The escalating reliance on digital technology has made fortifying against cyber threats, such as attacks, data breaches, and identity theft, more crucial than ever. This urgency is a shared priority among individuals, businesses, and governments today.

The BSc in Computer Science (Cyber Security) programme establishes a robust foundation, imparting practical skills in computer science with a distinct focus on cyber security. It equips students not only with technical proficiency but also with essential professional skills necessary to tackle the contemporary challenges in cyber security faced by organisations and society.

This programme delves into the core concepts of networks and computer systems, enabling an understanding of how communications can be probed and manipulated while also teaching forensic analysis of systems. Students will explore secure programming techniques and the essential methods for safeguarding real-world networks and systems, including access control, encryption, and intrusion detection.

Throughout the initial three years, students engage in eight compulsory courses per year, and in the fourth year, they pursue five security related mandatory courses alongside three elective ones.

Tools for Your Success

• Rankings: We are Ranked 6th in Scotland for Computer Science by The Complete University Guide 2023

• Industry-Validated Curriculum: Our programme is meticulously crafted in consultation with leaders in the field of computer science. This ensures that you're equipped with the precise skills sought after by employers, giving you a competitive edge in the job market right from the beginning of your career.

• Mastery of Essential Software Tools: In today's dynamic tech landscape, mastering fundamental software tools like Python, data analysis libraries, and programming frameworks is crucial. We've intensified our focus on these tools, ensuring you're well-versed and ready to thrive in practical computer science applications.

• Integrated Course Structure: We've optimised our course structure to create a cohesive learning experience, emphasising the interconnectedness of various computer science disciplines. This integrated approach will empower you to solve intricate challenges and innovate across multiple domains within the field.

• Access to Advanced Topics: Through our updated curriculum, you'll explore a range of advanced subjects, including machine learning, computational intelligence, and data mining. This expansion of your expertise will refine your skills and prepare you for tackling complex real-world computing projects.

The National Robotarium

The National Robotarium is Located on Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh campus, in partnership with The University of Edinburgh, the National Robotarium creates innovative solutions to global challenges, working directly with industry to test and develop robotic, AI and automated technologies and rapidly move pioneering research from lab to market.

The National Robotarium 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, and developing programmes to equip the current and future workforce with robotics, data and programming skills.

Study abroad, placement year and more

• You can go on an Inter-Campus Transfer to study Computer Science abroad at our Dubai campus for one semester or more through Go Global

• We have exchange agreements with the Australian National University in Canberra.

Your Learning Environment

• 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.

• Enjoy research-led teaching by our enthusiastic staff

• 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.

Global College foundation pathway for Computer Science

If you do not meet the entry requirements for BSc (Hons) Computer Science, you might consider foundation study with Heriot-Watt Global College, where you can follow an accelerated pathway which will get you onto the second year of this degree.

Course Video

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJA0aEBVoqM&t=1s

English Language Requirements

If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability.

The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5.

If you do not have IELTS 6.0, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies.

Please see our detailed English language requirements.