MSc Computer Science

Heriot-Watt University

Leading UK university

Ranked 25th in the UK (University League Tables 2026)

20-96 months

8 courses total and a final project, 16-18 hours per week

£8,995 total cost

No application fee. Pay as you learn. All materials and assessments included

Performance-based admission

Successfully complete the first course to qualify - no bachelor’s required

100% online

Videos, live sessions, hands-on projects, connection with instructors and peers

Careers

Secure your professional expertise and open the door to exciting new possibilities with a prestigious master’s from Heriot-Watt

Heriot-Watt University is the highest ranked university in Scotland (and second in the UK) for graduate outcomes (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).

84% of our graduates are in employment or further education 15 months after graduation. 15.76% of our students have transitioned into CEO or managing director roles - the highest percentage found anywhere in the UK.

After graduation, your skills will be in high demand across many industries, preparing you for a range of diverse job roles including full stack developer, cloud architect, DevOps engineer or systems administrator.

As an added benefit, all MSc Computer Science program graduates will automatically retain access to Coursera’s Career Academy, allowing you to stay ahead in your career with access to industry-aligned learning tools.

Develop critical skills to boost your employability

Heriot-Watt graduates are highly employable with 84% in employment or further study after 15 months, with many of our alumni holding senior positions in the tech industry.

Recognised professional certifications

The MSc Computer Science programme includes courses and professional certification from leading tech companies including IBM and Google.

Increase your earnings with a master’s degree

The average computer science graduate's starting salary in the UK is £44,143.

Connect knowledge with industry

Our School of Mathematical and Computer Science enjoys very strong links with the UK ICT sector, with more than 30 companies on our Industrial Advisory Board.