 |
- Status: Your residency status is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course.
- International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above).
Scholarships and bursaries
Postgraduate scholarships and bursaries
We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.
Entry requirements
We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.
Year 1
Admission requires a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree or non-UK equivalent that includes substantial components of computer science and programming.
We welcome applications from international students and accept qualifications from around the world. Please refer to the entry requirements for your country for more details.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability.
The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5.
If you do not have IELTS 6.0, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies.
Please see our detailed English language requirements.
Why Heriot-Watt
We have been producing career-ready graduates since 1821. With our roots as the world’s first Mechanics Institute, Heriot-Watt is a pioneering university with a global reach.
At Heriot-Watt, learning goes beyond the lecture theatre. We tackle real world challenges through extraordinary research – from climate change to protecting our oceans, to advancing life-saving medical breakthroughs and shaping the next generation of AI. We are also committed to developing forward-thinking design and sustainable business practices that impact industries worldwide. On our campuses you’ll find some of the world’s most advanced facilities, while our strong industry links set you up for career success. This is why almost 90% of our graduates are in employment or further education (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).
Employability
Potential career paths
- Software Developer/Engineer: As a software developer or engineer, you design, develop, and maintain software applications, ranging from web and mobile apps to desktop applications and system software.
- DevOps Engineer: DevOps (Development and Operations) engineers focus on automating and streamlining the software development and deployment process. They work to improve collaboration between development and IT operations teams.
- Data Scientist: Data scientists use their software engineering skills to analyse and interpret complex data, often building data-driven applications and models for various industries, such as finance, healthcare, and e-commerce.
- Machine Learning Engineer: Machine learning engineers create and deploy machine learning models and algorithms to develop intelligent systems, such as recommendation engines, natural language processing applications, and computer vision solutions.
- Cybersecurity Analyst/Engineer: Cybersecurity professionals with a software engineering background focus on securing computer systems and networks. They work to protect sensitive data and prevent security breaches and cyberattacks.
- Cloud Solutions Architect: Cloud solutions architects design, build, and manage cloud-based infrastructure and services. They are responsible for optimizing and scaling applications in the cloud, often using platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
- Full-Stack Developer: Full-stack developers are proficient in both front-end and back-end development. They work on all aspects of a software application, from the user interface to the server-side logic, and are highly versatile in the software development process.
Student life
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