MSc Computer Science

Apply before March 24 to secure your place in May 2025 cohort!

Heriot-Watt University logo

MSc Computer Science

Heriot-Watt University

Applications are open!

Apply now or request more information about this programme.

Apply now

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 under 2 years - 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. 

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?

Gain industry-ready skills, delivered by a global research leader, at the home of the UK’s National Robotarium for AI and Robotics.
Learn from expert academics and leading researchers - 88.6% of Heriot-Watt’s research outputs are either 'world-leading' (4*) or 'internationally excellent' (3*) (REF 2021).
Build a comprehensive foundation to your skills, with logic and discrete mathematics as well as practical database management techniques.
Apply your knowledge of revolutionary technologies such as AI, machine learning and Natural Language Processing (NLP) to solve complex real-world problems.
Choose a globally recognised professional certificate with your industry specialisation to gain practical skills and training in your preferred computing specialism, delivered by leading tech companies including Google and IBM.
Work alongside your peers, tutors and industry professionals to develop critical skills for any workplace, including advanced problem-solving, communication and project management skills.

Applications for May 2025 intake are open!

Application deadline: March 24, 2025.

Watch the recording of the latest Admissions webinar.

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.

Applications are open!

Apply now or request more information about this programme.

Apply now

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 under 2 years - 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. 

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?

Gain industry-ready skills, delivered by a global research leader, at the home of the UK’s National Robotarium for AI and Robotics.
Learn from expert academics and leading researchers - 88.6% of Heriot-Watt’s research outputs are either 'world-leading' (4*) or 'internationally excellent' (3*) (REF 2021).
Build a comprehensive foundation to your skills, with logic and discrete mathematics as well as practical database management techniques.
Apply your knowledge of revolutionary technologies such as AI, machine learning and Natural Language Processing (NLP) to solve complex real-world problems.
Choose a globally recognised professional certificate with your industry specialisation to gain practical skills and training in your preferred computing specialism, delivered by leading tech companies including Google and IBM.
Work alongside your peers, tutors and industry professionals to develop critical skills for any workplace, including advanced problem-solving, communication and project management skills.

Applications for May 2025 intake are open!

Application deadline: March 24, 2025.

Watch the recording of the latest Admissions webinar.

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.

Learner standing at computer with slides behind him

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. 

The performance-based admissions pathway lets you showcase your ability to learn, rather than your credentials. 

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.

View info about admissions →

Learner standing at computer with slides behind him

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.

Advance your career in Business

  • Gain leadership skills as you learn to improve existing processes and learn to develop and implement a vision for your future career.
  • Courses are grouped into specializations, structured so that you learn skills in combinations that mirror how you’ll actually use them on the job.
  • Graduates of the iMBA program become one of over 800,000 global alumni in the Illinois network.

Advance your career

25% average salary growth

At a time when a 2 percent raise is often the norm, Gies iMBA graduates report an average raise of 25 percent during and immediately after their program, showcasing an instant and significant return on investment that stands out.(2023 survey)

65% received a promotion or job offer

Many business schools track job placement post-graduation. At Gies, since most iMBA students already hold jobs, we instead find out how many received a promotion or took a new job. 65% of iMBA graduates report starting a better job upon finishing, showcasing the immediate ROI of a Gies iMBA degree.(2023 survey)

Positive recruiter outlook

Nine out of ten corporate recruiters expect the demand for business school graduates to remain high or increase in the next five years. (GMAC)

Qualify for in-demand jobs

  • Chief Executive

  • General Manager

  • Financial Manager

  • Management Analyst

Top employing corporations for professionals with business degrees are expected to grow by as much as 17% by 2031 in the U.S., according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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.

Learn more

Get started today

Apply now or request more information about this programme.

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

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.

Check out the latest news from Gies College of Business

Balancing Act: How Angela Mastered the iMBA as a Working Mom

Leverage the flexibility of the online iMBA to earn your degree while balancing your other obligations.

November 27, 2024

Illinois Gies Takes Stackability to the Next Level

Gies has masterfully designed a suite of stackable educational degrees, where students can take a course and then apply...

November 10, 2024

Elliott Leading Gies Business Into a New Era of Purpose

W. Brooke Elliott becomes the first woman to hold the title of dean of the University of Illinois' Gies College of Business.

November 3, 2024

Progress Your Career With the iMBA from Gies College of Business

Discover how Claire used her master's to navigate a career pivot from big corporations into a tech start-up.

August 24, 2024

Experience Exploratory Learning That Counts and Professional Networking That Matters

Learn more about Molly Johnson's transformative journey with the Gies Business iMBA.

July 12, 2024

How a Film Industry Professional Decided to Pursue the Gies iMBA

Read Ines Weitgasser's story of how she transitioned from Hollywood's film industry to Gies iMBA.

February 8, 2024

Mastering the Code of Business: A Seasoned Software Engineer's Journey to the iMBA

Learn more about Mateu Batle, a 25-year software engineer seeking to advance his career by pursuing his iMBA.

November 6, 2023

Poet & Quants MBA Program of the year 2022

The highly innovative MBA program was awarded the Poets & Quants MBA Program of The Year For 2022. Gies is the sixth school to earn our annual distinction as the Program of the Year and only the second online experience to do so.

January 4, 2023

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.

Get started today

Apply now or request more information about this programme.