Computer Science BSc

  • UCAS Code G400
  • Duration Up to 4 years
  • Delivery type Full Time
  • Study location
  • Edinburgh

Overview

The Course

Our four year BSc Computer Science Honours degree is oriented to constructing robust and useable systems. We aim to teach people not just how to deploy cutting edge tools and techniques, but how to build the next generation of software tools that other system constructors will use. This programme aims to give a well integrated balance of theoretical underpinnings and practical experience, strongly informed by the research expertise of our academic staff.

Career Prospects

Prospects in industry, commerce and the public sector are excellent. The growth in network services on computers in the office, home, and on mobile handheld devices, has increased the demand for experts who can design, implement and manage systems combining rich computational, communication and multimedia facilities for non-specialist users.

If students wish, they can specialise in later years and graduate with a named degree in Games Programming, Artificial Intelligence or Software Engineering.

Overview

The Course

Our four year BSc Computer Science Honours degree is oriented to constructing robust and useable systems. We aim to teach people not just how to deploy cutting edge tools and techniques, but how to build the next generation of software tools that other system constructors will use. This programme aims to give a well integrated balance of theoretical underpinnings and practical experience, strongly informed by the research expertise of our academic staff.

Career Prospects

Prospects in industry, commerce and the public sector are excellent. The growth in network services on computers in the office, home, and on mobile handheld devices, has increased the demand for experts who can design, implement and manage systems combining rich computational, communication and multimedia facilities for non-specialist users.

If students wish, they can specialise in later years and graduate with a named degree in Games Programming, Artificial Intelligence or Software Engineering.

Programme content

Level 1

You will cover programming, an introduction to computer systems, databases and discrete mathematics.

Level 2

You will continue with software design - both high-level architectural issues as well as algorithms and data structures. Topics from databases, internet, communications and mobility, mathematics and programming language design will also be covered.

Level 3

You will study topics such as artificial intelligence, graphics, operating systems as well as more formal aspects of computing. You will also undertake a group project.

Level 4

You will study advanced topics as well as undertaking a major individual project.

<p> Steven Shiells</p> Tessa Berg

Steven Shiells

Degree MEng Software Engineering with Distinction
Present Job Scott Logic
<p> Steven Shiells</p>

Ever since I wrote my first “Hello World” program at school I knew I wanted to pursue a career in software development and ever since I stepped foot on campus there was only ever going to be one place that I was going to study.


The lecturers are passionate about what they teach.  The enthusiasm they show whilst giving lectures makes it very easy to ask questions in class and also to approach them outside of the lecture for more in-depth discussions.


A great aspect of the programme is that although you get experience in using a number of different programming languages, the core skill set that is taught can be applied to any programming language and you leave the university with all the essential skills needed to make it in industry.


As an MEng student, I undertook a placement, which was brilliant, not only did I put the skills I’d picked up over the previous 4 years into practice, I also got great experience  for my CV and best of all - I got paid! It’s also a good opportunity to get to know people within the industry and start to build up a network of contacts which is helpful for seeking employment after graduation. 


The five years of hard work definitely paid off, not just for me but all the students on the programme because we all secured employment within the industry.

Tessa Berg

School Forth Valley College
Degree BSc (Hons) Information Systems with First Class Honours
Present Job PhD Student at Heriot-Watt University
Tessa Berg

Background
I studied for an Information System HND at Forth Valley College in Falkirk, Scotland, using a good final mark to springboard me into the 3rd year Information Systems programme at Heriot-Watt. I completed my undergraduate degree with a 1st class honours along with a bunch of prizes and awards.

Why did you choose Heriot-Watt University?
I chose Heriot-Watt was for a number of reasons. Firstly, the campus is stunning and offers great facilities such as shops, sports, accommodation, free parking and stunning grounds to name but a few. Secondly, as I am a Mum of three kids, the university needed to be within easy reach. It takes me only 20 minutes by car to get in each day. Finally, it has to be all about the learning opportunities. The information system programme was offering the degree that I wanted, i.e., a good blend of computer science, management and socio-technical systems design.

Who would you recommend this programme to?
I would recommend this programme to all those who just love computers but do not necessarily want to spend hours programming them. Subjects I enjoyed on this programme were database design and SQL manipulation, information system methodologies, web design, interactive design and socio-technical systems. The Info Systems programme is quite unique as it has been created by directly responding to industry and their current working needs. There is a real niche in the market right now for graduates who have good interpersonal, technical and management skills. Even in this current economic climate, I would suggest the opportunities for Information system graduate employment is excellent.

What I am doing now?
Although being offered a variety of different graduate positions I decided to stay within academia. My undergraduate dissertation in 4th year was so compelling that it required considerably more research and I just couldn't leave it alone and go off into industry. Deciding to study for another 3 year

Entry requirements

The University offers as its normal entry routes:

  • entry at Level 1, mainly for students with Scottish Highers (or similar)
  • entry at Level 2, mainly for students with A-levels (or similar).

There is nevertheless considerable flexibility, depending on the level of qualifications, for entrants with A-levels to opt to enter at Level 1 and for Scottish students to enter at Level 2. Direct entry into Level 3 is also possible for students who already have certain HE qualifications.

Level 1 entry

  • Scottish Highers BBBBC including Mathematics
  • GCE A Level BBB including Mathematics
  • Int. Baccalaureate 28 points with Mathematics at Higher Level 5

Level 2 entry

  • GCE A Level ABB including Mathematics and Computing
  • SQA Advanced Highers BBB including Mathematics and Computing plus excellent Highers or Scottish Baccalaureate
  • Int. Baccalaureate 30 points with Mathematics at Higher Level 6.
  • Additional information Those entering at Level 2 are expected to be proficient in a high level programming language, Java is our preference
  • Additional information To find out about the difference between the 3 and 4 year honours programmes, please read our leaflet to help you decide which route is best for your qualifications and experience so far.

Tuition fees

Status* Scotland / EU** England / Northern Ireland / Wales International
Fee Paid by SAAS £9,000 £14,340

* Your residency 'status' is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the 3 years before the start of your programme. Find out more about tuition fees.

** European Union countries, not including England, Northern Ireland or Wales.

Scholarships & bursaries