BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Games Programming)

Overview

Our BSc Computer Science degree focuses on constructing robust and usable systems. As well as looking at cutting edge tools and techniques, it’s designed to help you build the next generation of software tools that other system constructors will use. The course aims to give a well-integrated balance of theoretical underpinnings and practical experience, strongly informed by the research expertise of our academic staff.

All year 3 students take part in a year-long group project, where they co-operate in tackling a large, realistic problem. Year 4 students conduct a major, year-long, individual dissertation project.

You can take advantage of our international campuses by taking part in an Inter-Campus Transfer. This gives you the opportunity to study computer science at our Dubai campus for a semester or a year.

Why study computer science at Heriot-Watt University?

• As one of the first universities in the UK to offer undergraduate degree programmes in computing, we provide outstanding education in computer science, computer systems, software engineering and information systems. All our programmes are strongly informed by cutting edge research and close liaison with industry and are delivered by renowned academics who are experts in their field.
• We are one of Scotland's most international universities: around a third of our students in Edinburgh are from outside the UK. We have exchange agreements with the Australian National University in Canberra. In addition, our BSc Computer Systems is offered at our Dubai campus, and Edinburgh students can apply to spend one or more semesters there via the Heriot-Watt's Go Global programme.
• We enjoy very strong links with the UK ICT sector, with representatives of more than 30 companies attending our Industrial Advisory Board. Much of our research is in collaboration with leading computing enterprises.
• All our programmes are accredited by the British Computer Society.
• The Department of Computer Science enjoys substantial support from the EU, RCUK and industry for our research in intelligent systems, interaction, and rigorous systems. We are partners in the world class Edinburgh Centre for Robotics and have cutting edge facilities for research into multi-processor systems. Much of our teaching is research led.

Employability

Work and study

This is what our BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Games Programming) students are doing 15 months after graduating:

• 75% are working
• 5% are studying
• 5% are working and studying.

In highly skilled work

• 95% of those are in highly skilled work 15 months after graduating.

Salary

• The average salary of students 15 months after graduating: £25000
• The average UK salary of students 15 months after graduating from a similar course: £26000

Jobs

These are the most common jobs students go into 15 months after graduating:

• Information technology and telecommunications professionals