MSc Computer Science

Heriot-Watt University

1st in Scotland for Artificial Intelligence

Ranked 1st in Scotland and 6th in the UK for Artificial Intelligence in the Daily Mail University Guide 2026

20-96 months

8 courses total and a final project, 16-18 hours per week

£9,261 total cost

No application fee. Pay as you learn. All materials and assessments included

Performance-based admission

Successfully complete the first course to qualify - no bachelor’s required

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Invest in your future, one course at a time

This programme is available on pay-as-you-learn tuition model, where each taught course is £1,323. The total cost of this programme is £9,261*.

The tuition fees include any study materials required and assessments. You can pay per course, to help you spread the cost of the programme over your studies. You’ll also earn a globally-recognised professional certification from a leading tech company such as IBM and Google at no additional cost.

A unique benefit of this programme is that MSc students receive complimentary access to an industry-recognised Specialisation. Additionally, the Final Project is provided at no extra cost upon successful completion of all taught courses.

*The tuition fees listed are for courses starting in 2026/27. The indicative full programme fee listed does not take any annual fee increases into account, which normally occur annually.

Start for just £1,323

With the PBA route, you only need to pay for your first course upfront.

Professional certifications included

Gain a globally recognised credential from IBM or Google at no extra cost.

Pay one course at a time

Spread the cost of your MSc with a flexible pay-as-you-learn tuition model.

More value included

A complimentary specialisation and final project are included in your tuition.

Applications for the January 2027 cohort are open!

Application priority deadline: November 30, 2026
Classes start: January 18, 2027

Upcoming events

Stay tuned!

Additional resources

Questions? Please do not hesitate to get in touch via hwoadmissions@hw.ac.uk
Watch the recording of the latest Admissions webinar
Watch the recording of the MSc Computer Science webinar overview
View the Programme Guide

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