BSc Computer Systems
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Computer Science, providing a broad foundation in computing systems and theory. Core topics include Programming and Computer Architecture. The programme offers a structured progression through Software Development modules, with an emphasis on practical coding and professional practice.
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 IB: 28 points. Highers: ABBB (over two sittings). BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM. HNC: B in graded unit. HND: BB in graded units.
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 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 80%
- Left higher education: 10%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 10%
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 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 50%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 45%
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 purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
- 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.
Modules
- Introduction to Interaction Design
- Praxis
- Software Development 1
- Logic and Proof
- Introduction to Games
- Introduction to Computer Systems
- Software Development 2
- Web Design and Databases
- Discrete Mathematics
- Becoming a Professional
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Computer Systems 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 Systems 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 Systems 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 Systems at Heriot-Watt University?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 28 points in the IB. The average entrant had 131 UCAS points.
Is BSc Computer Systems 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 purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional. 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.
How many students continue on BSc Computer Systems at Heriot-Watt University?
80% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.