Key information
- Level
- Postgraduate Taught
- Delivery type
- Full Time
- Degree qualification
- MSc
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 2 years
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Start date
- September
The MSc in Computing is a two year postgraduate degree. The first year imparts the knowledge and skills needed to study the subject at masters level in the second.
This degree is open to graduates coming from any discipline. They will start by learning the art of software engineering, study some key computing topics and develop relevant research and technical English skills that prepare them for advanced study of computer science in the following year.
- At the end of Year 1 students may progress to Year 2 or graduate instead with a Graduate Diploma in Computer Science.
- Students can progress to study any of our single year masters programmes. Here is a full list of programmes available.
Enhancements for Your Success
At Heriot-Watt University, our MSc Computing (2 years) programme equips you with the knowledge and skills essential for a successful career in the dynamic field of Computing. Here's why our programme stands out:
- Flexible Entry: We understand that not all students come from a computer science background. Our programme is designed to accommodate a wide range of students, from those with a strong computing foundation to those with less experience in the field. We provide the opportunity for all students to study the most advanced topics, ensuring that you can thrive in tomorrow's tech-centric careers.
- Academic Excellence: Our programme is built on a foundation of academic excellence. We are committed to providing you with a rigorous and comprehensive education in the field of Computing. Our faculty includes renowned experts who are dedicated to your success.
- Cutting-Edge Curriculum: Computing is a rapidly evolving field, and we ensure our curriculum stays up to date with the latest industry trends and technological advancements. You'll have the opportunity to learn about advanced topics such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, data science and more.
- Industry Connections: We have strong connections with industry leaders, allowing you to gain insights into what employers are looking for in computing professionals. This network provides opportunities for internships, guest lectures, and potential career placement.
- Research Opportunities: For those interested in pursuing research, our programme offers opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research projects and contribute to the advancement of the field.
- Global Perspective: With a diverse student body and international faculty, you'll gain a global perspective that is essential in today's interconnected world.
The National Robotarium
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.
Your student experience
- Heriot-Watt University boasts a distinguished history of over five decades dedicated to the research and teaching of Computer Science.
- World-Leading Faculty: Heriot-Watt University is known for its strong academic reputation, and this extends to its IT Business programmes. In fact, many of our academics are qualified data scientists, with many years of experience working in this field.
- State-of-the-Art Labs: To facilitate hands-on learning, we have created state-of-the-art labs based in the Robotarium as well as at the GRID; including the Games & Design studio and the universities first VR labs. These resources are instrumental in providing students with a practical, real-world experience when working with authentic datasets and AI models.
- Cutting-Edge Research: The university is actively involved in computing research, contributing to the development of new techniques, tools, and strategies to combat emerging threats. This research informs the curriculum and keeps it up to date.
Go Global
With Go Global, Heriot-Watt's global student programme, you can carry your studies to new places and experience new cultures, expanding your horizons on the way. You'll discover what it means to be a true global citizen and emerge prepared for wherever your career journey will take you.
Inter-Campus Transfer
Course content
September Intake - Edinburgh
Year 1
Mandatory September
- Software Engineering Foundations
Optional September
- Databases and Information Systems
- Introduction to Interaction Design
- Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Agents
- Data Communications and Networking
Mandatory January
- Advanced Software Engineering
- Advanced Human Computer Interaction
- Operating Systems & Concurrency
- e-Commerce Technology
Year 2
Mandatory September
- Computer Network Security
- Industrial Programming
Optional September
- Biologically Inspired Computation
- Computer Graphics
- Systems Programming
- Intelligent Robotics
Mandatory January
- Project Management
- Research Methods and Project Planning
Optional January
- Advanced Network Security
- Big Data Management
- Digital Forensics
- Games Programming
Mandatory May
- Masters Project and Dissertation
Programme Video
Computer Science subject video (PG progs)
Fees and funding
| Status | Full Time |
|---|---|
| UK | £12,192 |
| International | £25,480 |
- 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).
Additional information
Please note also that fees are payable for each year of this two year MSc.
Year 2 Fees
| Status | Full Time | Part Time |
|---|---|---|
| UK | £10,528 | £5,264 |
| International | £19,816 | £9,908 |
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
A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree or non-UK equivalent in a subject area which includes some numeracy. Programming skills would be preferable but not essential, either through your degree or a short course.
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're the top university in Scotland for graduate outcomes which means that more of our graduates are employed or in postgraduate education than any other institution in the country and we ranked 5th in the UK.
We're also rated number one in the UK for CEO or MD roles, meaning more of our graduates go on to become CEOs or MDs than any other university in the whole of the UK. On top of that, we have beautiful campuses, across the globe, so you'll get a truly international education. Our Edinburgh Campus is home to Oriam, Scotland's National Sports Performance Centre combined with plenty of wellbeing resources, prioritising fitness and mental health for all students. Our Global Research Institutes look at solving real world issues such as climate change and saving our oceans as well as working on the next medical technological breakthrough and the future of AI and robots.
Employability
Potential career paths
- Software Developer: Design and create software applications, ranging from mobile apps to complex computer programmes, ensuring they meet specific requirements and functionality standards.
- Data Scientist: Analyse large datasets to extract meaningful insights and trends, using statistical and machine learning techniques to inform business decisions.
- Cybersecurity Analyst: Protect organizations from cyber threats and data breaches by implementing security measures and ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Cloud Solutions Architect: Design and implement cloud-based infrastructure and services to support the scalability and efficiency of IT systems, often using platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engineer: Develop AI and machine learning models, algorithms, and applications that can automate tasks, make predictions, and improve decision-making processes.
- Digital Project Manager: Lead and coordinate IT projects from initiation to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and in alignment with the organization's objectives.
- DevOps Engineer: Facilitate collaboration between software development and IT operations teams, streamlining the software delivery process and enhancing the reliability and performance of applications.
Student life
Explore facilities, and chat to staff and students
