Study computing and software development, and attain skills that employers want. The degree is based on three core areas: foundations of computer science, principles of software engineering and core aspects of information systems. There is a clear emphasis on employability; with our close links to industry you develop your technical skills in web and mobile development, your problem-solving skills, along with vital professional skills to understand the way technology is applied to real life.

In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to spend a full year working in the IT industry, providing invaluable real-world experience and greatly enhancing your subsequent employability.

Computing is a creative and wide-ranging subject that focuses on using sound underlying principles and logical thinking to design and build systems that really work.

You will learn how modern computer and communications systems function, and how they can be used and adapted to build the next generation of computing applications.

This course allows you to focus on the theory and tools of business management that require computerised solutions, including decision support and constraint solving techniques.

The DPhil in Computational Discovery is a multidisciplinary programme spanning projects in Advanced Molecular Simulations, Machine Learning and Quantum Computing to develop new tools and methodologies for life sciences discovery.  

Our Advanced Computing MSc provides knowledge and experience of computing at an advanced level. The programme allows students to select modules on a wide range of advanced computer science subjects, so that they can build a programme that suits their interests and career aspirations.

The BSc (Hons) Computing programme equips you with the knowledge, understanding and skills required of a modern IT professional. If you want to study computing but haven't decided on a specific area of interest, this programme lets you personalise your studies and prepares you for a range of graduate roles.

In years one and two you will study the foundations of computing. In addition you will develop the skills required to build computer systems utilising a range of technologies. In years three and four you will further develop expertise in core areas while being able to choose elective modules which allow you specialise in your chosen area of interest. Possible specialisations include mobile development, cloud systems development, secure software development, user experience development, advanced project management and Big Data. 

The programme offers the possibility of undertaking an industry placement or to study abroad through Erasmus exchanges. Students are also encouraged to take part in activities with the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE). Our computing programmes are accredited by the Chartered Institute for IT (BCS).

Creative Computing as a field of study celebrates and interrogates the collision of creativity and technology. The results are novel and surprising, yet useful, and feature computing as a tool to enhance human creativity or address global problems.


 MSc Creative Computing aims to develop postgraduates that can enhance the output and trajectory of enterprises within the creative industries. You work to develop an individual approach to digital creativity, while learning how to conduct research, refine leadership and project management skills, and co-create confidently and productively with practitioners within unfamiliar disciplines.


 This is a flexible course that responds to your practice, whether you are a games designer, software developer, animator, web technologist or more besides. You undertake modules designed to enhance your understanding of creative technology in both artistic and commercial settings, with an emphasis on delivering computing artefacts that inform, persuade and entertain.

You'll collaborate with other students in the Games Academy – from animators through to sound designers – to develop a multi-disciplinary approach with creativity at its heart. By the time you graduate, you'll be confident in pursuing a career in software development, in the games industry and beyond.

This MSc is tailored for people who want to work in the game industry. You will learn multi-platform game development and gain a solid foundation in programming to help you develop your own skills. The MSc has a strong focus on business and entrepreneurship, including the possibility to work with industry partners as part of your internship.

As a fast-growing 150 billion dollar business, the game industry offers countless professional opportunities. The MSc Computer Games Programming is right for you if you want to make game development a sustainable career and to work in this creative and rewarding industry.

This is also one of the only program taught by actual game developers, designers, and artists with years of experience in the game industry. 

If you want to gain practical experience in computer science, undertake this intensive MSc conversion programme. Enhance your employability by exploiting the potential of computing and information systems, and combine specialist technical skills with your current knowledge and experience.

Do you want to work in the IT sector, but don’t have the formal qualifications to make the transition? This conversion course is designed for those whose first degree is not related to computing, but who now want to move into the industry. It is designed to fit the current needs of employers with topics that include software development, networks, database systems and web development. You'll explore the fundamentals of computer science as well as the basic architecture of a modern-day computer system.

Computing, from the internet to mobile computing, smart devices and beyond, has changed the world – and continues to do so. Next-generation robots, driverless cars, and digital currencies are just three examples of what is already on the way.

Graduates from a range of subject areas, who wish to add this discipline to their portfolio, have the opportunity to master the technical skills and knowledge required for a career in computing on this course. 

You will develop your programming and systems analysis know-how by studying modules such as Object-Oriented Programming and Systems Analysis and Design, while also growing a robust skillset in practical areas including E-Commerce Software and Database Systems and Design.  

In your final semester, you will work on your individual project, with the support of an academic supervisor, giving you the opportunity to produce a substantial piece of work on a topic of your choice. 

You will be taught by experts from the Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility, which is internationally recognised for applied research expertise, ensuring exposure to the most recent developments in both the theory and practice of modern computing. 

You can apply even if you have no previous experience in computing, but you will need to demonstrate some aptitude for logical analysis.

This course is aimed at the specific needs of advanced software development and  will distinguish you as a committed and knowledgeable computing expert.

The MEng in Computing is accredited for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status by the British Computer Society. This means that after a period of industrial experience, you can apply to become a Chartered Engineer.

Computing for Business and Management at Sussex combines a professional education in computing with specialisation in applications of computing to commerce. The course covers software development, blended with the study of:

• business
• innovation
• marketing
• management.

You can also apply for a year working in industry.

You’ll study in our £12-million Future Technologies Labs, which include a student-focused hub, teaching labs with suites of high-spec computers, and project workspaces.

When you graduate, your skills in leadership, project management and strategy formulation will be excellent preparation for a career in computing and IT.

This course draws on cutting edge expertise from three Schools in our College of Science and Engineering, and will provide you with practical skills in computation in a range of languages and professional software. You will also develop a clear understanding of the theory of common numerical modelling methods.

Be an agent of change in computer technology and make your mark in the exciting world of websites, apps, games and mobile devices with this course.

You will be able to accurately select and use relevant digital and non-digital tools and techniques for the design, development and testing of digital solutions.  

Understand the role of the user in the design, development and consumption of computer technology across a wide range of areas.  

Our goal is to help you become a competent, confident and adaptable professional who can apply established and innovative techniques using contemporary programming methods in a fast-changing environment.

Our Creative Computing with Foundation Year degree course will help you fulfil your dream of doing something creative with computing, even if you don't meet the required grades for our Creative Computing degree course, don't know what your speciality is, or are a novice.

You’ll get a theoretical and practical introduction to creative computing by studying three unique modules. You’ll foster necessary study skills and develop programming experience to create artistic works, such as audio production and 3D graphic design in Photoshop.

By the end of this one-year course, you'll possess the knowledge and abilities to progress to degree level – either on BA/BSc (Hons) Creative Computing or a related course.

The MSc in Computing is a two year postgraduate degree. The first year imparts the knowledge and skills needed to study the subject at masters level in the second. This new degree is open to graduates coming from any discipline. They will start by learning the art of software engineering, study some key computing topics and develop relevant research and technical English skills that prepare them for advanced study of computer science in the following year. Computer Science at Heriot-Watt is ranked 6th in Scotland by The Complete University league tables (2021).