Heriot-Watt Online MSc Computer Science: My Journey Through the Performance-Based Admission (PBA) Route
21st of October, 2026
From the Performance-Based Admission route to scoring 98% on the programming exam, I'm now officially admitted to Heriot-Watt University's Online MSc in Computer Science! 🥳
We all have dreams, right? So, I enrolled, went all in, and took the leap of faith. I did it tired, anxious, and scared. No excuses, just did it. And then 98% and full admission. Haha! 😂
Let's be honest. Getting into a legitimate Master's degree in STEM isn't just about paying tuition fees and getting a degree. Heriot-Watt University is so prestigious that it is the home to the UK’s National Robotarium. So yes, you have to work hard to earn this degree!
Luckily, the PBA route gives us the opportunity to pursue our dream of earning a Master's degree in Computer Science, even without a traditional CS background or a previous degree. ❤️
Here's how my journey went:
Step 1: Application
I submitted my application and supporting documents. If you don't have a computer science background or previous degree, the PBA route is an option for you. I took this route.
Before applying, I'd completed a year of study towards a full-stack programming certification focused on the JavaScript MERN stack through the MIT Programming Bootcamp. This gave me some experience with frontend, middleware, backend, CI/CD, and so forth. So, although I came from a solid business background, I wasn't starting from zero in programming.
Step 2: Enrolment
Once I received my PBA route acceptance, I enrolled. The tuition wasn't cheap, and I knew learning Java would take time and nerves. Every programming language has its own quirks, but I decided to go for it anyway.
Step 3: Coursework
The coursework spanned one semester of around four months. I studied when I was tired, anxious, and scared, constantly reminding myself: No excuses, just get things done.
One thing that helped was the AWS Junior Developer Specialisation on Coursera, which was available through my enrolment. After completing just the first two courses, I already felt more comfortable tackling the MSc modules.
Step 4: The Java Programming Exam
The exam was tricky! You really had to watch out for the smallest details, such as semicolons, the pipe symbol (|), commas, and so on, especially when it comes to the Java syntax traps.
I finished in about two hours, leaving myself time to double check my answers. I've shared my exam tips and the traps I encountered here: my Java exam tips.
Step 5: The Viva
About a week after the exam, I was invited to an online viva with Professor Christos. I had six days to prepare.
Out of extreme anxiety, I prepared as if I were applying for a junior Java developer position. Haha! 😂
During the viva, I was asked questions about my exam answers and had to explain my reasoning. Thankfully, I found the questions manageable. I guess overpreparing paid off!
Step 6: Results Day, 98%!
After roughly three weeks of anxious waiting, the results finally came out.
I was just praying to pass. Then I saw 98%.
I was speechless! And then my brain went from “Thanks God I passed!” to “Holy cow, what did I miss to get 100%”? 😂
It's wild how quickly you can go from worrying about passing to suddenly wondering which one holy question cost you those last two percentage points!
Step 7: Success, You're In!
I successfully completed the PBA route stage and am now continuing with the remaining subjects of the MSc programme. There's still plenty to learn, but I'm excited for what's ahead.
My understanding is that students have up to 8 years to complete the programme, subject to the university's regulations, although I personally hope to finish much earlier!
Final Thoughts
I'm genuinely thankful to Heriot-Watt University and Dr. Abrar for helping make this opportunity possible for people like me who come from a non STEM background❤️.
In my experience, the academic and administrative teams have been supportive throughout the process. Special shout out to instructor Tess Watt❤️ and admin Debbie❤️. Thank you so much for your support! ❤️
Would I recommend the programme? Definitely! Just be prepared to put in the work.
No excuses. Just did it. And you can give yourself that chance, too! ❤️❤️❤️
P.S. Want more tips for the Java programming exam? I've shared my study notes, exam tips, and lessons learned here: My Study Notes