Information Technology (Business)

Entry requirements

A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree or non-UK equivalent in a subject which includes knowledge of Computing and IT. 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

Our MSc Information Technology (Business) offers analytical, practical and theoretical courses that combine study of business management and software engineering. They cover the design and development of IT systems, the management of data and IT, business organisation and strategy, project leadership and e-commerce. Computer Science at Heriot-Watt is ranked 6th in Scotland by The Complete University league tables (2021).

The programme does not emphasise computer programming but instead seeks to develop graduates with well developed analytical and project management skills that help them become effective communicators / managers working between software developers and business strategists.

In some cases, the MSc project can be carried out in collaboration with an outside industrial or academic organisation.

Graduates from the programme would be suitable for employment with IT companies, company R&D divisions, financial services organisations, defence contractors or government IT agencies or could register for a PhD.

Enhancements for Your Success

At Heriot-Watt University, our MSc in IT Business programme equips you with the latest knowledge and practical skills essential for a successful career in the dynamic field of Business in tech. Here's why our programme stands out:

• Rankings: We take pride in our ranking as the 6th best choice for Computer Science in Scotland, as recognised by The Complete University Guide in 2022.
• Employability: To ensure your professional success, we have actively partnered with industry leaders to gain a deep understanding of what today's employers are seeking in IT Business professionals.
• Essential Tools: In the competitive landscape of IT Business, mastering essential software tools such as Python, R, SQL, and data visualisation is vital.
• Synergistic Approach: Our revamped course structure encourages a seamless integration of various disciplines, including business management, software engineering, and data analysis. This holistic approach empowers you to address complex IT challenges with confidence, enhancing your problem-solving skills and adaptability in the ever-evolving IT Business 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 IT Business programmes. In fact, many of our academics are qualified data scientists, with many years of experience working in this field.
• Cutting-Edge facilities: To facilitate hands-on learning in computing, we have established state-of-the-art labs, located in the Robotarium and at the GRID. These labs include the Games & Design studio and the university's first VR labs. These resources are integral in providing students with practical, real-world experience when working with authentic datasets and AI models in the context of IT Business.
• Research: The university actively engages in computing research, contributing to the development of new techniques, tools, and strategies for addressing emerging challenges in IT Business. This ongoing research directly informs our IT Business curriculum, ensuring it remains up to date and aligned with industry needs.

Employability

Potential career paths

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