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MEng Software Engineering

Key information

Heriot-Watt University was ranked 1st in Scotland for Software Engineering by the National Student Survey 2025.

UCAS code
G601
Level
Undergraduate
Delivery type
Full Time
Degree qualification
MEng
Mode of delivery
On-Campus
Duration
4-5 years
Location
Edinburgh
Start date
September

Our MEng Software Engineering equips you with the essential professional skills required to develop resilient and secure systems and ensures a well-rounded education in software engineering. 

This curriculum dives into the core concepts of computer science, laying the groundwork for advanced studies in software engineering. The curriculum is carefully crafted to cover both theoretical principles and practical applications, preparing students to address real-world challenges in the field. 

The highlight of the fifth year is a dedicated period of paid industrial placement, providing students with the invaluable opportunity to apply your skills in a professional setting. This industry exposure not only enhances your practical abilities but also opens doors to potential employment opportunities. Many graduates receive job offers from their placement employers, showcasing the programme's success in preparing students for a seamless transition into the workforce.

Reasons to study this programme:

  • Global Perspective: Opportunity to study at our Dubai campus or our partnering university - the Australian National University -  in Canberra through the Go Global programme.
  • Student equipment fund: Supporting 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.
  • Applied learning: A year dedicated to placement in the industry, allowing students to apply knowledge and skills learnt in the programme to making impact in real-life scenarios. 
  • World-class facilities: Gain access to the National Robotarium which 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. 
  • Comprehensive, customisable curriculum: Provides opportunity to specialise in several areas through optional courses, including software engineering, climate change and sustainability, and numerical analysis.
  • Professional accreditation: Accredited by The Chartered Institute for IT and the British Computer Society (BCS), giving employers confidence in the quality of this programme and help graduates gain a competitive edge in the industry and job market.

Your student experience

Your Learning Environment 

  • 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.

  • Enjoy research-led teaching by our enthusiastic staff  

  • 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

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

Software Engineering - Meet Hamish

From rural Aberdeenshire, Hamish has been driven by a lifelong curiosity about how technology connects people. Discover how he's using his Software Engineering expertise to give back to his community.

The Heriot-Watt experience

Find out from Heriot-Watt staff and students why studying undergraduate Computer Science at Heriot-Watt University is the best choice!

Student testimonials

Since a young age, I've wanted to contribute something to the wider world and give back to the people that raised me. I also have had a vast appreciation for the technological world since I was young. My favourite moment so far is from the recent exam season. Our cohort came together early in the morning and helped each other with last minute studies. I also am a very active gym goer; I encourage and help teach my friends at the gym as we continue our journey of self-improvement and have been going to Oriam for three years now. During my time at Heriot-Watt I have had plenty of support and guidance.

Hamish Marshall Dawson

Student - MEng Software Engineering

See more

Fees and funding

intake tuition fees
StatusFee
ScotlandPaid 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)
View details

Entry requirements

We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.

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

This is what our MEng Software Engineering students are doing 15 months after graduating:
80%
are working
20%
are studying and working

Salary

£33,000
The average salary of students 15 months after graduating
£32,000
The average UK salary of students 15 months after graduating from a similar course

Potential career paths

  • Information Technology professionals

Student life

Explore facilities, and chat to staff and students

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