Heriot-Watt University

MSc Information Technology Software Systems

Heriot-Watt University

Course overview

Heriot-Watt University has an MSc Information Technology (Software Systems) programme open to graduates from computing and other academic areas. This course teaches software development, system design, and programming, preparing you for a technology and software engineering career.

You'll learn in a setting with access to labs, including those for robotics and virtual reality (VR). The programme includes core and optional modules, covering areas such as databases, intelligent systems, and games programming. The university also has connections with industry, which can open up excellent career opportunities.

Teaching methods include lectures, practical lab sessions, and group work. Your progress will be assessed through examinations, coursework, and a final dissertation project. 

Entry requirements

Grade Requirements

  • Candidates should hold a minimum 2:2 honours degree, or a similar qualification if their degree is from outside the UK. This degree must be in a subject that includes some numeracy, like Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths. Programming skills are a plus, but not compulsory.

English Proficiency

  • International students need an IELTS overall score of 6.0, with no individual band score lower than 5.5.

Scholarships

  • Alumni Discount Scheme

    A 20% discount is applicable to postgraduate taught courses across all of our global campuses.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Coaching Scholarships Programme

    Varies – up to a 100% Tuition fee Reduction (dependent on experience and number of coaching hours across the year).

  • Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence

    The Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence awards the successful recipient(s) with a 20% reduction on their tuition fees.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Remission of Fees (Families of Staff)

    Please contact the provider.

  • Staff Scholarships

    Please contact the provider

  • The Brodie Family Scholarship (PGT)

    The Brodie Family Scholarship provides financial support of £2,500 per year (or £2,000 per year for students enrolled in a five-year programme) to four undergraduate students.

  • The Island Scholarship Programme - Orkney Campus (UK) (International)

  • The New Dawn Energy Scholarship

    The New Dawn Energy Scholarship provides £1900 towards living costs to two students enrolling on our MSc in Petroleum Engineering in September 2026.

    Up to £1,900

Career opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Information Technology (Software Systems) programme from Heriot-Watt University are prepared to handle IT-related roles such as:

  • Software Developer
  • Systems Analyst
  • Web Developer
  • IT Project Manager
  • Data Analyst
  • Machine Learning Engineer

Cost of study

International students entering the MSc Information Technology (Software Systems) programme at Heriot-Watt University should expect to pay £25,480 for full-time and £12,740 for part-time study in the 2025/26 academic session.

Admission

Candidates interested in this course should contact an AHZ counsellor for assistance with their application.

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