MSc Computing (2 years)
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Key information
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Mode of delivery
- On-campus
- Delivery type
- Full-time
- Start date
- September
- Duration
- 2 years
- Qualification
- MSc
Contact
Contact our enquiries team
Contact usOverview
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. Computer Science at Heriot-Watt is ranked 6th in Scotland by The Complete University league tables (2021).
At the end of Year 1 students may progress to Year 2 or graduate instead with a Graduate Diploma in Computer Science.
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
The two year MSc in Computing is a full-time postgraduate programme comprising two stages in two successive years.
Year 1
4 courses are taken in each of 2 semesters in year 1 and normally include all core courses.
Semester 1
Core courses:
- Software Engineering Foundations
- Research Preparation in English I
- Research Preparation in English II
Optional courses
- Databases and Information Systems
- Introduction to Interaction Design
- Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Agents
- Data Communications and Networking
Semester 2
Core courses
- Advanced Software Engineering
Optional courses:
- Advanced Human Computer Interaction
- e-Commerce Technology
- Creative Design Project
- Operating Systems and Concurrency
Year 2
Eight courses are taken in Year 2. Four core and four optional.
Semester 1
Core courses
- Computer Network Security
- Industrial Programming
Optional courses
- Biologically Inspired Computation
- 3D Graphics and Animation
- Systems Programming
- Intelligent Robotics
Semester 2
Core courses
- Project Management
- Research Methods and Project Planning
Optional courses:
- Advanced Network Security
- Big Data Management
- Digital Forensics
- Computer Games Programming
After semester 2, students continue full-time on the MSc project from May until August. It is assessed by a 15000 word dissertation on 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
Year 1
| Status [footnote 1] | Full-time |
|---|---|
| UK | 10600 |
| Overseas [footnote 2] | 24496 |
Year 2
| Status [footnote 1] | Full-time |
|---|---|
| UK | 9152 |
| Overseas [footnote 2] | 19056 |
Additional fee information
Please note that fees are payable for each year of this two year MSc.
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
Admission requires a good honours or ordinary degree of 3 years duration, numeracy and some prior ability at programming
This programme is designed for students with a non-Computer Science background who would benefit from a foundational year to help them to make a successful transition into Computing, and therefore students will only be recruited into Year 1 of this programme. There is no direct entry into Year 2 of this programme.
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.