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MSc Computer Science

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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 January 2026 cohort are open!

  • Application deadline: December 1, 2025
  • Enrolment deadline: January 9, 2026
  • Classes start: January 12, 2026

Upcoming events

  • November 20: Online Degrees Made Simple with Performance-Based Admissions - Register here

Additional resources

January 2026 cohort deadline: December 1

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 January 2026 cohort are open!

  • Application deadline: December 1, 2025
  • Enrolment deadline: January 9, 2026
  • Classes start: January 12, 2026

Upcoming events

  • November 20: Online Degrees Made Simple with Performance-Based Admissions - Register here

Additional resources

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

灵活的 "现收现付 "学费让您的职业目标更经济实惠

  • 总学费 8,995 英镑
    费用包括期末在线评估、所有学习材料和由一家领先科技公司颁发的额外专业证书。
  • 即学即付
    您只需一次支付一门课程的费用，有助于分摊课程成本。
  • 免费获得行业认可的证书
    从 500 多门课程中进行选择，这些课程由世界领先的公司设计--包括 Google、IBM、Meta、Salesforce 和 Microsoft。
查看学费和融资信息

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.

January 2026 cohort deadline: December 1

Don’t miss your chance to join the cohort!

攻读学位

当您完成这些课程时，如果您被录取并注册，您所学到的知识可被承认为本学位的学分¹。

必须成功申请并注册。资格要求适用。各院校会根据您现有的学分情况，确定完成本课程后可计入学位要求的学分。单击特定课程了解更多信息。

常见问题

是的--该课程包括一门您所选择的专业领域的 Professional Certificate 课程，使您能够获得由 Google、AWS 或 IBM 等领先技术公司颁发的全球认可的单独资格证书。

您将掌握计算机科学和编程、数据、网络和移动开发、云架构、人工智能、软件工程等紧缺岗位所需的关键技能。

完成课程后，您将获得赫瑞瓦特大学颁发的计算机科学理学硕士学位证书。学位证书上没有任何地方提到 "在线 "或 "Coursera"。

January 2026 cohort deadline: December 1

Don’t miss your chance to join the cohort!