BSc (Hons) Computer Science

The BSc (Hons) Computer Science programme is intricately designed with insights from industry needs, providing students with a comprehensive foundation in the core principles of Computer Science while also nurturing their professional skills in problem-solving and project work. This programme is aimed at empowering students to craft robust systems and pioneer innovative technologies essential for everyday use.

Key Information

• UCAS code: G400
• Level: Undergraduate
• Delivery type: Full Time
• Degree qualification: BSc (Hons)
• Mode of delivery: On-Campus
• Duration: 3-4 years
• Location: Edinburgh
• Start date: September

Student Equipment Fund

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.

Study Abroad, Placement Year, and More

• You can go on an Inter-Campus Transfer to study Computer Science abroad at our Dubai campus for one semester or more through Go Global.
• We have exchange agreements with the Australian National University in Canberra.

The National Robotarium

The National Robotarium, located on Heriot-Watt University's Edinburgh campus, in partnership with The University of Edinburgh, 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.

Your Student Experience

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. It is also home to our groundbreaking VR Labs and Games Design Studio.
• Enjoy research-led teaching by our enthusiastic staff.
• Our student equipment fund supports students in purchasing technology to explore new platforms.

Course Content

September Intake - Edinburgh

Year 1

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

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.

• Mandatory September:
  • User-Centred Experimental Design
  • Programming Languages
  • Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms
  • Web Programming
• Mandatory January:
  • Data Structures and Algorithms
  • Database Management Systems
  • Hardware-Software Interface
  • Introduction to Software Engineering

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.

• Mandatory September:
  • Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Agents
  • Data Communications and Networking
  • Foundations 1
  • Software Engineering
• Mandatory January:
  • Foundations 2
  • Language Processors
  • Operating Systems & Concurrency
  • Professional Development

Year 4

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

• Mandatory September:
  • Research Methods & Requirements Engineering
• Optional September:
  • Biologically Inspired Computation
  • Computer Network Security
  • Data Mining and Machine Learning
  • Computer Graphics
  • Computer-aided Verification
  • Information Systems Methodologies
  • Intelligent Robotics
  • Rigorous Methods for Software Engineering
  • Statistical Modelling and Analysis
  • Natural Language Processing
• Mandatory January:
  • Design & Implementation
  • Project Testing and Presentation
• Optional January:
  • Advanced Human Computer Interaction
  • Advanced Network Security
  • Big Data Management
  • Conversational Agents and Spoken Language Processing
  • Distributed and Parallel Technologies
  • Data Visualisation and Analytics
  • e-Commerce Technology
  • Games Programming
  • Digital Forensics

Fees and Funding

• September 2026 intake tuition fees:
  • Scotland: Paid by SAAS
  • England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland: £9,790
  • International: £25,808
• Scholarships and bursaries:
  • Bursaries for students from England, Northern Ireland, or Wales: Heriot-Watt University Bursary (up to £3,100 per year)

Entry Requirements

• Standard entry requirements:
  • Highers: ABBB (over two sittings). Must include Maths achieved at B.
  • A-Levels: BBC. Must include Maths achieved at B.
  • International Baccalaureate: 28 points. Must include Maths achieved at Higher Level 5.
  • BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM. Must be in a relevant subject and contain sufficient Maths.
  • HNC: B in graded unit. Must be in a relevant subject and contain sufficient Maths at SCQF Level 6.
  • HND: BB in graded units. Must be in a relevant subject and contain sufficient Maths at SCQF Level 6.
• Minimum entry requirements:
  • Highers: BBBC (over two sittings). Must include Maths achieved at B.
  • A-Levels: BCC. Must include Maths achieved at B.
  • International Baccalaureate: 28 points. Must include Maths achieved at Higher Level 5.
  • BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM. Must be in a relevant subject and contain sufficient Maths.
  • HNC: B in graded unit. Must be in a relevant subject and contain sufficient Maths at SCQF Level 6.
  • HND: BB in graded units. Must be in a relevant subject and contain sufficient Maths at SCQF Level 6.
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5.

Employability

• Work and study: 85% of our BSc (Hons) Computer Science students are working 15 months after graduating.
• Salary: The average salary of students 15 months after graduating is £33,000.
• Potential career paths:
  • Developer
  • Data Scientist
  • Software Engineer
  • Cyber Security Analyst
  • Games Developer
  • App Developer
  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • Robotics Engineer
  • UX/UI Designer

Heriot-Watt University

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Overview:

Heriot-Watt University is a research-focused institution with campuses in Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders, Orkney, Dubai, and Malaysia, as well as an online presence. It is known for its career-focused degrees and strong links with industry. Heriot-Watt is highly regarded for its research, with a significant portion ranked world-leading and internationally excellent.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Heriot-Watt offers a diverse and international student community, with one-third of its Edinburgh Campus students coming from outside the UK. The university provides a range of facilities across its campuses, including healthcare, libraries, food and drink, sports centers, and more. Students can participate in clubs and activities, and the university offers accommodation options near its campuses.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Career-focused degrees:

Heriot-Watt is ranked first in Scotland for graduate employability and its graduates are first in the UK for CEO or MD roles.

Global reach:

The university has campuses across the UK, Dubai, and Malaysia, providing students with a truly international experience.

Strong research:

Heriot-Watt is valued for its pioneering research, which is informed by the global needs of business and industry.

Diverse student community:

The university boasts a diverse international student community, fostering a multicultural learning environment.

Beautiful campuses:

Heriot-Watt's campuses are located in stunning settings, offering students a unique and inspiring learning environment.

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Academic Programs:

Heriot-Watt offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

• Engineering
• Life Sciences
• Mathematics
• Computer Sciences
• Physical Sciences
• Social Sciences and Business
• Art and Design
• Languages and Culture

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Other:

Heriot-Watt is committed to sustainability and is actively working towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The university also offers a personalized virtual experience through its online tour platform, allowing prospective students to explore its campuses virtually.