Course summary
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 & 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 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.
Modules
September Intake Year 1 Mandatory September -Rigorous Methods for Software Engineering -Industrial Programming Optional September -Biologically Inspired Computation -Computer Network Security -Computer Graphics -Systems Programming -Computer-aided Verification -Data Mining and Machine Learning Mandatory January -Advanced Software Engineering -Research Methods and Project Planning Optional January -Advanced Human Computer Interaction -Advanced Network Security -Big Data Management -Distributed & Parallel Technologies -Games Programming Mandatory May -Masters Project and Dissertation January Intake Year 1 Mandatory January -Advanced Software Engineering Optional January -Advanced Human Computer Interaction -Advanced Network Security -Big Data Management -Distributed & Parallel Technologies -Games Programming Mandatory September -Research Methods and Project Planning -Rigorous Methods for Software Engineering -Industrial Programming Optional September -Biologically Inspired Computation -Computer-aided Verification -Computer Graphics -Systems Programming -Data Mining and Machine Learning -Computer Network Security Mandatory Second January -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
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. 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.
English language requirements
Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not been educated previously in the English language must provide evidence of their English language ability to ensure they can cope with the demands of a Heriot-Watt programme taught and assessed in English. Further information about the English Language tests that we currently accept as proof of English Language ability including our own English Language programmes, can be viewed on our website.
HWU English Language Requirements
https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/entry/english-language-requirements.htm
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this 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
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.
Provider information
Heriot-Watt University
Riccarton
Edinburgh
EH14 4AS