Key information
Enjoy the unique opportunity to explore new technology with our student equipment fund.
Find out more about our 3 year honours degree option.
- UCAS code
- G400
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Delivery type
- Full Time
- Degree qualification
- BSc (Hons)
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 3-4 years
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Start date
- September
Our prestigious programme, the accredited BSc (Hons) Computer Science, is intricately designed with insights from industry needs. It provides students with a comprehensive foundation in the core principles of Computer Science while also nurturing their professional skills in problem-solving and project work. This programme is aimed at empowering students to craft robust systems and pioneer innovative technologies essential for everyday use.
As one of the first universities in the UK to offer undergraduate degree programmes in computing, we provide outstanding education in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, software engineering and Computer Systems.
Study abroad, placement year and more
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You can go on an Inter-Campus Transfer to study Computer Science abroad at our Dubai campus for one semester or more through Go Global
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We have exchange agreements with the Australian National University in Canberra.
The National Robotarium
The National Robotarium is Located on Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh campus, in partnership with The University of Edinburgh, the National Robotarium creates innovative solutions to global challenges, working directly with industry to test and develop robotic, AI and automated technologies and rapidly move pioneering research from lab to market.
The National Robotarium fosters the teaching and development of the next generation of roboticists, producing highly-skilled graduates who are trained to conduct world-leading research with a market focus, and developing programmes to equip the current and future workforce with robotics, data and programming skills.
Student equipment fund
Our student equipment fund is an initiative to support students in purchasing technology (either in hardware, data or software) to explore the usage of and code development for new platforms, as part of a taught course or as a personal project. Recent purchases include Parrot AR.Drone 2.0s, Oculus Rifts and Raspberry Pi 2s.
Your student experience
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Heriot-Watt’s GRID (Global Research, Innovation and Discovery) is a ground-breaking facility to advance global research, innovation and discovery. GRID provides an innovative teaching and learning environment for our computing students. It is also home to our groundbreaking VR Labs and Games Design Studio.
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Enjoy research-led teaching by our enthusiastic staff
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Our student equipment fund is an initiative to support students in purchasing technology (either in hardware, data or software) to explore the usage of and code development for new platforms, as part of a taught course or as a personal project. Recent purchases include Parrot AR.Drone 2.0s, Oculus Rifts and Raspberry Pi 2s.
Course content
September Intake - Edinburgh
You will cover programming, an introduction to computer systems, databases and discrete mathematics.
Mandatory September
- Logic and Proof
- Introduction to Interaction Design
- Praxis
- Software Development 1
Mandatory January
- Discrete Mathematics
- Introduction to Computer Systems
- Software Development 2
- Web Design and Databases
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
The Heriot-Watt experience
Student testimonials
See moreIt’s been life-changing, honestly. Coming from such a difficult situation and finding so much support, opportunity, and community here – I feel very lucky. There’s always help if you need it, and if you’re willing to take part and say yes to things, you’ll find so many doors open.
Fees and funding
| Status | Fee |
|---|---|
| Scotland | Paid by SAAS |
| England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland | £9,790 |
| International | £25,808 |
- 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
Bursaries for students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales
In addition to government loans and grants towards the costs of fees and living costs, we are offering generous financial support to attract and support eligible undergraduate students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales:
- Heriot-Watt University Bursary (up to £3,100 per year)
Entry requirements
We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.
Standard entry requirements
- Highers ABBB (over two sittings). Must include Maths achieved at B.
- A-Levels BBC. Must include Maths achieved at B.
- International Baccalaureate 28 points. Must include Maths achieved at Higher Level 5.
- BTEC Extended Diploma DDM. Must be in a relevant subject and contain sufficient Maths.
- HNC B in graded unit. Must be in a relevant subject and contain sufficient Maths at SCQF Level 6.
- HND BB in graded units. Must be in a relevant subject and contain sufficient Maths at SCQF Level 6.
Please check that you meet our University-wide National 5/GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths requirements.
Minimum entry requirements *
- Highers BBBC (over two sittings). Must include Maths achieved at B.
- A-Levels BCC. Must include Maths achieved at B.
- International Baccalaureate 28 points. Must include Maths achieved at Higher Level 5.
- BTEC Extended Diploma DDM. Must be in a relevant subject and contain sufficient Maths.
- HNC B in graded unit. Must be in a relevant subject and contain sufficient Maths at SCQF Level 6.
- HND BB in graded units. Must be in a relevant subject and contain sufficient Maths at SCQF Level 6.
* Minimum: under our Fair Access Policy, we will relax our standard entry requirements for some Scottish and Rest of UK status students depending on their circumstances. Our minimum requirements will apply if you:
- live in an area within the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation lowest 20% (SIMD20) or POLAR4 Quintile 1 regions (RUK)
- or are care experienced.
We can also make exceptions for some Scottish students with grades above minimum but below standard. Read more about our Minimum and standard entry 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
Work and study
Salary
Potential career paths
- Developer
- Data Scientist
- Software Engineer
- Cyber Security Analyst
- Games Developer
- App Developer
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Robotics Engineer
- UX/UI Designer
Student life
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