MSc in Computing 2 years

The two-year MSc in Computing at Heriot-Watt University is specifically designed for students coming from a different academic background, offering a comprehensive and supportive pathway to build a completely new, highly practical skill set in tech. This extended programme gives you the unique advantage of a foundational year to thoroughly master the core principles of programming and computer science before you specialise, all within a hands-on, project-led environment. You'll learn by doing, using industry-standard tools in our modern computing labs, ensuring you graduate with the confidence and experience to launch a successful career as a software professional.

Your learning is carefully structured to build your practical abilities from the ground up:

• Dedicated Computing Laboratories: You will spend your time learning in our specialist computing labs, which are equipped with high-specification PCs and all the professional software you need for programming, database design, and web development.

• Industry-Standard Software & Tools: From the very start, you'll gain hands-on experience with the essential tools used by developers everywhere. This includes programming languages like Java and Python, development environments like IntelliJ IDEA, database systems like MySQL, and version control with Git.

• Foundational Year for Practical Skills: The first year acts as an intensive bootcamp, where you'll rapidly build a solid foundation through practical exercises and smaller projects in programming, software development, and computer systems, ensuring you are fully prepared for the advanced master's-level content.

• Substantial Team & Individual Projects: A core part of your experience will be collaborative software development projects that mirror an Agile workplace. In your second year, you'll also undertake a significant individual MSc project, allowing you to apply all your new skills to a substantial piece of work for your portfolio.

• Professional Skills Development: The programme integrates the development of professional skills like project management, teamwork, and problem-solving within its practical projects, ensuring you are not just technically proficient but also work-ready.

• Extensive University Resources: You will have full access to Heriot-Watt’s library resources, including a vast collection of computing e-books, online journals, and academic databases, as well as the university's virtual learning environment and IT support.

This two-year structure is your ideal launchpad into the world of computing. It's meticulously designed to transform you into a confident, capable, and industry-ready graduate, equipped with a robust portfolio of work to demonstrate your skills to employers in roles like software developer, systems analyst, or technical consultant.

Graduates of the 2-year MSc Computing at Heriot-Watt often go into roles like Software Developer, Cloud / DevOps Engineer, Cybersecurity Analyst, AI Engineer, or Data Scientist. Because the programme starts with foundational computing, even if your background isn’t in computing, you’ll build up to advanced skills and have a strong chance of moving into technical industry roles or further postgraduate study after graduating.

Progression & Future Opportunities:
Here’s how Heriot-Watt supports you and what outcomes to expect:

• Which university services will help students to employ:

  • From day one, you’ll have access to Heriot-Watt’s Careers & Employability services: CV workshops, interview preparation, employer networking events, and mentoring. 

  • The first year includes essential modules in software engineering, networking, databases etc., plus technical English and research preparation, which help build confidence and competence—even for students without earlier computing training. These help ensure you can hit the ground running in industry environments. 

• Employment stats and salary figures:

  • Heriot-Watt reports that 84% of its graduates are in employment or in further study 15 months after graduation.

  • For reference, students graduating from HWU’s Computing / Software Engineering degrees tend to have median salaries around £30,000 after about 15 months (though ranges vary based on experience, sector, etc.). 

• University–industry partnerships (specific):

  • The course content is built with awareness of what industry needs: modules like Industrial Programming, Operating Systems & Concurrency, Computer Network Security, Big Data Management, Digital Forensics etc. These are skills employers are actively looking for. 

  • Also, Heriot-Watt is known for its strong employability and being first in Scotland and second in the UK for graduate employability, which indicates good reputation and connections with employers. 

• Long-term accreditation value:

  • While I didn’t find specific details about professional body accreditation for this particular 2-year MSc, Heriot-Watt’s computing degrees are generally highly regarded and carry weight with employers. The fact that the programme builds both foundational and advanced computing skills helps your credentials.

  • A 2-year route also allows time to build a stronger portfolio (through project work, options, and the final Masters project), which adds long-term value when aiming for senior or specialized roles.

• Graduation outcomes:

  • You will graduate with both breadth and depth: foundational computing knowledge (software engineering, networking, databases, human-computer interaction etc.) plus optional specialization (e.g. robotics, graphics, security) and a substantial Masters Project / Dissertation. 

  • Many graduates transition into technical roles across software, security, cloud, infrastructure, AI, etc., or proceed into single-year MSc programmes if they want deeper specialization. The flexible first year ensures you can adapt according to your background. 

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MSc Computing (2 years) at Heriot-Watt, you’re well placed to move into a PhD in areas you find compelling—such as cybersecurity, AI / machine learning, data systems, or human-computer interaction. The research methods, project work, and optional specialization from your MSc give you a strong foundation for doctoral study. Alternatively, you might also go into industry R&D or technical leadership roles, where continuing professional development (certifications, short courses) can help you specialize further or move into senior roles.