Heriot-Watt University logo

MSc Computer Science

Heriot-Watt University logo

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

Build your future in computer science with this transformative MSc from a leading UK university

Acquire the most in-demand programming, data and AI skills and secure your professional status as a computer scientist, with this prestigious master’s from Heriot-Watt University - a world-leader in computer science research and robotics. 

Specifically designed to get you industry-ready, this MSc combines foundational computing and mathematical learning with practical skills in programming, AI, machine learning, and database management. Learn from renowned faculty who are experts in their field and benefit from Heriot-Watt’s close links with industry. Drawing on nearly two centuries of educational innovation, Heriot-Watt brings a legacy of expertise as Scotland’s first university to offer a Computer Science degree.

You’ll be fully prepared to reshape your career using the world’s most exciting new technologies - even if you don’t have a background in computer science. Heriot-Watt’s performance-based admissions pathway lets you demonstrate your professional experience and independent study to fast-track your expertise, and gain a master’s that includes specialist learning modules and professional certificates delivered by tech giants such as Google, IBM and Meta.

With more than two centuries of educational innovation and as Scotland’s first university to offer a Computer Science degree, Heriot-Watt brings a legacy of expertise to your learning experience. Whether you’re looking to improve your existing technology career, or start afresh in this exciting new field,  this degree provides the ideal launchpad.

What's in this degree program?

Gain industry-ready skills, delivered by a global research leader, at the home of the UK’s National Robotarium for AI and Robotics.
Learn from expert academics and leading researchers - 88.6% of Heriot-Watt’s research outputs are either 'world-leading' (4*) or 'internationally excellent' (3*) (REF 2021).
Build a comprehensive foundation to your skills, with logic and discrete mathematics as well as practical database management techniques.
Apply your knowledge of revolutionary technologies such as AI, machine learning and Natural Language Processing (NLP) to solve complex real-world problems.
Choose a globally recognised professional certificate with your industry specialisation to gain practical skills and training in your preferred computing specialism, delivered by leading tech companies including Google and IBM.
Work alongside your peers, tutors and industry professionals to develop critical skills for any workplace, including advanced problem-solving, communication and project management skills.

Applications for the September 2025 cohort are open!

  • Application deadline: August 4, 2025

Upcoming events

Stay tuned!

Additional resources

  • Questions? Please do not hesitate to get in touch via hwoadmissions@hw.ac.uk
  • Watch the recording of the latest Admissions webinar

September 2025 cohort deadline: August 4

Start your application or request more information.

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

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

Build your future in computer science with this transformative MSc from a leading UK university

Acquire the most in-demand programming, data and AI skills and secure your professional status as a computer scientist, with this prestigious master’s from Heriot-Watt University - a world-leader in computer science research and robotics. 

Specifically designed to get you industry-ready, this MSc combines foundational computing and mathematical learning with practical skills in programming, AI, machine learning, and database management. Learn from renowned faculty who are experts in their field and benefit from Heriot-Watt’s close links with industry. Drawing on nearly two centuries of educational innovation, Heriot-Watt brings a legacy of expertise as Scotland’s first university to offer a Computer Science degree.

You’ll be fully prepared to reshape your career using the world’s most exciting new technologies - even if you don’t have a background in computer science. Heriot-Watt’s performance-based admissions pathway lets you demonstrate your professional experience and independent study to fast-track your expertise, and gain a master’s that includes specialist learning modules and professional certificates delivered by tech giants such as Google, IBM and Meta.

With more than two centuries of educational innovation and as Scotland’s first university to offer a Computer Science degree, Heriot-Watt brings a legacy of expertise to your learning experience. Whether you’re looking to improve your existing technology career, or start afresh in this exciting new field,  this degree provides the ideal launchpad.

What's in this degree program?

Gain industry-ready skills, delivered by a global research leader, at the home of the UK’s National Robotarium for AI and Robotics.
Learn from expert academics and leading researchers - 88.6% of Heriot-Watt’s research outputs are either 'world-leading' (4*) or 'internationally excellent' (3*) (REF 2021).
Build a comprehensive foundation to your skills, with logic and discrete mathematics as well as practical database management techniques.
Apply your knowledge of revolutionary technologies such as AI, machine learning and Natural Language Processing (NLP) to solve complex real-world problems.
Choose a globally recognised professional certificate with your industry specialisation to gain practical skills and training in your preferred computing specialism, delivered by leading tech companies including Google and IBM.
Work alongside your peers, tutors and industry professionals to develop critical skills for any workplace, including advanced problem-solving, communication and project management skills.

Applications for the September 2025 cohort are open!

  • Application deadline: August 4, 2025

Upcoming events

Stay tuned!

Additional resources

  • Questions? Please do not hesitate to get in touch via hwoadmissions@hw.ac.uk
  • Watch the recording of the latest Admissions webinar
Learner standing at computer with slides behind him

Build toward a degree at your own pace

Not ready to commit to a full degree? Start with a course. When you complete eligible courses, you may be able to have your learning recognized for credit if you are admitted and enroll in the MSc Computer Science. Gain in-demand skills while building towards a degree.

Get started with one of these eligible courses and build your progress toward a future degree.

*Successful application and enrollment are required. Eligibility requirements apply. Each institution determines the number of credits recognized by completing this content that may count towards degree requirements, considering any existing credits you may have. Click on a specific course for more information.

Learner standing at computer with slides behind him

Keep your career goals affordable with flexible pay-as-you-go tuition

  • £8,995 total tuition Fee includes final online assessments, all study materials and an additional professional certificate from a leading tech company.
  • Pay-as-you-go tuition You only need to pay for one course at a time, helping spread the cost of the programme.
  • Industry certificates at no extra cost As an added benefit, you’ll get access to over 500 courses designed by some of the world’s leading employers – including Google, IBM, Meta, Salesforce and Microsoft.
View info about tuition & financing

Let your performance pave your way

Heriot-Watt University offers a performance-based pathway for all learners for the MSc Computer Science. Admission doesn’t depend on your educational or professional background. The performance-based admissions pathway lets you showcase your ability to learn, rather than your credentials.

Successfully complete one course in Programming and Programme Design and you’ll be transferred to the MSc at the next available opportunity, taking the credits you’ve already earned with you.

*Eligibility requirements apply. Each institution determines the successful course completion required to qualify for performance-based admission. Review the admissions process for this degree program for more information. Click on a specific course for details.

September 2025 deadline: August 4

Don’t miss your chance to join the cohort!

Build toward a degree

When you complete these programs, you may have learning recognized for credit toward this degree, if you are admitted and enroll.¹

  • Multiple educators

    Launch your career as an Android app developer

    Beginner · Professional Certificate

  • Google

    Get on the fast track to a career in cybersecurity

    Beginner · Professional Certificate

  • Meta

    Launch your career as a front-end developer

    Beginner · Professional Certificate

¹Successful application and enrollment are required. Eligibility requirements apply. Each institution determines the number of credits recognized by completing this content that may count towards degree requirements, considering any existing credits you may have. Click on a specific course for more information.

Frequently asked questions

Yes - the programme includes a professional certification course in the specialism of your choice, allowing you to earn a separate industry certificate delivered by a leading technology company such as Google, AWS or IBM.

You will develop the critical skills needed for in-demand jobs in computer science and programming, data, web and mobile development, cloud architecture, artificial intelligence, software engineering and more.

The degree certificate you receive when you complete the programme will be awarded for a Master of Science in Computer Science from Heriot-Watt University. It doesn’t mention ‘online’ or ‘Coursera’ anywhere on the degree certificate.

September 2025 deadline: August 4

Don’t miss your chance to join the cohort!