BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Data Science) and Diploma in Industrial Training

The course

UCAS code
Q3R4
Duration
4 years
Location
Edinburgh
Delivery type
Full-time

Contact

Got questions about this programme?

Contact our enquiries team.

Overview

If you want to start your career with a year's work experience in hand, then you should consider this course. It combines the rigorous studies of the BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Data Science) with a year of work placement in level 4. Good performance means 12 months experience of working in an organisation in the computing sector. The Diploma in Industrial Training is gained through successful completion of the work placement. The work placement helps you to develop specific work-related skills, giving you the opportunity to apply and build upon the theory you’ve learned. This course aims to give a well-integrated balance of theoretical underpinnings and practical experience, strongly informed by the research expertise of our academic staff.

Global College pathway for this degree

If you do not meet the entry requirements for this degree, have a look at Heriot-Watt Global College, where you can follow an accelerated pathway which will get you onto the second year of this degree.

Accreditation

Our Computer Science (G400) degree 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’s also accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Science Council for the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Scientist.

Accreditation will be sought from the BCS for the Data Science and Diploma in Industrial Training (Q3R4) specialism.

Course content

Year 1

You will cover programming, an introduction to computer systems, databases and discrete mathematics.

Year 2

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

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

12 month work placement.

Year 5

You will study advanced topics as well as undertaking a major individual project.

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Employability

Work and study

This is what our BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Data Science) and Diploma in Industrial Training students are doing 15 months after graduating:

  • 80% are working
  • 5% are studying
  • 5% are working and studying.

Salary

  • The average salary of students 15 months after graduating: £29500
  • The average UK salary of students 15 months after graduating from a similar course: £30000

Potential career paths

  • Information Technology professionals

Entry requirements

Year 1

Standard entry requirements 

  • Highers ABBB (including Mathematics)
  • A-Levels BBC – ABB (including Mathematics at B)
  • Int. Baccalaureate 28 points (with Mathematics at Higher Level 5)
  • BTEC DDM (including sufficient Mathematics)
  • HNC B in graded unit (including sufficient Mathematics)

Minimum entry requirements*

  • Highers BBBC (including Mathematics at B)
  • A-Levels BCC (including Mathematics at B)

* Minimum: under our Fair Access Policy, we will relax our standard entry requirements for some 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

  • Advanced Highers BBB (including Mathematics and Computing plus excellent Highers)
  • A-Levels ABB (including Mathematics and Computing)
  • Int. Baccalaureate 30 points (with Mathematics and Computing at Higher Level 6)
  • HNC A in graded unit (including sufficient Mathematics and Computing)
  • HND AB in graded units (including sufficient Mathematics and Computing)
  • BTEC DDM (including sufficient Mathematics and Computing)
  • Global College Successful completion of our Technology with Accelerator Programme

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 qualificationsmature 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

Tuition fees for 2024 entry
Status* Scotland England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland International**
Fee Paid by SAAS £9,250 £24,048

* 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

Featured scholarships

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 about the Heriot-Watt University Bursary

View our full range of undergraduate scholarships.