MSc Software Engineering 12 months Postgraduate Programme By Heriot-Watt University |TopUniversities
Subject Ranking

# 351-400QS Subject Rankings

Programme Duration

12 monthsProgramme duration

Tuitionfee

25,480 GBPTuition Fee/year

Scholarship

11Scholarships

Programme overview

Main Subject

Computer Science and Information Systems

Degree

MSc

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

Overview

Software engineers are responsible for creating and maintaining software applications, applying the best practices drawn from computer science, project management, engineering, application domains, and other related fields.  

This programme is meticulously designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to apply cutting-edge techniques and methodologies for developing high-quality software up to professional standards. 

Within this programme, students have the opportunity to specialize in specific areas, including the development of dependable systems, parallel or big data applications, advanced interactive systems such as games, or innovative applications utilizing biologically inspired models of computing. 

In some instances, students have the option to collaborate on their projects with external industrial or academic organizations. 

Upon graduating from this programme, students can anticipate a wide range of career opportunities. They can secure positions with software companies, IT firms, research and development (R&D) divisions of companies, financial services organizations, defence contractors, government IT agencies etc. 

Enhancements for Your Success 

At Heriot-Watt University, our MSc in Software Engineering programme prepares you with the latest knowledge and practical skills essential for a successful career in the dynamic field of software engineering. Here's why our programme stands out: 

  • Rankings: We are proud to be ranked as the 6th top choice for Software Engineering in Scotland, as recognised by The Complete University Guide in 2022. 
  • Employability: In our commitment to your professional success, we have actively forged partnerships with industry leaders to gain valuable insights into the requirements of today's employers in the software engineering domain. 
  • Essential Tools: Proficiency in key software tools such as Python, R, SQL, and data visualization is crucial in the competitive landscape of software engineering. 
  • Synergistic Approach: Our restructured course offers a holistic approach that encourages the seamless integration of various disciplines, including software engineering, business management, and data analysis. This approach empowers you to tackle complex software engineering challenges with confidence, enhancing your problem-solving skills and adaptability in the ever-evolving software engineering landscape. 

The National Robotarium  

Located on Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh campus, in partnership with The University of Edinburgh, the National Robotarium creates innovative solutions to global challenges, working directly with industry to test and develop robotic, AI and automated technologies and rapidly move pioneering research from lab to market. 

The National Robotarium fosters the teaching and development of the next generation of roboticists, producing highly skilled graduates who are trained to conduct world-leading research with a market focus, and developing programmes to equip the current and future workforce with robotics, data and programming skills. 


Our Expertise

  • Heriot-Watt University boasts a distinguished history of over five decades dedicated to the research and teaching of Computer Science.  
  • World-Leading Faculty: Heriot-Watt University is known for its strong academic reputation, and this extends to its Software Engineering programme. In fact, many of our academics are qualified software engineers, with many years of experience working in this field. 
  • State-of-the-Art Labs: To facilitate hands-on learning, we have created state-of-the-art labs based in the Robotarium as well as at the GRID; including the Games & Design studio and the universities first VR labs. These resources are instrumental in providing students with a practical, real-world experience when working with authentic datasets and AI models.  


Employability

Potential career paths

  • Software Developer/Engineer: As a software developer or engineer, you design, develop, and maintain software applications, ranging from web and mobile apps to desktop applications and system software.
  • DevOps Engineer: DevOps (Development and Operations) engineers focus on automating and streamlining the software development and deployment process. They work to improve collaboration between development and IT operations teams.
  • Data Scientist: Data scientists use their software engineering skills to analyse and interpret complex data, often building data-driven applications and models for various industries, such as finance, healthcare, and e-commerce.
  • Machine Learning Engineer: Machine learning engineers create and deploy machine learning models and algorithms to develop intelligent systems, such as recommendation engines, natural language processing applications, and computer vision solutions.
  • Cybersecurity Analyst/Engineer: Cybersecurity professionals with a software engineering background focus on securing computer systems and networks. They work to protect sensitive data and prevent security breaches and cyberattacks.
  • Cloud Solutions Architect: Cloud solutions architects design, build, and manage cloud-based infrastructure and services. They are responsible for optimizing and scaling applications in the cloud, often using platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
  • Full-Stack Developer: Full-stack developers are proficient in both front-end and back-end development. They work on all aspects of a software application, from the user interface to the server-side logic, and are highly versatile in the software development process.

Programme overview

Main Subject

Computer Science and Information Systems

Degree

MSc

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

Overview

Software engineers are responsible for creating and maintaining software applications, applying the best practices drawn from computer science, project management, engineering, application domains, and other related fields.  

This programme is meticulously designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to apply cutting-edge techniques and methodologies for developing high-quality software up to professional standards. 

Within this programme, students have the opportunity to specialize in specific areas, including the development of dependable systems, parallel or big data applications, advanced interactive systems such as games, or innovative applications utilizing biologically inspired models of computing. 

In some instances, students have the option to collaborate on their projects with external industrial or academic organizations. 

Upon graduating from this programme, students can anticipate a wide range of career opportunities. They can secure positions with software companies, IT firms, research and development (R&D) divisions of companies, financial services organizations, defence contractors, government IT agencies etc. 

Enhancements for Your Success 

At Heriot-Watt University, our MSc in Software Engineering programme prepares you with the latest knowledge and practical skills essential for a successful career in the dynamic field of software engineering. Here's why our programme stands out: 

  • Rankings: We are proud to be ranked as the 6th top choice for Software Engineering in Scotland, as recognised by The Complete University Guide in 2022. 
  • Employability: In our commitment to your professional success, we have actively forged partnerships with industry leaders to gain valuable insights into the requirements of today's employers in the software engineering domain. 
  • Essential Tools: Proficiency in key software tools such as Python, R, SQL, and data visualization is crucial in the competitive landscape of software engineering. 
  • Synergistic Approach: Our restructured course offers a holistic approach that encourages the seamless integration of various disciplines, including software engineering, business management, and data analysis. This approach empowers you to tackle complex software engineering challenges with confidence, enhancing your problem-solving skills and adaptability in the ever-evolving software engineering landscape. 

The National Robotarium  

Located on Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh campus, in partnership with The University of Edinburgh, the National Robotarium creates innovative solutions to global challenges, working directly with industry to test and develop robotic, AI and automated technologies and rapidly move pioneering research from lab to market. 

The National Robotarium fosters the teaching and development of the next generation of roboticists, producing highly skilled graduates who are trained to conduct world-leading research with a market focus, and developing programmes to equip the current and future workforce with robotics, data and programming skills. 


Our Expertise

  • Heriot-Watt University boasts a distinguished history of over five decades dedicated to the research and teaching of Computer Science.  
  • World-Leading Faculty: Heriot-Watt University is known for its strong academic reputation, and this extends to its Software Engineering programme. In fact, many of our academics are qualified software engineers, with many years of experience working in this field. 
  • State-of-the-Art Labs: To facilitate hands-on learning, we have created state-of-the-art labs based in the Robotarium as well as at the GRID; including the Games & Design studio and the universities first VR labs. These resources are instrumental in providing students with a practical, real-world experience when working with authentic datasets and AI models.  


Employability

Potential career paths

  • Software Developer/Engineer: As a software developer or engineer, you design, develop, and maintain software applications, ranging from web and mobile apps to desktop applications and system software.
  • DevOps Engineer: DevOps (Development and Operations) engineers focus on automating and streamlining the software development and deployment process. They work to improve collaboration between development and IT operations teams.
  • Data Scientist: Data scientists use their software engineering skills to analyse and interpret complex data, often building data-driven applications and models for various industries, such as finance, healthcare, and e-commerce.
  • Machine Learning Engineer: Machine learning engineers create and deploy machine learning models and algorithms to develop intelligent systems, such as recommendation engines, natural language processing applications, and computer vision solutions.
  • Cybersecurity Analyst/Engineer: Cybersecurity professionals with a software engineering background focus on securing computer systems and networks. They work to protect sensitive data and prevent security breaches and cyberattacks.
  • Cloud Solutions Architect: Cloud solutions architects design, build, and manage cloud-based infrastructure and services. They are responsible for optimizing and scaling applications in the cloud, often using platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
  • Full-Stack Developer: Full-stack developers are proficient in both front-end and back-end development. They work on all aspects of a software application, from the user interface to the server-side logic, and are highly versatile in the software development process.

Admission Requirements

59+
169+
6+
79+
Admission requires a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree or non-UK equivalent that includes substantial components of computer science and programming.

1 Year
Sep
Jan

Tuition fees

Domestic
12,192 GBP
International
25,480 GBP

Scholarships

The Hoogenboom Scholarship

The Hoogenboom Scholarship
Master Open

Value

100% tuition fee waiver

Deadline

26 Apr 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

IMechE Scholarships (for Mechanical Engineers)

IMechE Scholarships (for Mechanical Engineers)
Master Bachelors Open

Value

$21800

Deadline

31 Aug 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

The Island Scholarship Programme - Orkney Campus (UK) (International)

The Island Scholarship Programme - Orkney Campus (UK) (International)
Master Open

Value

100% tuition fee waiver

Deadline

31 Mar 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

Postgraduate European Union Scholarship

Postgraduate European Union Scholarship
Master Open

Value

$5000

Deadline

31 Jul 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

Norway Early Bird Scholarship

Norway Early Bird Scholarship
Bachelors Master Open

Value

$6000

Deadline

1 May 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

International Merit Scholarship

International Merit Scholarship
Bachelors Master Open

Value

$2000

Deadline

30 Jun 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

Heriot-Watt University Expenses Bursary

Heriot-Watt University Expenses Bursary
Bachelors Master Open

Value

$525

Deadline

31 Aug 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

Heriot-Watt Sports Scholarships

Heriot-Watt Sports Scholarships
Master Bachelors Open

Value

25% tuition fee waiver

Deadline

31 Jul 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence

Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence
Master Open

Value

20% tuition fee waiver

Deadline

30 May 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

Americas and Europe (Non-EU) Scholarship

Americas and Europe (Non-EU) Scholarship
Bachelors Master Open

Value

$5000

Deadline

15 Jun 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

Alumni Discount Scheme

Alumni Discount Scheme
Master Open

Value

20% tuition fee waiver

Deadline

31 Jul 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

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