Learn from world-renowned experts in Computer Science and integrate industry certificates into your studies.
Successfully complete the first course to qualify for admission - no computer science undergraduate required.
Complete eight courses and a final project, either full time or at a pace that suits you.
Videos, live sessions, hands-on projects, and connection with instructors and peers.
No application fee. Pay as you learn. All materials and assessments included.
Acquire the most in-demand programming, data and AI skills and secure your professional status as a computer scientist, with this prestigious master’s from Heriot-Watt University - a world-leader in computer science research and robotics.Â
Specifically designed to get you industry-ready, this MSc combines foundational computing and mathematical learning with practical skills in programming, AI, machine learning, and database management. Learn from renowned faculty who are experts in their field and benefit from Heriot-Watt’s close links with industry. Drawing on nearly two centuries of educational innovation, Heriot-Watt brings a legacy of expertise as Scotland’s first university to offer a Computer Science degree.
You’ll be fully prepared to reshape your career using the world’s most exciting new technologies - even if you don’t have a background in computer science. Heriot-Watt’s performance-based admissions pathway lets you demonstrate your professional experience and independent study to fast-track your expertise, and gain a master’s that includes specialist learning modules and professional certificates delivered by tech giants such as Google, IBM and Meta.
With more than two centuries of educational innovation and as Scotland’s first university to offer a Computer Science degree, Heriot-Watt brings a legacy of expertise to your learning experience. Whether you’re looking to improve your existing technology career, or start afresh in this exciting new field, this degree provides the ideal launchpad.
Applications for May 2025 intake are open!
Application deadline: March 24, 2025.
If you have any questions about the admissions process or the programme, please do not hesitate to get in touch via hwoadmissions@hw.ac.uk.
Apply now or request more information about this programme.
Learn from world-renowned experts in Computer Science and integrate industry certificates into your studies.
Successfully complete the first course to qualify for admission - no computer science undergraduate required.
Complete eight courses and a final project, either full time or at a pace that suits you.
Videos, live sessions, hands-on projects, and connection with instructors and peers.
No application fee. Pay as you learn. All materials and assessments included.
Learn from world-renowned experts in Computer Science and integrate industry certificates into your studies.
Successfully complete the first course to qualify for admission - no computer science undergraduate required.
Complete eight courses and a final project, either full time or at a pace that suits you.
Videos, live sessions, hands-on projects, and connection with instructors and peers.
No application fee. Pay as you learn. All materials and assessments included.
Acquire the most in-demand programming, data and AI skills and secure your professional status as a computer scientist, with this prestigious master’s from Heriot-Watt University - a world-leader in computer science research and robotics.Â
Specifically designed to get you industry-ready, this MSc combines foundational computing and mathematical learning with practical skills in programming, AI, machine learning, and database management. Learn from renowned faculty who are experts in their field and benefit from Heriot-Watt’s close links with industry. Drawing on nearly two centuries of educational innovation, Heriot-Watt brings a legacy of expertise as Scotland’s first university to offer a Computer Science degree.
You’ll be fully prepared to reshape your career using the world’s most exciting new technologies - even if you don’t have a background in computer science. Heriot-Watt’s performance-based admissions pathway lets you demonstrate your professional experience and independent study to fast-track your expertise, and gain a master’s that includes specialist learning modules and professional certificates delivered by tech giants such as Google, IBM and Meta.
With more than two centuries of educational innovation and as Scotland’s first university to offer a Computer Science degree, Heriot-Watt brings a legacy of expertise to your learning experience. Whether you’re looking to improve your existing technology career, or start afresh in this exciting new field, this degree provides the ideal launchpad.
Applications for May 2025 intake are open!
Application deadline: March 24, 2025.
If you have any questions about the admissions process or the programme, please do not hesitate to get in touch via hwoadmissions@hw.ac.uk.
Admission to this programme doesn’t depend on your educational or professional background.Â
The performance-based admissions pathway lets you showcase your ability to learn, rather than your credentials.Â
To qualify on the performance-based admissions pathway, you’ll need to complete 1 course from the programme - Programming and Programme Design. Successfully complete this course and you’ll be transferred to the MSc at the next available opportunity, taking the credits you’ve already earned with you.
Acquire the world’s most sought-after skills from experts associated with the National Robotarium, the UK’s centre for Robotics and Artificial Intelligence.
The Robotarium is home to leading research groups such as The Interaction Lab developing conversational AI and natural language processing (NLP) applications alongside leading industrial partners like BMW and Orange Labs.
With this programme you’ll learn how to apply knowledge of AI including machine learning and natural language processing to solve real-world problems.
Apply now or request more information about this programme.
When you complete these programs, you may have learning recognized for credit toward this degree, if you are admitted and enroll.¹
Multiple educators
Beginner · Professional Certificate
Beginner · Professional Certificate
¹Successful application and enrollment are required. Eligibility requirements apply. Each institution determines the number of credits recognized by completing this content that may count towards degree requirements, considering any existing credits you may have. Click on a specific course for more information.
Yes - the programme includes a professional certification course in the specialism of your choice, allowing you to earn a separate industry certificate delivered by a leading technology company such as Google, AWS or IBM.
You will develop the critical skills needed for in-demand jobs in computer science and programming, data, web and mobile development, cloud architecture, artificial intelligence, software engineering and more.
The degree certificate you receive when you complete the programme will be awarded for a Master of Science in Computer Science from Heriot-Watt University. It doesn’t mention ‘online’ or ‘Coursera’ anywhere on the degree certificate.
If you have any questions about the admissions process or the programme, please do not hesitate to get in touch via hwoadmissions@hw.ac.uk.
Yes - the programme is taught in English, so evidence of proficiency in English is a requirement.
No - the tuition fees include all exams, known as Final Online Assessments, study materials and other expenses associated with the course.
As a Heriot-Watt student, you’ll be welcome to attend and receive your degree certificate alongside the on-campus students in Edinburgh, Dubai or Malaysia when you complete the programme. Attendance at the graduation ceremony is free for graduates. Tickets for guests and tickets to the graduation reception will be charged at an additional cost.
Yes – because of the modular, flexible nature of the programme you can register for courses when it suits you, allowing you to progress at your own pace and pause your studies when you need to. However, if you need to register a formal interruption of studies for any reason, you can do so without penalty or loss of progress for up to 12 months.
Our teaching methods will be diverse, engaging, and interactive. You'll experience a blend of asynchronous learning, engaging digital materials and multimedia, hands-on activities, and job-aligned projects. The programme is designed around real-life examples, enabling you to develop your skills thoroughly before assessment.
Yes, all of these courses are designed and delivered by academics from Heriot-Watt University, meaning you’ll benefit from the same level of academic excellence as our on-campus students.
This programme is purposefully designed with flexibility to accommodate working professionals. The time commitment can differ for each student based on their individual responsibilities and study habits. However, as a general recommendation, we suggest dedicating 16-18 hours per week to your studies to successfully complete the programme.
Apply now or request more information about this programme.