Heriot-Watt University

MSc Software Engineering

Heriot-Watt UniversityEdinburgh, United Kingdom

Course overview

The Heriot-Watt University MSc Software Engineering programme provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to apply advanced techniques for creating high-quality software. In this course, students can choose to specialise in specific areas such as dependable systems, big data applications, advanced interactive systems, or biologically inspired computing models. The course may also offer opportunities to collaborate on projects with external organisations.

The programme emphasises practical learning, making use of cutting-edge laboratories, including those within the National Robotarium and the GRID (Games & Design studio and VR labs). The curriculum integrates software engineering with aspects of business management and data analysis. Key software tools, including Python, R, and SQL, are used throughout the studies.

Key highlights

  • Advanced technical knowledge for designing and developing high-quality software systems
  • Practical expertise in maintaining software systems
  • Applies best practices from computer science, engineering and project management

Entry requirements

  • Degree: 2:2 — or above

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

Careers this course leads to

  • Software Engineer
  • Software Developer
  • Software Architect
  • DevOps Engineer
  • Technical Project Manager
  • Quality Assurance Engineer

Career opportunities

Graduates from the MSc Software Engineering programme are well-prepared for various roles within the technology sector. Heriot-Watt University maintains strong rankings for graduate outcomes and the number of its alumni holding CEO or Managing Director positions, indicating excellent career progression. Potential career paths include:

  • Software Developer/Engineer
  • DevOps Engineer
  • Data Scientist
  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • Cybersecurity Analyst/Engineer
  • Cloud Solutions Architect

Cost of study

For international students, the annual tuition fee for the MSc Software Engineering at Heriot-Watt University is £25,480.

Admission

Applications for this course are submitted through the university’s online application portal. Please speak to our experienced advisors for help.

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