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MSc Computer Science
Heriot-Watt University
Advance your career
Learn from world-renowned experts in Computer Science and integrate industry certificates into your studies.
Performance-Based Admission
Successfully complete the first course to qualify for admission - no computer science undergraduate required.
Complete in 18 months - 8 years
Complete eight courses and a final project, either full time or at a pace that suits you.
100% online
Videos, live sessions, hands-on projects, and connection with instructors and peers.
£8,995 tuition fee
No application fee. Pay as you learn. All materials and assessments included.
Build your future in computer science with this transformative MSc from a leading UK university
Acquire the most in-demand programming, data and AI skills and secure your professional status as a computer scientist, with this prestigious master’s from Heriot-Watt University - a world-leader in computer science research and robotics.Â
Specifically designed to get you industry-ready, this MSc combines foundational computing and mathematical learning with practical skills in programming, AI, machine learning, and database management. Learn from renowned faculty who are experts in their field and benefit from Heriot-Watt’s close links with industry. Drawing on nearly two centuries of educational innovation, Heriot-Watt brings a legacy of expertise as Scotland’s first university to offer a Computer Science degree.
You’ll be fully prepared to reshape your career using the world’s most exciting new technologies - even if you don’t have a background in computer science. Heriot-Watt’s performance-based admissions pathway lets you demonstrate your professional experience and independent study to fast-track your expertise, and gain a master’s that includes specialist learning modules and professional certificates delivered by tech giants such as Google, IBM and Meta.
With more than two centuries of educational innovation and as Scotland’s first university to offer a Computer Science degree, Heriot-Watt brings a legacy of expertise to your learning experience. Whether you’re looking to improve your existing technology career, or start afresh in this exciting new field, this degree provides the ideal launchpad.
What's in this degree program?
Applications for May 2025 intake are open!
Application deadline: March 24, 2025.
Join our webinar on January 23 to find out more about the programme and meet the Programme Director - Dr Abrar Ullah. Register now to secure your spot!
If you have any questions about the admissions process or the programme, please do not hesitate to get in touch via hwoadmissions@hw.ac.uk.
Advance your career
Learn from world-renowned experts in Computer Science and integrate industry certificates into your studies.
Performance-Based Admission
Successfully complete the first course to qualify for admission - no computer science undergraduate required.
Complete in 18 months - 8 years
Complete eight courses and a final project, either full time or at a pace that suits you.
100% online
Videos, live sessions, hands-on projects, and connection with instructors and peers.
£8,995 tuition fee
No application fee. Pay as you learn. All materials and assessments included.
Advance your career
Learn from world-renowned experts in Computer Science and integrate industry certificates into your studies.
Performance-Based Admission
Successfully complete the first course to qualify for admission - no computer science undergraduate required.
Build your future in computer science with this transformative MSc from a leading UK university
Acquire the most in-demand programming, data and AI skills and secure your professional status as a computer scientist, with this prestigious master’s from Heriot-Watt University - a world-leader in computer science research and robotics.Â
Specifically designed to get you industry-ready, this MSc combines foundational computing and mathematical learning with practical skills in programming, AI, machine learning, and database management. Learn from renowned faculty who are experts in their field and benefit from Heriot-Watt’s close links with industry. Drawing on nearly two centuries of educational innovation, Heriot-Watt brings a legacy of expertise as Scotland’s first university to offer a Computer Science degree.
You’ll be fully prepared to reshape your career using the world’s most exciting new technologies - even if you don’t have a background in computer science. Heriot-Watt’s performance-based admissions pathway lets you demonstrate your professional experience and independent study to fast-track your expertise, and gain a master’s that includes specialist learning modules and professional certificates delivered by tech giants such as Google, IBM and Meta.
With more than two centuries of educational innovation and as Scotland’s first university to offer a Computer Science degree, Heriot-Watt brings a legacy of expertise to your learning experience. Whether you’re looking to improve your existing technology career, or start afresh in this exciting new field, this degree provides the ideal launchpad.
What's in this degree program?
Applications for May 2025 intake are open!
Application deadline: March 24, 2025.
Join our webinar on January 23 to find out more about the programme and meet the Programme Director - Dr Abrar Ullah. Register now to secure your spot!
If you have any questions about the admissions process or the programme, please do not hesitate to get in touch via hwoadmissions@hw.ac.uk.
Qualify for this prestigious master's - with or without an undergraduate degree
Admission to this programme doesn’t depend on your educational or professional background.Â
The performance-based admissions pathway lets you showcase your ability to learn, rather than your credentials.Â
To qualify on the performance-based admissions pathway, you’ll need to complete 1 course from the programme - Programming and Programme Design. Successfully complete this course and you’ll be transferred to the MSc at the next available opportunity, taking the credits you’ve already earned with you.
Keep your career goals affordable with flexible pay-as-you-go tuition
- £8,995 total tuition Fee includes final online assessments, all study materials and an additional professional certificate from a leading tech company.
- Pay-as-you-go tuition You only need to pay for one course at a time, helping spread the cost of the programme.
- Industry certificates at no extra cost As an added benefit, you’ll get access to over 500 courses designed by some of the world’s leading employers – including Google, IBM, Meta, Salesforce and Microsoft.
Learn AI from globally recognised technology experts
Acquire the world’s most sought-after skills from experts associated with the National Robotarium, the UK’s centre for Robotics and Artificial Intelligence.
The Robotarium is home to leading research groups such as The Interaction Lab developing conversational AI and natural language processing (NLP) applications alongside leading industrial partners like BMW and Orange Labs.
With this programme you’ll learn how to apply knowledge of AI including machine learning and natural language processing to solve real-world problems.
Build toward a degree
When you complete these programs, you may have learning recognized for credit toward this degree, if you are admitted and enroll.¹
Multiple educators
Launch your career as an Android app developer
Google
Get on the fast track to a career in cybersecurity
¹Successful application and enrollment are required. Eligibility requirements apply. Each institution determines the number of credits recognized by completing this content that may count towards degree requirements, considering any existing credits you may have. Click on a specific course for more information.
Frequently asked questions
Yes - the programme includes a professional certification course in the specialism of your choice, allowing you to earn a separate industry certificate delivered by a leading technology company such as Google, AWS or IBM.
You will develop the critical skills needed for in-demand jobs in computer science and programming, data, web and mobile development, cloud architecture, artificial intelligence, software engineering and more.
The degree certificate you receive when you complete the programme will be awarded for a Master of Science in Computer Science from Heriot-Watt University. It doesn’t mention ‘online’ or ‘Coursera’ anywhere on the degree certificate.