MEng Software Engineering
Heriot-Watt UniversityEdinburgh, United Kingdom
Course overview
The Heriot-Watt University MEng Software Engineering programme is a five-year integrated Masters course that builds upon the BSc Computer Science curriculum, equipping students with professional skills to develop strong and secure systems.
The course covers theoretical principles alongside practical applications, preparing graduates to address real-world challenges effectively. The course offers a paid industrial placement opportunity in its fifth year with companies such as Skyscanner and Leonardo. Throughout the first three years, students learn core computer science concepts, while the fourth year focuses on constructing robust and secure systems through hands-on experience.
The learning environment benefits from Heriot-Watt's GRID facility, which includes VR Labs and a Games Design Studio, providing an innovative space for teaching. Students also have access to a student equipment fund to support their course-related and personal projects, and opportunities exist for inter-campus transfers to study abroad.
Key highlights
- Ranked 1st in Scotland for Software Engineering, National Student Survey 2025
Entry requirements
- A-level: BBC — A-Levels BBC.
- International Baccalaureate: 28 — International Baccalaureate 28 points.
- Scottish Highers: BBBC — minimum (widening access) offer; over two sittings
- A-level: BCC — minimum (widening access) offer
- HNC / HND: B — minimum (widening access) offer; B in graded unit
- HNC / HND: BB — minimum (widening access) offer; BB in graded units
- Scottish Advanced Highers: BBB — to include including Maths and Computer Science, plus; year 2 entry
- Scottish Highers: AAAB — year 2 entry
- A-level: BBB — to include to include Maths and either Computer Science or Software Systems Development; year 2 entry
- International Baccalaureate: 30 — year 2 entry
- BTEC: DDM — year 2 entry; BTEC Extended Diploma
- HNC / HND: A — year 2 entry; A in graded unit
Scholarships
Alumni Discount Scheme
A 20% discount is applicable to postgraduate taught courses across all of our global campuses.
Up to 20% of feesCoaching 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 feesRemission 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
Careers this course leads to
- Software engineer
- Software developer
- Software architect
- Systems engineer
- DevOps engineer
- Software test engineer
Career opportunities
As an MEng Software Engineering graduate from Heriot-Watt University, you can work as a:
- Software Engineer
- Systems Developer
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Cloud Engineer
- AI and Machine Learning Engineer
- Software Architect
Cost of study
The tuition fee for the MEng Software Engineering at Heriot-Watt University for the September 2025 intake is £25,008.
Admission
Applications for this course are submitted through UCAS. Please speak to our experienced advisors for assistance.
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