Data Science (2 years)

Entry 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.

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

September

Course content

The MSc Data Science (2 years) programme equips you with essential technical skills across Programming, Data Engineering, Statistics, Machine Learning, and Data Visualisation—enabling you to extract and communicate meaningful insights from complex datasets. This exciting, multi-disciplinary field is in high demand, and the programme positions you as a highly sought-after professional across a wide range of industries.

Specifically designed for graduates looking to transition into a career in Data Science from a background outside computing, this two-year pathway provides a rare opportunity to gain the knowledge and capabilities required to succeed in this advanced and evolving domain. Whether your previous studies or experience lie in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, biological sciences, or the social sciences, the programme equips you with the necessary foundations and technical expertise to thrive in data-driven roles.

The first year of the programme 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.

As a research-led university, Heriot-Watt is committed to developing technically skilled professionals. Your learning experience is further enhanced through the MSc project, where you will tackle a substantial data-driven challenge. In some cases, this project may be conducted in collaboration with an external academic or industry partner, strengthening your professional readiness and offering valuable real-world exposure.

You may also wish to consider our MSc Applied Data Science programme, which focuses on developing strong data literacy and analytical skills for decision-making roles—whereas the MSc Data Science is designed for those aiming to become developers, engineers, or technical specialists in data-intensive environments.

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 6th best in Scotland for Computer Science, according to The Complete University Guide 2022.
• 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 programs. 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 (Two-Year) 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