BSc Data Sciences

The Bachelor of Science (BSc Hons) in Data Sciences programme at Heriot-Watt University concentrates on applying data to address challenges. It combines computer science, statistics, and mathematics to train students in data analysis, machine learning, and big data technologies.

Through this programme, students gain practical skills in applying data science to diverse areas such as healthcare, social media, finance, and commerce. A major part of the curriculum involves studying data ethics and understanding data's impact on decision-making.

Teaching methods in this course include lectures, tutorials, and hands-on labs. Assessment is through examinations, coursework, coding tasks (codes are written using computers, not handwritten), and a final-year project where students solve a data problem.

Heriot-Watt University, established in Edinburgh in 1821, is distinguished as the world's first mechanics' institute. It gained full university status by Royal Charter in 1966. The university is regarded globally for its research, with 86.8% recognised as excellent in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF). It also ranks among the top 18% of European universities and is one of Scotland's best for helping graduates find employment.

Grade Requirements

• For year one entry, international students need an International Baccalaureate of 26 points, including Maths achieved at Higher Level 5.
• Candidates with a BTEC Extended Diploma with grades DDM will also be considered.
• For year 2 entry, an International Baccalaureate of 26 points, which includes Maths and Computer Science at Higher Level 6, is required.
• Applicants need Advanced ABB, including Maths and Computer Science, alongside a Higher ABBB. For applicants with A-Levels, ABB is required, which must include Maths and either Computer Science or Software Systems Development.

English Proficiency

• International students need an IELTS overall score of 6.0, with no score below 5.5.

International students interested in the BSc Data Sciences at Heriot-Watt University should expect to pay £25,008 for full-time study in the 2025/26 academic year.

Heriot-Watt University offers scholarship opportunities for international students to help reduce their expenses and tuition costs. The International Merit Scholarship is available to undergraduates and provides £500,000 in the first year. International undergraduate students can secure funding through the Undergraduate Overseas Scholarship. 

Those with satisfactory academic performance can receive 25% of their tuition fees covered, students demonstrating academic excellence may be awarded 50%, and outstanding academic distinction can lead to a 100% scholarship.

Graduates of the BSc Data Science course from Heriot-Watt University are prepared for promising roles such as:

• Data Analyst
• Data Scientist
• Machine Learning Engineer
• Business Intelligence Analyst
• Software Developer
• Data Engineer

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