Key information
Find out more about our 3 year honours degree option.
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Delivery type
- Full Time
- Degree qualification
- BSc (Hons)
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 3-4 years
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Start date
- September
We are no longer accepting Year 1 entry for this programme. For September 2026, only Year 2 entry is possible.
The Software Development for Business graduate apprenticeship programme is designed to provide a solid foundation in computing and its necessary applied skills. It includes object-oriented web programming, writing algorithms and understanding fundamental database programming and management, as well as network security.
The graduate apprenticeship programme is open to new or existing employees in Scotland of all ages and consists of 20% academic learning and 80% work-based learning.
This programme helps you develop highly skilled employees in:
- Software development and testing
- Web development
- Database architecture and development.
Graduate skillset
The Software Development for Business graduate apprenticeship programme aims to produce BSc (Hons) graduates who:
- have a solid foundation in computer science and are proficient in applying programming techniques in diverse application
- are able to operate in a team and multidisciplinary contexts
- have problem-solving skills
- have the ability to develop innovative solutions to society's practical needs
- have developed professional competencies of software engineers.
Key areas of the programme
The primary focus of the Software Development for Business graduate apprenticeship programme is on developing the knowledge, understanding and skills outcomes sought by employers.
Business
- Business functions, behaviours, ethics, and courtesies
- Business strategy and management
- Business finance and accounting
Technology
- Data structures and algorithms
- Object-oriented programming
- Design and development of interactive systems
- Web applications and mobile apps
- Database management systems
- Software development life cycle
- Software design, modelling and analysis
- Software architectures and design patterns
- Software verification, testing and quality assurance
- Cloud-native applications
- Data mining, modelling and data analysis
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Network and software security
Personal and interpersonal
- Communications
- Personal attributes
- Professional attributes
- Team working
Software project and delivery management
- Project management methodologies
- Project planning
- Project execution
- Agile project delivery
- Risk assessment and management
- Software project planning and management
- Software configuration and release management
Your student experience
Ranking (Computer Science, The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)
Ranked 5th in Scotland and Top 30 in the UK for Computer Science by The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.
Ranking (Computer Science and Information Systems, Guardian Good University Guide 2023)
Ranked 3rd in Scotland and 9th in the UK for Computer Science and Information Systems by the Guardian Good University Guide 2023.
Your career
Employers around the world actively seek out our graduates because they are work-ready. All our degrees are career-focused and relevant to the needs of industry. Around 95% of our students are in employment or further study within six months of graduating.
Course content
September Intake - Edinburgh
Year 1
This Year 1 course listing is for information only. As we are only accepting Year 2 applicants at this time, students will begin their studies in Year 2.
Mandatory January
- Enterprise and its Business Environment
- Software Development 2
Mandatory AY
- Introduction to Computer Systems
- Internet Technologies 1
- Industrial Praxis
Mandatory September
- Introduction to Interaction Design
- Software Development 1
Mandatory May
- Industrial Project: Software Development Methods
Year 2
Mandatory September
- Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms
Mandatory January
- Data Structures and Algorithms
Optional January
- Hardware-Software Interface
Mandatory AY
- Database Management Systems
- Internet Technologies 2
- Programming Languages
- Introduction to Software Engineering
- User-Centred Experimental Design
Optional AY
- Industrial Project: Structured Prog
Year 3
Mandatory September
- Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Agents
Mandatory AY
- Software Engineering
- Computer Networks and Communications
- Professional Development
- Industrial Project: Software Quality
- Operations Management
- Digital Enterprise Services
Mandatory January
- Accounting for Managers
Year 4
Mandatory September
- Computer Network Security
- Industrial Project: Research Methods and Requirements Engineering
- Strategic Management
Mandatory AY
- Data Mining and Machine Learning
- Industrial Project: Testing and Presentation
- Mobile Communications and Programming
- Industrial Project: Design and Implementation
Mandatory January
- Project Management
Disclaimer
The courses mentioned above may change between now and the time that you study. For more information, please view our Terms and Conditions.
Entry requirements
We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.
Year 2
Year 2: – 96 SCQF credits at level 7, for example:
- SQA Advanced Highers at BBB including Computing and excellent SQA Highers or Scottish Baccalaureate plus suitable Mathematics;
- A-Levels at ABB including Computing plus suitable Mathematics;
- Int. Baccalaureate 30 points including Mathematics and Computing at Higher Level 6.
Why Heriot-Watt
We have been producing career-ready graduates since 1821. With our roots as the world’s first Mechanics Institute, Heriot-Watt is a pioneering university with a global reach.
At Heriot-Watt, learning goes beyond the lecture theatre. We tackle real world challenges through extraordinary research – from climate change to protecting our oceans, to advancing life-saving medical breakthroughs and shaping the next generation of AI. We are also committed to developing forward-thinking design and sustainable business practices that impact industries worldwide. On our campuses you’ll find some of the world’s most advanced facilities, while our strong industry links set you up for career success. This is why almost 90% of our graduates are in employment or further education (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).
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