Key information
- Level
- Postgraduate Taught
- Delivery type
- Full Time, Part Time
- Degree qualification
- MSc
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 1 year
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Start date
- September
This programme imparts the understanding and skills required to develop advanced software systems to professional standards.
The programme boasts a flexible structure to accommodate graduates with a wide spectrum of degrees, ranging from those in IT to those with a less academic computing background. The MSc covers core skills in Information Technology at MSc level while allowing students to study specialist advanced courses in areas such as animation, databases, e-commerce, games programming, intelligent robotics, and network applications.
Graduates can anticipate a variety of employment opportunities, including positions with software houses, IT companies, research and development divisions of companies, financial services organizations, defence contractors, government IT agencies, and roles as researchers or research students within universities.
Enhancements for Your Success
At Heriot-Watt University, our MSc in IT Software Systems programme equips you with the latest knowledge and practical skills essential for a successful career in the dynamic field of IT Software Systems in the UK. Here's what sets our programme apart:
- Rankings: We take great pride in our ranking as the 6th best choice for Computer Science in Scotland, as recognised by The Complete University Guide in 2022.
- Employability: To ensure your professional success, we have actively forged partnerships with industry leaders, giving us valuable insights into what today's employers are seeking in IT Software Systems professionals.
- Essential Tools: In the highly competitive landscape of IT Software Systems, mastering essential software tools is vital. Our programme places a strong emphasis on acquiring critical skills, including proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, SQL, and data visualisation.
- Synergistic Approach: Our revamped course structure encourages the seamless integration of various disciplines, including business management, software engineering, and data analysis. This holistic approach empowers you to address complex IT challenges with confidence.
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.
The Future Shapers scholarship
The Future Shapers scholarship is looking for students who want to use research to create solutions to solve major global challenges. This has been established for 2026 by one of our generous donors and is a testament to the talent and world-shaping potential of our University's students and researchers. We are offering 12 scholarships across our 4 research areas, worth 50%, 75% and 100% of your tuition fee respectively.
Apply nowYour 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.
- Facilities: To facilitate hands-on learning in IT Software Systems, we have established state-of-the-art labs, located in the Robotarium and at the GRID. These labs include the Games & Design studio and the university's first VR labs. These resources are integral in providing students with practical, real-world experience when working with authentic datasets and AI models in the context of IT Software Systems.
- Leading Research in IT Software Systems: The university actively engages in computing research, contributing to the development of new techniques, tools, and strategies for addressing emerging challenges in IT Software Systems. This ongoing research directly informs our IT Software Systems curriculum, ensuring it remains up to date and aligned with industry needs.
Course content
September Intake - Edinburgh
Year 1
Mandatory September
- Databases and Information Systems
Optional September
- Computer Network Security
- Computer Graphics
- Intelligent Robotics
- Industrial Programming
- Software Engineering Foundations
Mandatory January
- Research Methods and Project Planning
Optional January
- Advanced Human Computer Interaction
- Advanced Software Engineering
- Data Visualisation and Analytics
- e-Commerce Technology
- Games Programming
Mandatory May
- Masters Project and Dissertation
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
Computer Science subject video (PG progs)
Fees and funding
| Status | Full Time | Part Time |
|---|---|---|
| UK | £12,584 | £6,292 |
| International | £26,296 | £13,148 |
- 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
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 science, technology, engineering or maths 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 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
Potential career paths
- Software Developer: Design, develop, and maintain software applications.
- Cybersecurity Analyst: Protect organizations from cyber threats and ensure data security.
- Data Scientist: Analyse data to provide insights for informed decision-making.
- User Experience (UX) Designer: Create user-friendly interfaces for software applications.
- Business Analyst: Analyse business processes and identify software system improvements.
- Machine Learning Engineer: Develop and implement machine learning algorithms and models.
Student life
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