BSc (Hons) in Computer Science

BSc (Hons) Computer Science at Heriot-Watt University offers real-world, project-based learning from day one, supported by cutting-edge facilities, dedicated project modules, and strong industry links across every year of study.

Facilities & Learning Environment

The GRID (Global Research Innovation and Discovery)
A £19M innovation centre that brings together computing, engineering, and business students in collaborative, high-tech spaces. Features include interactive studios, AV-equipped labs, high-spec computers, and pod-based group workspaces for coding, testing, and prototyping.

The National Robotarium
Based on the Edinburgh campus, this is the UK’s leading robotics and AI centre. Students engage with robotic systems, smart automation, and AI applications through research-led projects and live demonstrations.

Virtualised & Remote Access Labs
Access to industry-grade tools including Python, Java, Linux, HTML/CSS/JavaScript, and remote virtual environments for code deployment and systems experimentation.

Experiential Learning Highlights

Structured Programming Labs (Years 1–4)
Weekly lab sessions in core areas such as AI, HCI, cybersecurity, databases, and software engineering. Labs are interactive and hands-on, using specialist platforms to reinforce learning.

Team Projects (Years 2 & 3)
Group-based software development projects simulate professional roles like designing intelligent systems, user interfaces, or functional applications using real-world frameworks.

Final-Year Honours Project (Year 4)
Students design, build, and present a substantial independent computing project which is often aligned with industry needs or Heriot-Watt research themes, supported by academic supervisors.

Professional Development Module
Includes live case studies, technical reports, and challenges from real employers, helping you develop communication, problem-solving, and agile project management skills.

Placements & Industry Engagement

Optional Placement Year (Year 3)
A full-time, paid industrial placement year allows students to work with tech employers across the UK and internationally. Heriot-Watt’s Careers and Graduate Futures team provides tailored support for applications and placements.

Industrial Advisory Board
Programme shaped with input from employers like JP Morgan, Skyscanner, CGI, and Leonardo, keeping the curriculum aligned with current tech sector demands.

Student Equipment Fund
Financial assistance is available to ensure access to laptops, software, and home-based computing tools supporting digital equity across the programme.

Entrepreneurship through GRID
GRID also serves as a tech incubator, offering students the chance to take part in start-up competitions, product showcases, and innovation bootcamps.

Heriot-Watt’s BSc (Hons) Computer Science prepares graduates to excel in the tech industry, with outstanding employability outcomes and competitive salaries. Within six months, approximately 95% of graduates are in employment or further study, with 90% in highly skilled roles by 15 months.

Popular Graduate Roles

• Software Engineer / Developer

• Data Scientist / Analyst

• Cyber Security Analyst

• Machine Learning Engineer

Graduate Success Stats

• 95% employed or in further study within 6 months

• 90% in highly skilled roles at 15 months

• Median salaries: £30.5k (15 months) → £32k (3 years) → £39.5k (5 years)

• Graduates work at IBM, Vodafone, Rolls-Royce, BP, Google, Siemens, and more

University Services That Support Employment

Careers & Graduate Futures Service
Comprehensive support includes:

• Personalised career coaching

• CV and interview preparation

• Careers fairs and employer workshops

• Internship & Placement Portal

• Alumni mentoring network

Placement Opportunities
Students can take optional 3–12 month paid placements in sectors like IT, data science, engineering, and energy, partnering with companies such as Rolls-Royce, Vodafone, IBM, and BP.

Enterprise & Innovation Support

• Enterprise Hub: Helps students launch startups and consulting ventures

• Converge Challenge: Supports entrepreneurship through training and funding competitions

Global Learning Environment

• Access to advanced labs, VR spaces, and robotics platforms

• Equipment funding (e.g. drones, VR kits) available to support coursework and innovation

• Study abroad options at Heriot-Watt Dubai or partner universities like ANU (Australia)

Industry Collaboration
Curriculum and projects are shaped in consultation with employers like Google, CISCO, Leonardo, and JP Morgan, ensuring graduates are industry-ready.

Further Academic & Professional Pathways

Graduates can progress to:

• 1-Year MSc degrees in AI, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, or Data Science

• PhD research in advanced computing fields via the National Robotarium and GRID Innovation Centre

• Professional qualifications, including full CITP or IEng status

• Global academic exchange, including semester-abroad options in Dubai or Australia