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BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Data Science)

Key information

UCAS code
G450
Level
Undergraduate
Delivery type
Full Time
Degree qualification
BSc (Hons)
Mode of delivery
On-Campus
Duration
4 years
Location
edinburgh
Start date
September

The field of data science is often interchanged with terms like big data, data analytics and machine learning. Data science is a powerful field that lets you solve big problems using data. You can work in various industries, make a real impact, and earn well. It's always changing, so there's lots to learn and many different paths you can take in your career.

Our BSc in Computer Science, with a specialisation in Data Science, is dedicated to constructing robust and practical systems. Beyond exploring cutting-edge tools and methodologies, it's tailored to equip you to build the next generation of software tools for other system constructors. This programme aims to offer an integrated balance of theoretical foundations and practical experience, heavily influenced by the research expertise of our esteemed faculty.

As you progress through the later stages of the course, you'll have the opportunity to specialise and develop the skills required for a career in data science. Specifically, you'll gain proficiency in executing large-scale, replicable data analyses rooted in statistical modelling, and developing data-driven systems.

Your student experience

  • 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. It is also home to our groundbreaking VR Labs and Games Design Studio. 
  • We have very strong links with the computing industry, with representatives of more than 30 companies attending our Industrial Advisory Board. Much of our research is in collaboration with leading computing enterprises and students really value our research-led teaching by our enthusiastic staff. 
  • 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. 

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: Dubai

Discover new friends and places with an inter-campus transfer to Dubai.

Course content

September Intake - Edinburgh

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

Mandatory September

  • Logic and Proof
  • Introduction to Interaction Design
  • Praxis
  • Software Development 1

Mandatory January

  • Discrete Mathematics
  • Introduction to Computer Systems
  • Software Development 2
  • Web Design and Databases

Programme Video

The Heriot-Watt experience

Fees and funding

StatusFee
ScotlandPaid by SAAS
England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland£9,250
International£24,048
  • 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

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

Entry requirements

We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.

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

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

Work and study

This is what our BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Data Science) students are doing 15 months after graduating:
80%
are working
5%
are studying
5%
are studying and working

Salary

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

Potential career paths

  • Information Technology professionals

Student life

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