Data Science

Entry requirements

Admission requires a second class honours degree or non-UK equivalent that includes substantial components of computer science and programming.

Applicants that do not meet the computer science or programming requirements for the one year programme may be eligible for entry onto the 2 year programme. Please note: entry onto the 2 year programme is only available for the September intake.

We welcome applications from international students and accept qualifications from around the world. Please refer to the entry requirements for your country for more details.

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.

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

The MSc Data Science is a 1-year programme that equips you with the expertise to extract, analyse, and communicate meaningful insights from vast and complex datasets—making you an invaluable asset across a wide range of industries. Designed for those with a background in computing or related disciplines, the programme blends rigorous theoretical foundations with practical, hands-on skills essential for managing and analysing large-scale data.

Data Science is a dynamic, multi-disciplinary field that draws upon programming, data engineering, statistics, machine learning, and data visualisation. This programme offers comprehensive training across all these domains, enabling you to model, store, and process substantial datasets using advanced algorithms and technologies. You will also explore cutting-edge tools and methods for visualising and interpreting information—turning raw data into actionable knowledge.

A diverse range of optional modules allows you to tailor your learning to suit your interests and career goals, with opportunities to specialise in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, statistical modelling, or software engineering.

The skills developed throughout the programme are highly transferable and applicable across both industrial and scientific sectors. Your learning culminates in an MSc project, giving you the opportunity to apply your expertise to a significant, real-world data challenge. In many cases, this project can be conducted in collaboration with an external academic or industry partner, enhancing your professional experience and industry readiness.

Enhancements for Your Success

At Heriot-Watt University, our MSc in Data Science programme empowers you with the most cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills required for a thriving career in data science. Here's what sets us apart:

• Excellence in Rankings: We take pride in our ranking as the 1st in Scotland and 6th in the UK for Artificial Intelligence, according to Daily Mail University League Table 2025
• Industry-Driven Employability: To ensure your success, we've actively collaborated with industry experts to understand precisely what employers are seeking in data scientists. We've meticulously integrated these insights into our programme, giving you a competitive edge during job interviews and setting you up for success from day one.
• Mastery of Essential Tools: In today's competitive job market, proficiency in key software tools like Python, R, SQL, and data visualisation is essential for data scientists. Our programme will equip you with mastery of these indispensable tools.
• Streamlined Synergy: Our revamped course structure promotes greater synergy between different subject areas like statistics, machine learning, and big data engineering. This holistic understanding will empower you to tackle complex data challenges with ease, enhancing your problem-solving capabilities.

Global Research Institutes (GRIs)

Heriot-Watt University is home to four world-leading Global Research Institutes (GRIs), designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and tackle some of the most pressing global challenges of our time. These dynamic hubs bring together leading researchers, industry partners, policymakers, and stakeholders from across academia, government, and business—creating vibrant ecosystems that drive innovation, inform policy, and deliver real-world impact. The GRIs are closely integrated with teaching and learning, ensuring that students benefit directly from cutting-edge research and develop the skills and experience needed to become future leaders in their fields.

• The National Robotarium is a world-leading centre for Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, creating innovative solutions to global challenges by accelerating research from lab to market.

• Health and Care Technologies transforms cutting-edge research into impactful solutions that enhance lives, improve healthcare systems, and support global health innovation.

• iNetZ+ (Net Zero and Beyond) pioneers transformative technologies and strategies to address the climate crisis and lead the transition to a carbon-neutral future.

• The Lyell Centre is a global leader in earth and marine science, using advanced technologies to tackle environmental and sustainability challenges through both fundamental and applied research.

Together, these Global Research Institutes position Heriot-Watt at the forefront of innovation and knowledge exchange—advancing science, technology, and society.

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 data science programmes. In fact, many of our academics are qualified data scientists, 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.
• Cutting-Edge Research: The university is actively involved in data science research, contributing to the development of new techniques, tools, and strategies to combat emerging threats. This research informs the curriculum and keeps it up to date.

Accreditation

The MSc Data Science is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS), meeting the academic requirements for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status.

Information for international students

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.

Fees and funding

Scholarships and bursaries