Course contact details
Admissions Office
Email:studywithus@hw.ac.uk
Phone:0131 451 3376
Heriot-Watt University
Riccarton
Edinburgh
EH14 4AS
Data Sciences
- BSc (Hons)
- 4 Years
- Full-time
- 14 September 2026
- Undergraduate
- Edinburgh Campus
Course summary
This is an exciting, interdisciplinary programme that will give you broad foundations in Data Sciences. It involves all three main specialism of Heriot-Watt School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, namely Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science.
Data Sciences are at the core of the modern data analytics and engineering revolution, turning data into intelligence and information for decision-making and for solving complex, multi-faceted problems, in a rigorous and defensible way. It is a young discipline, and demand for expertise in all aspects of data sciences is growing very quickly, as the availability of data sets, and the need to interpret and use them, increases. Data Scientists are now in great demand in a wide variety of sectors that deal with the collection, analysis, interpretation, structuring and presentation of increasing large and rich data sets. Financial transaction, medical data, energy users, environmental samples are a few examples of large data sets now widely available. Because of this strong global demand, Data Scientist is frequently ranked as the no. 1 most promising job and consistently tops the best jobs rankings, with professionals in the field reporting high demand, high salaries, and high job satisfaction.
Because the BSc in Data Sciences programme is based on a strong mathematical and statistical foundation and emphasises large-scale data computation using the most relevant and up to date programming languages, graduates would be well placed to seek employment in any areas that require specific mathematical and computational abilities or could specialise further by pursuing postgraduate studies at the Master or PhD level. Depending on their interests, graduates may find employment in the areas of business, finance, government, science, transportation, forensics, energy, the environment or academic research
The first 3 years of the programme are designed to provide the necessary core skills and knowledge in mathematics, computer sciences, probability, statistics, machine learning and artificial intelligence. The fourth-year offers the option to focus on advanced machine learning, statistical algorithms and applications, data engineering, mathematical aspects of data structures, or applications to Artificial Intelligence.
This is one of the first BSc programme of its kind in the UK, truly interdisciplinary as well as truly global. The programme is offered in Edinburgh bur also Dubai and Malaysia, thus offering the widest possible options for studying abroad within the GoGlobal programme.
Level 1
Calculus (A and B), Software development (1 and 2), Discrete Mathematics, Introduction to Statistical Science, Praxis, plus one of Introduction to university Maths or Logic and Proof.
Level 2
Calculus and Real Analysis, Linear Algebra, Probability and Statistics (A and B), Data structures and algorithms, Database management systems, Software development 3 and Numerical Analysis A
Level 3
Statistical machine learning, Artificial intelligence and intelligent agents, Software engineering, advanced statistical methods, Bayesian inference and computational methods, Group project plus two of Ordinary differential equations, numerical analysis B, data visualisation analytics or statistical models B
Level 4
Optimisation, Data engineering pipelines, Big data management, advanced machine learning, plus a year-long dissertation and two optional courses from a pool of twelve courses in numerical analysis, stochastic processes, natural language processing with machine learning, data visualisation, advanced statistical and financial mathematics options, or mathematical biology.
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:
- G3DS
- Institution code:
- H24
- Campus name:
- Edinburgh Campus
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
UCAS Tariff Not accepted
A level ABB - AAB
including Mathematics for entry to Year 1.
For entry to Year 2: AAB 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: DDD in a relevant subject (including sufficient Maths and Computing).
Scottish Higher ABBB
including Mathematics.
Scottish Advanced Higher ABB
including Mathematics and Computing plus ABBB at Highers for entry to Year 2.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme 26 points
with Higher Level Mathematics at 5 for entry to Year 1.
For entry to Year 2: 30 points with Maths 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 in relevant subject (including sufficient Mathematics at SCQF Level 6) with B in graded unit for entry to Year 1.
Scottish HND Pass
HND in relevant subject (including sufficient Mathematics at SCQF Level 6) with BB in graded units for entry to Year 1.
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.
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 Maths at B.
Scottish Higher BBBC
including Maths at B.
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
This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course 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
Per year tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|
* 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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