BSc (Hons) Computing Science
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia · Putrajaya, Malaysia
QS World University Ranking: N/A
Quick Overview
Apply Now📘 Program Overview
Our BSc (Hons) Computing Science degree focuses on software development and algorithms, with the aim of constructing robust and usable systems for industry and commerce.
You study core computer science, information technology and mathematics in Years 1 and 2, and in Year 3 you take specialised units including elective courses, a year-long final-year dissertation project, and an industrial training programme between Years 2 and 3.
🎯 Course & Curriculum
Course structure
- Build core programming and development skills through Software Development A, Software Development B, and Introduction to Software Engineering.
- Develop computational foundations with Data Structures and Algorithms, Database Management Systems, and Mathematics for Computer Science.
- Learn system thinking and user-facing design basics via Introduction to Computer Systems and Introduction to Interaction Design.
- Start academic and professional foundations for future study through structured mandatory courses in Year 1.
- Strengthen software engineering and computing fundamentals with Software Engineering, Professional Development, and Programming Languages.
- Cover networking and operating-system concepts with Data Communications & Networking and Operating Systems & Concurrency.
- Learn practical integration via Hardware-Software Interface.
- Complete the mandatory industrial training/internship (course code F90IT) for at least 12 weeks between Year 2 and Year 3.
- Focus on advanced computing topics including Research Methods & Requirements Engineering, Computer Network Security, and Artificial Intelligence and Agents.
- Build final-year project capability through Design & Implementation and Project Testing and Presentation.
- Select elective modules to specialise (examples include Data Mining and Machine Learning, Applied Text Analytics, Big Data Management, and 3D Graphics and Animation).
- Complete the components of the final year project formed by Research Methods & Requirements Engineering, Design & Implementation, and Project Testing and Presentation.
Curriculum
| Semester | No. of modules | Module / subject category | credit hours | Semester total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 courses across two semesters (4 each semester) | F28PA Software Development A | 15 | 120 |
| F28PB Software Development B | 15 | |||
| F27ID Introduction to Interaction Design | 15 | |||
| F27XI Mathematics for Computer Science | 15 | |||
| F28SD Introduction to Software Engineering | 15 | |||
| F28DA Data Structures and Algorithms | 15 | |||
| F27CS Introduction to Computer Systems | 15 | |||
| F28DM Database Management Systems | 15 | |||
| Year 2 | 8 courses across two semesters (plus 1 mandatory industrial training course in the summer) | F29SO Software Engineering | 15 | 135 |
| F29DC Data Communications & Networking | 15 | |||
| F29FA Foundations 1 | 15 | |||
| F28PL Programming Languages | 15 | |||
| F29PD Professional Development | 15 | |||
| F29OC Operating Systems & Concurrency | 15 | |||
| F29FB Foundations 2 | 15 | |||
| F28HS Hardware-Software Interface | 15 | |||
| F90IT Industrial Training | 15 | |||
| Year 3 | 5 mandatory courses plus 3 optional courses (final year project components) | F20PA Research Methods & Requirements Engineering | 15 | 120 |
| F20CN Computer Network Security | 15 | |||
| F29AI Artificial Intelligence and Agents | 15 | |||
| F20PB Design & Implementation | 15 | |||
| F20PC Project Testing and Presentation | 15 | |||
| F20DL Data Mining and Machine Learning (Semester 1, optional) | 15 | |||
| F20AA Applied Text Analytics (Semester 2, optional) | 15 | |||
| F20GA 3D Graphics and Animation (Semester 1, optional) | 15 |
Career outcomes
- You build job-ready software and systems development capability through a Computing Science curriculum focused on software development, algorithms, and robust system construction for industry and commerce.
- You gain direct career pathways into roles such as Software Engineer, Software Developer, and System Analyst, supported by the programme’s practical, industry-relevant learning approach.
- You develop skills aligned to in-demand specialisms like Artificial Intelligence and Data Science by taking elective courses in your final year to match your interests.
- You strengthen your employability with industry experience through the mandatory industrial training/internship placement between Year 2 and Year 3.
- You prepare for broader careers that use computing skills beyond pure development, including IT consultancy, project management, and roles that support cybersecurity and machine learning/AI development.
Employability rate
Computing Science graduates in Malaysia typically see an employability rate of around 80% and an unemployment rate of about 20%, reflecting strong demand for software and technology skills but variation by role and hiring cycle.
Together, these figures suggest a comparatively stable outlook when you build relevant project and internship experience alongside your degree.
✅ Entry Requirements
Academic qualification
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Accepted school-level and pre-university qualifications | International applicants must meet Heriot-Watt University Malaysia's standard entry requirements for Year 1. The programme page lists example routes such as A-Level (including B in Mathematics), STPM with GPA 2.67 for relevant subjects (including Mathematics), and IB Diploma points with higher level Mathematics. |
| Additional mathematics and science/technology requirement (where required) | In addition to the entry requirements listed above, applicants must have grade C in Additional Mathematics or C in Mathematics and any one Science/Technology/Engineering subject at SPM/IGCSE level equivalent, as stated on the programme entry requirements page. |
Module matching by study area
| Study area | Match possible? | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science and related computing disciplines | Direct match | Heriot-Watt uses standard entry requirements for Year 1 and will assess eligibility based on your completed academic qualifications and subject background for international applicants. |
Language requirements
As the programme is taught and assessed in English, international applicants must provide evidence of English language proficiency as part of the application process.
MOI (Medium of Instruction)
Other accepted proofs
💶 Fees & Funding
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | MYR 51304 / per year | International students annual tuition fee for BSc (Hons) Computing Science is RM 51,304. |
Proof of financial resources
International applicants typically need to show they can fund tuition and living costs for their period of study in Malaysia; check with the university for the exact documents and amounts required for your visa application.
- Student pass and immigration requirements may require evidence of funds to support study in Malaysia (details provided by relevant immigration/visa guidance).
- If your university requests additional financial evidence for admissions or enrolment, provide the documents in the format they specify.
Important dates
Application window
| Milestone | October - Winter intake | April - Summer intake |
|---|---|---|
| Application portal opens | N/A | N/A |
| Application deadline (final submit) | N/A | N/A |
| Application deadline (EU students) | N/A | N/A |
| Application deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A | N/A |
| Recommended apply-by | N/A | N/A |
| Semester begins | October 01, 2026 | April 01, 2026 |
Pre-application & reviews
| Milestone | October - Winter intake | April - Summer intake |
|---|---|---|
| VPD request - recommended | N/A | N/A |
| VPD result expected | N/A | N/A |
| APS - recommended | N/A | N/A |
| Start eligibility check | N/A | N/A |
Document submission deadlines
| Milestone | October - Winter intake | April - Summer intake |
|---|---|---|
| Application submission deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (EU students) | N/A | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A | N/A |
| Language certificate deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Official transcripts deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Certified translations deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Postal / hard-copy documents deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Missing documents (if requested) | N/A | N/A |
📝 How to Apply
Prepare your qualifications and English evidence
Check that your school-leaving qualification or other accepted international qualification meets Heriot-Watt's Year 1 entry requirements for the BSc (Hons) Computing Science programme. Gather your academic transcripts/certificates and your English language evidence in the format required by the university.
Submit your application to Heriot-Watt for the Malaysia campus
Complete the university application during the published application window and enter your academic and personal details accurately. Upload the required documents (including academic records and your English evidence) before the deadline.
Respond to any additional requests
After submission, the admissions team may request clarification or additional documentation based on your qualification package. Monitor your email and applicant account so you can provide documents promptly if anything is missing or needs verification.