BSc (Hons) Computer Systems and Diploma in Industrial Training

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The course

UCAS code
Q2P4
Duration
4 years
Location
Edinburgh
Delivery type
Full-time

Contact

Got questions about this programme?

Contact our enquiries team.

Overview

This course combines the rigorous studies of the BSc (Hons) Computer Systems 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 is well suited for students looking for a sound foundation in contemporary computing, complemented by the professional skills needed to design, deploy and manage robust systems in diverse organisations, from SMEs to large corporations as well as undertaking a year in industry.

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.

Course content

Year 1

You will study three courses on programming in Java, interactive systems, web design and databases, computer systems, and an elective of your choice.

Year 2

You will study interaction design, web programming, data structures and algorithms, programming languages, software design and database management systems, and two electives of your choice.

Year 3

You will study software engineering, computer network security, artificial intelligence and intelligent agents, operating systems and concurrency, language processors, professional development and two electives. You will also take part in a major group project with an industrial orientation.

Year 4

12 month work placement.

Year 5

You will study five advanced courses drawn from a wide range of our research and technical specialisms. You will also conduct a substantial individual project, on a topic of your choice or suggested by an academic, lasting the whole year.

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Employability

Work and study

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

  • 75% are working
  • 10% 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

  • Information Technology professionals

Entry requirements

Year 1

Standard entry requirements

  • Highers ABBB
  • A-Levels BBC – ABB
  • Int. Baccalaureate 28 points
  • BTEC DDM
  • HNC B in graded unit

Minimum entry requirements*

  • Highers BBBC
  • A-Levels BCC

* 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 Computing plus excellent Highers)
  • A-Levels ABB (including Computing)
  • Int. Baccalaureate 30 points (with Computing at Higher Level 6)
  • HNC A in graded unit (including sufficient Computing)
  • HND AB in graded units (including sufficient Computing)
  • BTEC DDM (including sufficient 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.

Year 3

  • HND in Computing: Software Development AA in graded units (including the following SCQF Level 8 units: ‘Software Development: Data Structures and Performance', ‘Software Development: Programming Paradigms', ‘Web Development: Advanced Web Scripting Concepts' and ‘Software Development: Object Oriented Programming-Advanced Concepts'.
  • 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.

Additional information

  • 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.

Placement Year fees

Students with Scotland fee status pay £910 for the placement year instead of the standard fees. Students with England, Northern Ireland, Wales or Overseas fee status pay £1300 for the placement year instead of the standard fees.

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.