BSc (Hons) Computer Science
The course
- UCAS code
- G400
- Duration
- 4 years
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Delivery type
- Full-time
Our BSc Computer Science degree is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) and our Edinburgh campus is an international hub for computer science with the National Robotarium, state-of-the-art VR Labs and Games and Design facilities.
2023 Autumn Open Days
Get a feel for student life at Heriot-Watt. Attend subject talks, explore our facilities and speak to our friendly students and staff about Computer Science.
Contact
Got questions about this programme?
Contact our enquiries team.
Overview
Computer science underpins the modern world. It is a dynamic and rapidly growing area that seeks to create cutting-edge solutions that address today’s challenges.
Our accredited BSc (Hons) Computer Science focuses on constructing robust and usable systems and is designed to help you build the next generation of software tools and ground-breaking technologies that people will use and rely on every day.
As one of the first universities in the UK to offer undergraduate degree programmes in computing, we provide outstanding education in computer science, computer systems, software engineering and information systems.
Our expertise
The excellence of our Computer Science degree is certified by the highest levels of accreditation by the British Computer Society (BCS).
The degree is delivered by renowned academics who are experts in their field and is strongly informed by cutting-edge research and close liaison with industry.
We have very strong links with the computing industry and have representatives of more than 30 companies from the UK ICT sector on our Industrial Advisory Board, which advises on our curriculum to ensure your learning is tailored to employers’ needs.
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.
- GRID is also home to our brand new VR Labs and Games Design Studio.
- Our Edinburgh campus is also the base for the UK’s National Robotarium.
- Enjoy research-led teaching by our enthusiastic staff
- Access the unique opportunity to explore new technology through our student equipment fund. This fund support students to purchase 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.
Customise your learning
You can go on an Inter-Campus Transfer to study Computer Science at our Dubai campus for one semester or more through Go Global.
We have exchange agreements with the Australian National University in Canberra.
We offer a BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Diploma in Industrial Training which provides a year-long placement in the computing sector.
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.
Global College pathway for this degree
If you do not meet the entry requirements for this degree, have a look at foundation study with Heriot-Watt Global College, where you can follow an accelerated pathway which will get you onto the second year of this degree.
Accreditation
We have been delivering British Computer Society (BCS) accredited programmes for more than 30 years.
The BSc (Hons) Computer Science is accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Engineering Council, fully meeting the academic requirement for Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for a chartered engineer.
It is also accredited by BCS on behalf of the Science Council for the academic requirement for registration as a chartered scientist.
Go Global
This course is currently only delivered at our Edinburgh Campus and there are no current opportunities to study at exchange partner institutions.
However, other Go Global opportunities may be available. Please contact goglobal@hw.ac.uk for more information
Course content
Year 1
In your first year of study you will cover programming, an introduction to computer systems, databases and discrete mathematics.
Year 2
In your second year of study in our BSc Computer Science degree you will continue with software design - both high-level architectural issues as well as algorithms and data structures. Topics from databases, internet, communications and mobility, mathematics and programming language design will also be covered.
Year 3
In your third year of study you will study topics such as artificial intelligence, graphics, operating systems as well as more formal aspects of computing. You will also undertake a group project.
Year 4
In your final year of study you will study advanced topics as well as undertaking a major individual project.
For more in-depth information on the content of the courses listed above, how they are assessed and the learning outcomes can be accessed via our current student portal.
Discover Uni course data
Discover Uni provides data on each university's degree courses across a range of measures including student satisfaction, graduate jobs and salaries.
Employability
Work and study
This is what our BSc (Hons) Computer Science students are doing 15 months after graduating:
- 85% are working
- 5% are studying
- 5% are working and studying.
Salary
- The average salary of students 15 months after graduating: £27500
- The average UK salary of students 15 months after graduating from a similar course: £28000
Potential career paths
We develop highly employable graduates with excellent prospects in industry, commerce and the public sector. Employers value our graduates' distinctive blend of core skills and specialist knowledge and their ability to work individually or as part of a team.
Potential career routes include:
- Developer
- Data Scientist
- Engineer
- Cyber Security Analyst
- Games Developer
The most common high-skilled jobs students go into 15 months after graduating include information technology professions.
Entry requirements
Year 1
Standard entry requirements for the first year of our BSc (Hons) Computer Science Degree are as follows:
- Scottish Highers of ABBB (including mathematics)
- A-Levels of BBC - ABB (including B in mathematics)
- 28 International Baccalaureate points (with Mathematics at Higher Level 5)
- BTEC awards of DDM (including sufficient mathematics)
- Higher National Certificate of B in graded unit (including sufficient mathematics)
Minimum entry requirements for the first year of the course include*:
- Scottish Highers of BBC (including sufficient mathematics at B)
- A-Levels of BBC - ABB (including sufficient mathematics at B)
* Under our Fair Access Policy, we will relax our standard entry requirements for Scottish 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 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.
Year 2
Standard entry requirements for the second year of our BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree are as follows:
- Advanced Scottish Highers of BBB (including Mathematics and Computing plus excellent Highers)
- A-Levels of ABB (including mathematics and computing)
- 30 International Baccalaureate points (with Mathematics and Computing at Higher Level 6)
- Higher National Certificate of A (including sufficient mathematics and computing)
- Higher National Distinction of AB in graded units (including sufficient mathematics and computing)
- BTEC awards of DDM (including sufficient mathematics and computing)
- Global College Successful completion of Bachelor's Degree Accelerator Foundation - Mathematical and Computer Science
Those entering at Year 2 are expected to be proficient in a high-level programming language; Java is our preference.
Additional information
- Not studying mathematics or worried about meeting the mathematics requirement? Consider applying for BSc Computer Systems. In Year 1 of this degree it is possible to take two optional mathematics courses. Then, subject to good performance, a course transfer to BSc Computer Science for Year 2 onwards can be requested.
- For all years, applications are welcomed from holders of non-school qualifications, mature candidates and overseas students.
- If you do not see your qualifications here please contact us at studywithus@hw.ac.uk
- Please check that you meet our University-wide National 5/GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths requirements.
- To find out about the difference between the 3 and 4 year honours courses, please watch our video to help you decide which route is best for your qualifications and experience so far.
English language requirements
- If English is not your first language, you have to show that your English is good enough to succeed on your course. Please see our English language requirements.
Fees
| Status* | Scotland | England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland | International** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fee | Paid by SAAS | £9,250 | £22,264 |
* 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. Find out more about tuition fees.
** '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). Read more about the application process for EU nationals.
Additional costs
You may incur additional costs in the course of your studies at Heriot-Watt over and above tuition fees in an academic year. Depending on your programme of study, these may include: protective equipment, field trips, professional memberships, studio fees, required course texts or other study resources.
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 our full range of undergraduate scholarships.