Software Engineering Heriot-Watt University

Overview

This programme is meticulously designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to apply cutting-edge techniques and methodologies for developing high-quality software up to professional standards. 

Within this programme, students have the opportunity to specialize in specific areas, including the development of dependable systems, parallel or big data applications, advanced interactive systems such as games, or innovative applications utilizing biologically inspired models of computing. 

In some instances, students have the option to collaborate on their projects with external industrial or academic organizations. 

Upon graduating from this programme, students can anticipate a wide range of career opportunities. They can secure positions with software companies, IT firms, research and development (R&D) divisions of companies, financial services organizations, defence contractors, government IT agencies etc. 

Enhancements for Your Success 

At Heriot-Watt University, our MSc in Software Engineering programme prepares you with the latest knowledge and practical skills essential for a successful career in the dynamic field of software engineering. Here's why our programme stands out: 

• Rankings: We are proud to be ranked as the 6th top choice for Software Engineering in Scotland, as recognised by The Complete University Guide in 2022. 
• Employability: In our commitment to your professional success, we have actively forged partnerships with industry leaders to gain valuable insights into the requirements of today's employers in the software engineering domain. 
• Essential Tools: Proficiency in key software tools such as Python, R, SQL, and data visualization is crucial in the competitive landscape of software engineering. 
• Synergistic Approach: Our restructured course offers a holistic approach that encourages the seamless integration of various disciplines, including software engineering, business management, and data analysis. This approach empowers you to tackle complex software engineering challenges with confidence, enhancing your problem-solving skills and adaptability in the ever-evolving software engineering landscape. 

The National Robotarium  

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.

Your Student Experience

Our expertise

• Heriot-Watt University boasts a distinguished history of over five decades dedicated to the research and teaching of Computer Science.  
• World-Leading Faculty: Heriot-Watt University is known for its strong academic reputation, and this extends to its Software Engineering programme. In fact, many of our academics are qualified software engineers, with many years of experience working in this field. 

• State-of-the-Art Labs: To facilitate hands-on learning, we have created state-of-the-art labs based in the Robotarium as well as at the GRID; including the Games & Design studio and the universities first VR labs. These resources are instrumental in providing students with a practical, real-world experience when working with authentic datasets and AI models.  

Employability

Potential career paths:

• Software Developer/Engineer: As a software developer or engineer, you design, develop, and maintain software applications, ranging from web and mobile apps to desktop applications and system software.
• DevOps Engineer: DevOps (Development and Operations) engineers focus on automating and streamlining the software development and deployment process. They work to improve collaboration between development and IT operations teams.
• Data Scientist: Data scientists use their software engineering skills to analyse and interpret complex data, often building data-driven applications and models for various industries, such as finance, healthcare, and e-commerce.
• Machine Learning Engineer: Machine learning engineers create and deploy machine learning models and algorithms to develop intelligent systems, such as recommendation engines, natural language processing applications, and computer vision solutions.
• Cybersecurity Analyst/Engineer: Cybersecurity professionals with a software engineering background focus on securing computer systems and networks. They work to protect sensitive data and prevent security breaches and cyberattacks.
• Cloud Solutions Architect: Cloud solutions architects design, build, and manage cloud-based infrastructure and services. They are responsible for optimizing and scaling applications in the cloud, often using platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
• Full-Stack Developer: Full-stack developers are proficient in both front-end and back-end development. They work on all aspects of a software application, from the user interface to the server-side logic, and are highly versatile in the software development process.