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

12 monthsProgramme duration

Tuitionfee

26,296 GBPTuition Fee/year

Scholarship

5Scholarships

Starting Month

Sep, JanStarting Month

Programme overview

Main Subject

Computer Science and Information Systems

Degree

MSc

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

Our MSc in Software Engineering provides you with advanced technical knowledge and practical expertise to design, develop, and maintain high-quality software systems, applying best practices from computer science, engineering, and project management.


This programme is aimed at graduates or those already in the industry who are interested in gaining deeper knowledge and skills in areas such as dependable systems, big data applications, interactive systems including games, and biologically inspired computing.


With this programme, Heriot-Watt prepares you for a wide range of careers in IT firms, R&D divisions, financial services, defence, and government agencies, supported by hands-on innovation opportunities through the National Robotarium, which provides exposure to robotics, AI, and automation technologies and fosters the ability to apply software engineering expertise to global challenges.


Reasons to study:


  • Industry-relevant curriculum: Plan and execute research projects in specialist areas such as dependable systems, big data applications, interactive systems including games, and biologically inspired computing, while also offering opportunities to collaborate on projects with industry and academic partners for real-world experience.
  • Mastery of Essential Tools: In today's competitive job market, proficiency in key software tools like Python, R, SQL, and data visualisation is essential for data scientists. Our programme will equip you with mastery of these indispensable tools. 
  • Industry-Driven Employability: To ensure your success, we've actively collaborated with industry experts to understand precisely what employers are seeking in software enigineers. We've meticulously integrated insights such as problem-solving, adaptability, communication, and business management skills into our programme, giving you a competitive edge during job interviews and setting you up for success from day one. 
  • Comprehensive, customisable curriculum: Provides opportunity to specialise in several areas through four optional courses, including data mining and machine learning, biologically inspired computation, big data management, games programming, and more.
  • Supported learning: Delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, and guest lectures and be assessed by coursework, and  your dissertation while receiving support and feedback throughout the programme. Gain access to state-of-the-art labs at the Robotarium and GRID, gaining practical, real-world experience with authentic datasets and AI models.

Programme overview

Main Subject

Computer Science and Information Systems

Degree

MSc

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

Our MSc in Software Engineering provides you with advanced technical knowledge and practical expertise to design, develop, and maintain high-quality software systems, applying best practices from computer science, engineering, and project management.


This programme is aimed at graduates or those already in the industry who are interested in gaining deeper knowledge and skills in areas such as dependable systems, big data applications, interactive systems including games, and biologically inspired computing.


With this programme, Heriot-Watt prepares you for a wide range of careers in IT firms, R&D divisions, financial services, defence, and government agencies, supported by hands-on innovation opportunities through the National Robotarium, which provides exposure to robotics, AI, and automation technologies and fosters the ability to apply software engineering expertise to global challenges.


Reasons to study:


  • Industry-relevant curriculum: Plan and execute research projects in specialist areas such as dependable systems, big data applications, interactive systems including games, and biologically inspired computing, while also offering opportunities to collaborate on projects with industry and academic partners for real-world experience.
  • Mastery of Essential Tools: In today's competitive job market, proficiency in key software tools like Python, R, SQL, and data visualisation is essential for data scientists. Our programme will equip you with mastery of these indispensable tools. 
  • Industry-Driven Employability: To ensure your success, we've actively collaborated with industry experts to understand precisely what employers are seeking in software enigineers. We've meticulously integrated insights such as problem-solving, adaptability, communication, and business management skills into our programme, giving you a competitive edge during job interviews and setting you up for success from day one. 
  • Comprehensive, customisable curriculum: Provides opportunity to specialise in several areas through four optional courses, including data mining and machine learning, biologically inspired computation, big data management, games programming, and more.
  • Supported learning: Delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, and guest lectures and be assessed by coursework, and  your dissertation while receiving support and feedback throughout the programme. Gain access to state-of-the-art labs at the Robotarium and GRID, gaining practical, real-world experience with authentic datasets and AI models.

Admission Requirements

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

We welcome applications from international students and accept qualifications from around the world. Please refer to the entry requirements for your country for more details.

1 Year
Sep
Jan

Tuition fees

Domestic
12,584 GBP
International
26,296 GBP

Scholarships

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

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

IMechE Scholarships (for Mechanical Engineers)

IMechE Scholarships (for Mechanical Engineers)
Bachelors Master Open

Value

$218000

Deadline

31 Aug 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

More programmes from the university

Videos & media

Videos & media

media_view_gallery View Gallery
Postgrad Programmes 730