BSc Computer Science (Data Science)
About this course
BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Data Science), a computer science degree focusing on data science methodologies, software development, and modern system design. Core topics include Programming and Computer Architecture. Students have the option to undertake an optional year abroad. The first year covers core foundations through compulsory modules including Logic and Proof, Introduction to Interaction Design, Praxis, Software Development 1, Discrete Mathematics, Introduction to Computer Systems, Software Development 2, and Web Design and Databases.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: BBC (B in Maths required) IB: 28 points. Must include Maths achieved at Higher Level 5. Highers: ABBB (over two sittings). Must include Maths achieved at B. BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM. Must be in a relevant subject and contain sufficient Maths. HNC: B in graded unit. Must be in a relevant subject and contain sufficient Maths at SCQF Level 6. HND: BB in graded units. Must be in a relevant subject and contain sufficient Maths at SCQF Level 6.
What students say
Based on about 42 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 76%
- Learning opportunities: 74%
- Assessment and feedback: 71%
- Academic support: 88%
- Organisation and management: 72%
- Learning resources: 90%
- Student voice: 73%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 95 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 89%
- Left higher education: 4%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 7%
What graduates do next
Based on about 10 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 75%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Information Technology Professionals: 50%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Customer service occupations: 5%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 5%
- Design occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 55%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 80 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 2%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 1%
- East of England: 1%
- London: 4%
- South East: 2%
- Scotland: 87%
Who gets in
Based on about 95 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 68%
- Baccalaureate: 1%
- Access course: 1%
- A degree: 4%
- Other HE qualification: 25%
- No formal qualifications: 1%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
- Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT for the award of Euro-Inf Bachelor Quality Label on behalf of EQANIE (European Quality Assurance Network for Informatics Education e.V.) as satisfying the outcomes of First Cycle Programmes specified by the Euro-Inf Framework Standards and Accreditation Criteria for Informatics Degree Programmes.
- Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
Modules
- Logic and Proof
- Introduction to Interaction Design
- Praxis
- Software Development 1
- Discrete Mathematics
- Introduction to Computer Systems
- Software Development 2
- Web Design and Databases
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Computer Science (Data Science) at Heriot-Watt University earn?
The median salary is £28,000 after 15 months, £31,500 after 3 years, £41,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £29,500 and £59,000. The £41,500 median after five years is £5,500 more than the UK median for Computer science.
What do graduates of BSc Computer Science (Data Science) at Heriot-Watt University do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Computer Science (Data Science) at Heriot-Watt University?
76% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Computer Science (Data Science) at Heriot-Watt University?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 28 points in the IB. The average entrant had 163 UCAS points.
Is BSc Computer Science (Data Science) at Heriot-Watt University accredited?
Yes. Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT for the award of Euro-Inf Bachelor Quality Label on behalf of EQANIE (European Quality Assurance Network for Informatics Education e.V.) as satisfying the outcomes of First Cycle Programmes specified by the Euro-Inf Framework Standards and Accreditation Criteria for Informatics Degree Programmes. Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
Does BSc Computer Science (Data Science) at Heriot-Watt University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Computer Science (Data Science) at Heriot-Watt University?
89% of students continued into their second year, and 4% left higher education.