University course · real outcomes from HESA / Discover Uni · part of Careermash

University degree

Computer Science

Heriot-Watt University

Qualification

Degree

Length

4 yrs

UK fees / yr

£9,535

Study

full-time

Worth knowing: about 22% of students don't make it past first year here - ask the uni what support they offer.

Robin · your guide

Here's the honest picture on this course - what you'd study, whether you'd likely get in, what it pays, and where it leads. Everything's real data.

About this course

Computer science with a specialisation in data science addresses one of the most consequential intersections in modern technology. Data science is concerned with extracting insight from large, complex datasets, using techniques drawn from statistics, machine learning, and software engineering to build systems that can find patterns, make predictions, and support decisions at scale. Grounded in the broader discipline of computer science, it requires both rigorous programming and mathematical ability and an understanding of how software systems are designed, built, and evaluated.

As organisations in every sector seek to make better use of the data they generate and collect, graduates who can work confidently at this intersection are among the most sought after in the labour market.

At Heriot-Watt University, this four-year full-time programme goes beyond exploring cutting-edge tools and methodologies to equip you to build the next generation of software tools for other system constructors. You will develop strong foundations in algorithms, data structures, programming, and software engineering, alongside specialised knowledge in statistical modelling, machine learning, data visualisation, and the management of large datasets. Heriot-Watt's reputation in computing and its links to industry and research bodies enrich the learning environment.

This programme includes a year abroad at an international partner institution, broadening your technical and personal horizons. Typical entry requires around 184 tariff points.

Graduates of this programme are well equipped for careers in software development, data engineering, machine learning engineering, data analysis, and research. Technology companies, financial services, healthcare, logistics, government, and the energy sector all employ data scientists and computer scientists with this kind of combined profile. Many graduates also progress to postgraduate research or taught master's programmes in areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, or software engineering.

The technical depth and research orientation of a Heriot-Watt degree opens doors across both industry and academia.

Could you get in?

The grades students arrived with

96-111 pts1%

112-127 pts8%

128-143 pts8%

144-159 pts8%

160-175 pts10%

176-191 pts12%

192-207 pts11%

208-223 pts9%

224-239 pts7%

240+ pts9%

How they qualified

83% got in with A-levels. The rest came in a mix of ways:

A-levels83%

other higher education10%

the IB3%

another degree3%

Other2%

Could I get in? Try your grades

120 UCAS pts

Pay & prospects

90%

In work or further study after

78%

Continue past first year

77%

Student satisfaction

What graduates earn over time

£33,000

After 15 months

£30,500

3 years on

£41,000

5 years on

What graduates actually go on to do % of leavers

Information Technology ProfessionalsHighly skilled57%

Sales occupations7%

Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsHighly skilled5%

Administrative occupations3%

Business, Research and Administrative ProfessionalsHighly skilled4%

Skilled trades occupations3%

Business and public service associate professionalsHighly skilled4%

Managers, directors and senior officialsHighly skilled3%

What students say National Student Survey

77%

of students are satisfied with the course overall

Teaching75%

Assessment & feedback70%

Academic support58%

Well organised71%

Learning resources86%

Student community82%

In students' own words

★★★★★

Would do it again

Coming here has changed how I think. The best part: the course strikes a good balance between theory and practical application. If I'm honest, accommodation allocation was stressful in the first year. On the city — the city is a brilliant s…

Third year · Part-time

★★★★☆

A great decision

I've grown so much academically and personally here. The best part: you finish with a portfolio that recruiters take seriously. If I'm honest, the timetable has some awkward 9am / Friday afternoon slots. On the city — local cost of living i…

Postgraduate · Part-time

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