Key information
Heriot-Watt University was ranked 1st in Scotland for Software Engineering by the National Student Survey 2025.
- UCAS code
- G601
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Delivery type
- Full Time
- Degree qualification
- MEng
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 4-5 years
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Start date
- September
Our MEng Software Engineering equips you with the essential professional skills required to develop resilient and secure systems and ensures a well-rounded education in software engineering.
This curriculum dives into the core concepts of computer science, laying the groundwork for advanced studies in software engineering. The curriculum is carefully crafted to cover both theoretical principles and practical applications, preparing students to address real-world challenges in the field.
The highlight of the fifth year is a dedicated period of paid industrial placement, providing students with the invaluable opportunity to apply your skills in a professional setting. This industry exposure not only enhances your practical abilities but also opens doors to potential employment opportunities. Many graduates receive job offers from their placement employers, showcasing the programme's success in preparing students for a seamless transition into the workforce.
Reasons to study this programme:
- Global Perspective: Opportunity to study at our Dubai campus or our partnering university - the Australian National University - in Canberra through the Go Global programme.
- Student equipment fund: Supporting students in purchasing technology (either in hardware, data or software) to explore the usage of and code development for new platforms, as part of a taught course or as a personal project.
- Applied learning: A year dedicated to placement in the industry, allowing students to apply knowledge and skills learnt in the programme to making impact in real-life scenarios.
- World-class facilities: Gain access to the National Robotarium which fosters the teaching and development of the next generation of roboticists, producing highly-skilled graduates who are trained to conduct world-leading research with a market focus.
- Comprehensive, customisable curriculum: Provides opportunity to specialise in several areas through optional courses, including software engineering, climate change and sustainability, and numerical analysis.
- Professional accreditation: Accredited by The Chartered Institute for IT and the British Computer Society (BCS), giving employers confidence in the quality of this programme and help graduates gain a competitve edge in the industry and job market.
Your student experience
Your Learning Environment
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Heriot-Watt’s GRID (Global Research, Innovation and Discovery) is a ground-breaking facility to advance global research, innovation and discovery. GRID provides an innovative teaching and learning environment for our computing students. It is also home to our groundbreaking VR Labs and Games Design Studio.
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Enjoy research-led teaching by our enthusiastic staff
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Our student equipment fund is an initiative to support students in purchasing technology (either in hardware, data or software) to explore the usage of and code development for new platforms, as part of a taught course or as a personal project. Recent purchases include Parrot AR.Drone 2.0s, Oculus Rifts and Raspberry Pi 2s.
Course content
September Intake - Edinburgh
Disclaimer
The courses mentioned above may change between now and the time that you study. For more information, please view our Terms and Conditions.
Programme Video
Software Engineering - Meet Hamish
From rural Aberdeenshire, Hamish has been driven by a lifelong curiosity about how technology connects people. Discover how he's using his Software Engineering expertise to give back to his community.
The Heriot-Watt experience
Find out from Heriot-Watt staff and students why studying undergraduate Computer Science at Heriot-Watt University is the best choice!
Student testimonials
See moreSince a young age, I've wanted to contribute something to the wider world and give back to the people that raised me. I also have had a vast appreciation for the technological world since I was young. My favourite moment so far is from the recent exam season. Our cohort came together early in the morning and helped each other with last minute studies. I also am a very active gym goer; I encourage and help teach my friends at the gym as we continue our journey of self-improvement and have been going to Oriam for three years now. During my time at Heriot-Watt I have had plenty of support and guidance.
Fees and funding
| Status | Fee |
|---|---|
| Scotland | Paid by SAAS |
| England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland | £9,790 |
| International | £25,808 |
- Status: Your residency status is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course.
- International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above).
Scholarships and bursaries
Bursaries for students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales
In addition to government loans and grants towards the costs of fees and living costs, we are offering generous financial support to attract and support eligible undergraduate students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales:
- Heriot-Watt University Bursary (up to £3,100 per year)
Entry requirements
We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.
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).
Employability
Work and study
Salary
Potential career paths
- Information Technology professionals
Student life
Explore facilities, and chat to staff and students
Discover Uni course data
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