Overview

The Data Science (2 years) at Heriot-Watt University focuses on building core competencies in Software Engineering and Information Systems, providing a strong technical base. In the second year, you’ll develop advanced skills in storing, processing, and modelling large datasets using cutting-edge algorithms and technologies. You’ll also explore key techniques for interpreting and visualising information—transforming raw data into actionable insights.

The curriculum blends theoretical foundations with hands-on practical application. You’ll learn how to design and implement data science workflows, work with real-world datasets, and apply data analysis tools in a variety of contexts. Optional modules allow you to tailor your degree to areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, and Software Engineering—enabling deeper specialisation aligned with your interests and career ambitions.

Careers

Data Scientist: Collect, analyse, and interpret large data sets to identify trends and drive business decisions.
Data Engineer: Build infrastructure and pipelines for data collection, storage, and analysis.
Machine Learning Engineer: Develop and optimize machine learning models and algorithms.
Business Analyst: Analyse data to solve business problems and identify opportunities for improvement.

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Programme Structure

Course include:

Databases and Information Systems

Knowledge Management

Mathematical Tools for Data Science

Advanced Software Engineering

Project Management

Sociotechnical and Soft Systems

e-Commerce Technology

Data Mining and Machine Learning

Statistical Modelling and Analysis

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Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-14 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-31 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-08-03 00:00:00 , International

More details

International students must apply at least 6 weeks before teaching is due to begin.

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

79

OR

4

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

63

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IELTS

6

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Data Science & Big Data View 418 other Masters in Data Science & Big Data in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Lower Second Class

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

79

OR

4

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

63

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree or non-UK equivalent in a subject area which includes some numeracy. Programming skills would be preferable but not essential, either through your degree or a short course.

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

26296 GBP / year

≈ 26296 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

12584 GBP / year

≈ 12584 GBP / year

Additional Details

For the second year, the tuition fee is: £10,864 for UK Nationals and £20,456 for International Applicants.

Living costs

Edinburgh

United Kingdom

725 - 1167 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Postgraduate scholarships and bursaries

We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Data Science (2 years).

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Careers

Get more details

Programme Structure

Check out the full curriculum

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

Explore more key information

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Make sure you meet all requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Edinburgh

Funding

Postgraduate scholarships and bursaries

Check for any work restrictions

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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