MSc Information Technology (Software Systems)
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Key information
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Mode of delivery
- On-campus
- Delivery type
- Full-time, Part-time
- Start date
- September
- Duration
- 1 year
- Qualification
- MSc
Contact
Contact our enquiries team
Contact usOverview
This programme imparts the understanding and skills to develop advanced software systems to professional standards.
The programme has a flexible structure to suit graduates with a wide spectrum of degrees from those in IT to those with rather less academic computing content. The MSc covers core skills in Information Technology (IT) at MSc level while allowing students to study specialist advanced courses in topics such as animation, databases, e-commerce, games programming, intelligent robotics and network applications. Computer Science at Heriot-Watt is ranked 6th in Scotland by The Complete University league tables (2021).
Graduates can expect to find employment with software houses, IT companies, research and development divisions of companies, financial services organisations, defence contractors or government IT agencies, and as researchers or research students within universities.
Programme duration
- MSc: 12 months (full-time), 24 months (part-time)
- PG Diploma: 9 months (full-time)
This full-time programme starts in mid September.
September 2024 entry
The deadline for applications from UK students is 30 August 2024. For EU and overseas applicants, we guarantee to consider applications submitted by 2 August 2024.
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Course content
Year 1
Full-time students take 4 courses each semester and must normally take all core courses.
Core courses
- Database and Informations Systems
- Research Methods and Project Planning
- Masters project and dissertation
Optional courses
- 3D Graphics and Animation
- Advanced Interaction Design
- Advanced Software Engineering
- Computer Games Programming
- Computer Network Security
- Digital and Knowledge Economy
- e-Commerce Technology
- Industrial Programming
- Intelligent Robotics
- Software Engineering Foundations
After semester 2 students continue full-time on their MSc project.
Project
In the third semester (May-August) students undertake a specialist MSc project which is written up as a 15000 word dissertation. This project enables further development and consolidation of skills introduced in the taught courses, applying them to a challenging practical problem in this subject area.
Go Global
Some of our Postgraduate Taught Masters Programmes are eligible for Inter-Campus Transfer. Please contact studywithus@hw.ac.uk for further information.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Status [footnote 1] | Full-time | Part-time |
|---|---|---|
| UK | 10600 | 5300 |
| Overseas [footnote 2] | 24496 | 12248 |
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.
View our full range of postgraduate scholarships.
Entry requirements
Entry
Entry requires a good honours degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics subject area. Candidates holding a little less than a good honours degree or its equivalent but with compensating qualifications or experience may be admitted to the Postgraduate Diploma programme. Transfer to the MSc will be possible later on if exam and course work are at MSc level.
English language requirements
Important: If your first language is not English, or your first degree was not taught in English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability.
The minimum requirement for English language is IELTS 6.5 (with no component under 6.0).
We also offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement prior to starting your master's programme:
- 20 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.0 with no skill lower than 4.5)
- 14 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.0 with minimum of 5.0 in writing and no skill lower than 4.5)
- 10 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.5 with no skill lower than 5.0)
- 6 weeks English (for IELTS 5.5 with no skill lower than 5.5)
Why Heriot-Watt?
Computer Science facilities
Computer Science students can access facilities including specialist teaching labs, the Edinburgh Centre for Robotics' Robotics Laboratory, and parallel and high performance computing platforms
Computer Science Society
The Computer Science Society is a student run community active across Edinburgh, Dubai and Malaysia. The society gives students a platform to discuss everything computer science and attend regular social events with like-minded individuals.
Clubs and activities
At Heriot-Watt we have an extensive programme of over 90 sports clubs and societies to get involved in. You can try as many as you like or start one of your own!
Edinburgh campus accommodation
Living on our beautiful Edinburgh campus is a great way to meet others from all over the world. Our student accommodation is within easy reach of the teaching buildings, sports facilities, catering venues and the Student Union
Edinburgh Campus facilities
At Heriot-Watt University, we offer a wide range of services to help you deal with all aspects of your life with us, whether these be academic, personal, technical, financial or just plain fun!
Health and wellbeing
Student Wellbeing Services aim to provide a range of support, guidance, activities and advice to help students to be their best, and get the most from their university experience. From counselling to coaching we'll sure you are fully supported.
Heriot-Watt Student Union
There's more to university life than simply getting your degree, and Heriot-Watt University Student Union is all about helping you to have the best possible experience while you study here.
Living in Edinburgh
Historic and beautiful, a cultural capital that fuels the senses whether you love the arts or nature, nightlife or study life, Edinburgh is stimulating and inspirational and never, ever boring.
Sport facilities
Oriam, Scotland Sports Performance Centre offers state-of-the-art sports facilities, for all levels of sport and ability
Your career
Employers around the world actively seek out our graduates because they are work-ready. All our degrees are career-focused and relevant to the needs of industry. Around 95% of our students are in employment or further study within six months of graduating.