Computer Science and Software Engineering
Our modern world works because of computer scientists. They develop the systems that are the foundation and glue of our society, and transform our experiences in communications, business, entertainment, gaming and healthcare.
University of Stirling Computing Science and Software Engineering degrees will teach you how to design, build and analyse computer systems alongside creativity, logical analysis, problem-solving and how teamwork builds complex systems. You’ll study practice and techniques for real-world software design and associated programming technologies.
Our degrees are highly practical to address skill shortages and help you step into your career. Our undergraduate courses offer three-month and one-year placements with local small and medium enterprise businesses as well as large corporates.
We are top 5 in Scotland and top 20 in the UK for Computer Science and Information Systems (The Guardian University Guide 2025).
Computer Science and Software Engineering courses
Courses labelled are available for online study only.
| Course | Start date |
|---|---|
| BSc (Hons) Business Computing | September 2025 |
| BSc (Hons) Computing Science | September 2025, January 2026 |
| BSc (Hons) Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | September 2025, January 2026 |
| BSc (Hons) Software Development with Cyber Security | September 2025 |
| BSc (Hons) Software Engineering | September 2025, January 2026 |
| Course | Start date |
|---|---|
| MSc Advanced Computing with Artificial Intelligence | September 2025 |
| MSc Artificial Intelligence | September 2025, January 2026 |
Scholarships
We offer a variety of scholarship and funding options to help you finance your studies at the University of Stirling.
Undergraduate scholarships
See more undergraduate scholarships
Postgraduate scholarships
See more postgraduate scholarships
Graduate careers in Computer Science and Software Engineering
Our Computer Science and Software Engineering graduates are in high-demand in the many fields in which computer systems are extensively used and developed. Jobs directly related to a Computer Science or Software Engineering degree include:
- information systems manager
- data analyst
- IT consultant
- multimedia programmer
- systems analyst
- systems developer
- UX analyst
- web designer
- web developer
- application analyst
- business analyst
- database administrator
- games developer
Our graduates emerge from our courses with a wide range of IT skills and knowledge.
Recent destinations for our graduates include KANA, Logica, Microsoft, Agilent, DERA, Marconi Systems, Adobe Systems Inc., Xerox, Google, HSBC, and Scottish Power.
Partnerships and industry
We have strong links with Scottish industry through its Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) – with members from both Scottish and international companies such as IBM, HSBC and Adobe.
We are a member of The Data Lab, which is an innovation centre with the aim of developing data science talent and skills required by the industry in Scotland.
Our Computing Science and Software Engineering undergraduate courses are accredited by the British Computer Society.
Our BSc (Hons) Software Development with Cyber Security course was developed with our business partners in the IT sector to help solve their skills shortages.
Computer Science and Software Engineering research
We provide a stimulating and lively environment for students, research fellows and visitors. Our Computing Science division is part of the Scottish Informatics and Computer Science Alliance (SICSA) - a Scotland-wide pooling initiative to exchange research and knowledge.
We develop and deploy new computational and mathematical approaches to tackle complex real-world problems. Our research explores the interfaces between computer science, mathematics, life and health sciences, as well as management, finance and social sciences.
Postgraduate research opportunities
As a PhD student researching Computing Science at Stirling, you’ll benefit from the support and expertise of leading academics who encourage you to think outside the box and tackle real problems affecting industry and society.
See our PhD and MPhil opportunities in Computing Science and Mathematics.