Heriot-Watt University
Riccarton
Edinburgh
EH14 4AS
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Course contact details
Admissions Office
Email:studywithus@hw.ac.uk
Phone:0131 451 3376
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Computer Science (Cyber Security)
- BSc (Hons)
- 4 Years
- Full-time
- 14/09/2026
- Undergraduate
- Edinburgh Campus
Course summary
The world relies on technology more than ever before. As a result, today the prevention of cyberattacks, data breaches and identity theft are a priority for individuals, businesses and governments alike.
In order to target this growing requirement within industry, Heriot-Watt has designed a brand new programme for 2020, BSc Computer Science (Cyber Security). This Undergraduate programme will provide students with a sound foundation and applied skills in Computer Science with an emphasis in Cyber Security, in addition to other professional skills, enabling them to succeed in meeting the cyber security challenges facing modern organisations today.
In this programme you will learn about the foundations of networks and computer systems, thereby allowing you to understand how communications can be probed and altered, and systems can be forensically analysed. You’ll also learn about techniques for secure programming and how real-world networks and systems are protected with fundamental techniques such as access control, encryption, and intrusion detection.
In each of the first 3 years of the programme students take 8 mandatory courses and in Year 4 they take 5 mandatory courses and 3 optional courses from the 4th year optional course list.
How to apply
Apply by
14 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- G4CS
- Institution code:
- H24
- Campus name:
- Edinburgh Campus
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
Entry requirements
Standard Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - BBC - ABB
including **Mathematics at B for entry to Year 1.
For entry to Year 2: ABB including Mathematics and Computing.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM
in a relevant subject (including sufficient Mathematics) for entry to Year 1.
For entry to Year 2: DDM in a relevant subject (including sufficient Mathematics and Computing).
Scottish Higher - ABBB
including **Mathematics.
Scottish Advanced Higher - BBB
including Mathematics and Computing plus ABBB at Highers for entry to Year 2.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 28 points
with **Mathematics at Higher Level 5 for entry to Year 1.
For entry to Year 2: A total of 30 points with Mathematics and Computing at Higher Level 6.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
It is also a requirement of every applicant to have English and Mathematics at a minimum of National 5 Grade C or GCSE Grade C or 4 (or equivalent)
Scottish HNC - Pass
HNC with B in graded unit (including sufficient Mathematics at SCQF Level 6) for entry to Year 1.
For entry to Year 2: HNC in relevant subject (including sufficient Mathematics and Computing at SCQF Level 6) with A in graded unit and 120 SCQF credit points.
Scottish HND - Pass
For entry to Year 1: HND in relevant subject (including sufficient Mathematics at SCQF Level 6) with BB in graded units.
For entry to Year 2: HND in relevant subject (including sufficient Mathematics and Computing at SCQF Level 6 and Computing) with AB in graded units.
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6) - Pass
We accept Foundation Apprenticeships in combination with other qualifications such as SQA Highers and Advanced Highers.
T Level
We will consider T Levels as suitable for entry to our degree programmes, however, certain subject requirements may be required for entry to specific programmes. Where this is not evident as part of the T Level studies, we may ask for additional qualifications.
Unfortunately, there are no HNDs which sufficiently cover the content we teach in Years 1-2 to allow Year 3 entry.
**Not studying mathematics or worried about meeting the mathematics requirement? Consider applying for BSc Computer Systems. In Year 1 of this degree it is possible to take optional mathematics courses. Then, subject to good performance, a programme transfer to BSc Computer Science for Year 2 onwards can be requested.
We operate contextual admissions defined by our Fair Access Policy which may mean entry requirements are flexible.
We accept a wide range of other qualifications from the UK, Europe and International countries. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for further information on the entry requirements for these.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
-
A level - BCC
including B in Maths
Scottish Higher - BBBC
including B in Maths
GCSE/National 4/National 5 - It is also a requirement of every applicant to have English and Mathematics at a minimum of National 5 Grade C or GCSE Grade C or 4 (or equivalent)
-
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6) - Pass
We accept Foundation Apprenticeships in combination with other qualifications such as SQA Highers and Advanced Highers.
T Level
We will consider T Levels as suitable for entry to our degree programmes, however, certain subject requirements may be required for entry to specific programmes. Where this is not evident as part of the T Level studies, we may ask for additional qualifications.
The University guarantees to make a minimum entry offer to anyone who would be considered a Home or Rest of UK (RUK) applicant and who has achieved, or can achieve, the required grades from the following categories:
Priority postcode areas – Home Scottish applicants from SIMD20 postcodes or RUK applicants from POLAR 4 quintile 1 areas – identified through Scottish and UK government targets.
Care experience – Home Scottish or RUK applicants who have had experience of care, including adoption, kinship care, foster care and home supervision orders.
English language requirements
Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not been educated previously in the English language must provide evidence of their English language ability to ensure they can cope with the demands of a Heriot-Watt programme taught and assessed in English. Further information about the English Language tests that we currently accept as proof of English Language ability including our own English Language programmes, can be viewed on our website.
HWU English Language Requirements https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/entry/english-language-requirements.htm
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
We realise that not everyone has an equal opportunity to evidence their full potential from school or college qualifications alone, so we use all the information you provide on your application form to assess both your current achievements and potential to thrive at university. Our minimum entry levels apply to MD20, POLAR 4 Q1 and care experienced students. Students from other widening access backgrounds may get an adjusted offer which is slightly lower than our standard entry requirements.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not available
Historical entry grades data is not currently available for Heriot-Watt University - we are working with them to try and make it available soon - learn more.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £1820 | Year 1 |
| EU | £25008* | Year 1 |
| International | £25008* | Year 1 |
* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
202627 tuition fees are subject to confirmation
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