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.

Admissions

With no formal computing background required, this industry-aligned master’s is specifically designed for either practising or aspiring ICT professionals who are ready to build a comprehensive set of computer science skills.

Whether you’ve acquired your existing computer science skills through formal study, self-directed learning or professional experience, this programme will put you on the path to becoming a qualified computer scientist.

Through project work and technical assignments, you’ll deepen your understanding, hone your practical abilities in emerging technologies like AI and machine learning, and demonstrate your proficiency by earning a prestigious master’s degree. 

You can secure your place in the Computer Science MSc either through the traditional application-based route, or by taking the performance-based admissions pathway to prove your competence and suitability for the programme.

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.

Admissions Checklist

You’ll need to provide proof of your identity, using a scanned copy of one of these documents: your birth certificate, passport or national identification card. If you’ve ever changed your name, we’ll need to see evidence related to that, too.

You’ll need a scanned copy of your GCSE certificates or certified statement of results. If you’re submitting evidence of equivalent qualifications, please check the University of London's 'Am I Qualified?' page.

Submit your personal statement to provide details of why you want to study the University of London International Foundation Programme for Computer Science. This should be a maximum of 250 words.

You’ll need a clear, concise and persuasive statement, 250 words long, explaining why you want to study the International Foundation Programme for Computer Science. If you’re unsure of what to include, Coursera can help.

The course is delivered in English, so you’ll need to be proficient in the English language to be admitted to our programmes. We accept a range of evidence, including proficiency test scores. If you don’t have evidence, but you believe you can meet the standard, talk to us - we may consider your case.

Get started today

Apply now or request more information about this programme.