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.

Academics

Gain the foundations you need to succeed in computer science, with practical skills in AI, machine learning, and more

To help address the global skills gap in this vital and rapidly growing industry, Heriot-Watt University has created an accessible and industry-aligned Computer Science MSc. This 180-credit master’s degree will provide you with the fundamental understanding and robust practical skills you need to become a computer scientist - with or without previous professional or academic experience.

Equipping you with both fundamental computing and mathematical theory, and the latest practical skills in programming and AI, you’ll gain experience of real-world problem solving and be equipped to address pressing issues facing the computing and technology industries.

Through practical assignments, you’ll learn how to work with artificial intelligence models, algorithms and apply data management tools and techniques across a range of environments and use cases.

You’ll also acquire professional certification from industry giants like IBM and Google, and complete a final project under supervision from leading computer science academics.

Flexibility
Asynchronous learning and optional live sessions, in a flexible programme designed for busy working professionals.
Develop in-demand skills
Gain expertise in sought-after job skills, such as AI, machine learning, database management and programming.
Professional certificate in your specialism
Choose a specialist area, and complete a globally-recognised industry qualification delivered by a leading tech company.
Learn from STEM experts
With a global reputation for groundbreaking research in robotics, Heriot-Watt is ranked first in Scotland for AI, and third in the UK for Mathematics and sixth in the UK for AI.

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 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.

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Build the skills you’ll need in programming, statistics and data analysis

Build a solid foundation for computer science expertise, with key programming concepts and problem-solving techniques using Python, one of the most widely used and versatile programming languages.

A focus on real-life problems and practical exercises will provide you with a strong working knowledge and sought-after computer science skills.

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Curriculum

You’ll build computing-specific academic skills across two distinct areas:

  • Qualitative reasoning skills: Exploring computer ethics, you’ll learn to think critically and communicate effectively about legal, moral and ethical issues related to your field of study.

  • Quantitative reasoning skills: You’ll use data analysis and produce engaging dashboards, apply common descriptive statistics to summarise datasets, and use data visualisation approaches to demonstrate patterns.

  • This module will provide practical experience in applying theoretical programming concepts in creative ways to solve real-world problems. Using Python, one of the most popular and versatile programming languages, you’ll build essential skills in this vital discipline.
  • On completion of this module, you’ll be proficient in implementing and manipulating data structures, managing and analysing data.
  • Topics covered include control flow statements, data structures, object-oriented programming, data wrangling with Pandas, databases and NumPy library.

  • This module provides a comprehensive knowledge base in the mathematics that underpin computer science.
  • You’ll refresh and secure your understanding of arithmetic and algebra, gain an overview of the functions and fundamentals of calculus and trigonometry, and explore a range of other mathematical concepts that will be relevant to your ongoing studies of computer science.
  • Topics covered include quadratic equations and parabolae, number bases and modular arithmetic, sequences and series, and vectors and geometry.

  • You’ll build a strong foundation of statistical knowledge on this module. You’ll grasp the fundamental principles of probability theory, allowing you to understand and apply standard statistical operators and recall essential probability distributions.
  • You’ll perform statistical inference in order to make informed decisions based on data analysis, and construct causal models to meet the requirements of different statistical analysis contexts.
  • Topics covered include discrete and continuous probability distributions, interval estimation, hypothesis testing principles, contingency tables and the chi-squared test, and simple linear regression.

Get started today

Apply now or request more information about this programme.