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Information Technology (Software Systems) at Heriot-Watt University - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
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Course summary

This programme imparts the understanding and skills required to develop advanced software systems to professional standards. The programme boasts a flexible structure to accommodate graduates with a wide spectrum of degrees, ranging from those in IT to those with a less academic computing background. The MSc covers core skills in Information Technology at MSc level while allowing students to study specialist advanced courses in areas such as animation, databases, e-commerce, games programming, intelligent robotics, and network applications. Graduates can anticipate a variety of employment opportunities, including positions with software houses, IT companies, research and development divisions of companies, financial services organizations, defence contractors, government IT agencies, and roles as researchers or research students within universities. Enhancements for Your Success At Heriot-Watt University, our MSc in IT Software Systems programme equips you with the latest knowledge and practical skills essential for a successful career in the dynamic field of IT Software Systems in the UK. Here's what sets our programme apart:

  • Employability: To ensure your professional success, we have actively forged partnerships with industry leaders, giving us valuable insights into what today's employers are seeking in IT Software Systems professionals.
  • Essential Tools: In the highly competitive landscape of IT Software Systems, mastering essential software tools is vital. Our programme places a strong emphasis on acquiring critical skills, including proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, SQL, and data visualisation.
  • Synergistic Approach: Our revamped course structure encourages the seamless integration of various disciplines, including business management, software engineering, and data analysis. This holistic approach empowers you to address complex IT challenges with confidence.
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 & Facilities • 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 IT Business programmes. In fact, many of our academics are qualified data scientists, with many years of experience working in this field. • Facilities: To facilitate hands-on learning in IT Software Systems, we have established state-of-the-art labs, located in the Robotarium and at the GRID. These labs include the Games & Design studio and the university's first VR labs. These resources are integral in providing students with practical, real-world experience when working with authentic datasets and AI models in the context of IT Software Systems. • Leading Research in IT Software Systems: The university actively engages in computing research, contributing to the development of new techniques, tools, and strategies for addressing emerging challenges in IT Software Systems. This ongoing research directly informs our IT Software Systems curriculum, ensuring it remains up to date and aligned with industry needs.

Modules

Mandatory September -Databases and Information Systems Optional September -Computer Network Security -Computer Graphics -Intelligent Robotics -Industrial Programming -Software Engineering Foundations Mandatory January -Research Methods and Project Planning Optional January -Advanced Human Computer Interaction -Advanced Software Engineering -Data Visualisation and Analytics -e-Commerce Technology -Games Programming Mandatory May -Masters Project and Dissertation

Assessment method

You will be assessed by coursework, exams, and your research project, and will receive support and feedback throughout the programme.

Entry requirements

A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree or non-UK equivalent in science, technology, engineering or maths which includes some numeracy. Programming skills would be preferable but not essential, either through your degree or a short course. 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. English language requirements If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability. The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5. If you do not have IELTS 6.0, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £12192 Whole course
Northern Ireland £12192 Whole course
Scotland £12192 Whole course
Wales £12192 Whole course
International £25480 Whole course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

For part-time, the tuition fee is: £6,096 for UK Nationals and £12,740 for International Applicants.

Sponsorship information

Postgraduate scholarships and bursaries We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.

Information Technology (Software Systems) at Heriot-Watt University - UCAS