Science with Accelerator Programme BSc (Hons)

Our Bachelor Degree Accelerator Programme (The Accelerator) is an alternative route to begin your degree offering direct entry to second-year study across our undergraduate degrees.<br/><br/>**Learning style**<br/><br/>The Accelerator’s style of teaching will best prepare you for degree level studies with lectures, tutorials and seminars, encouraging independent thinking and developing your academic knowledge and skills. <br/><br/>The intensive and focused programme will enable you to:<br/>• transition seamlessly into degree-level studies;<br/>• make an informed choice about your degree;<br/>• develop independent learning skills through our problem-based and student-centric learning approaches;<br/>• learn to work in groups, conduct research and deliver presentations.<br/><br/>**Course options**<br/><br/>The first year of The Accelerator can normally be completed within one academic year (nine months). The programme comprises four year-long courses of 30 credits each. <br/><br/>**Academic skills**<br/><br/>This course introduces students to the study skills, practices and expectations of university study while preparing you to better participate in a tertiary learning environment. Throughout the course, there will be an emphasis on the utility and transferability of these academic skills and competencies not only for foundation and degree studies, but also for employability and lifelong learning.<br/><br/>**Option courses**<br/><br/>There are three options for the science programme, you will need to choose three. Some of these options are mandatory for students who would like to progress on to second year of undergraduate courses in Mathematics or Computer Science.<br/>• Mathematics (Mandatory for Mathematics & Computing Science pathway)<br/>• Computing (Mandatory for Mathematics & Computing Science pathway)<br/>• Physics <br/>• Chemistry<br/><br/>**Degree pathways**<br/><br/>Successful completion of Year 1 of the Accelerator programme offers a direct pathway into Year 2, of a wide range of professionally relevant degrees:<br/>• Chemistry with Placement, MChem<br/>• Mathematical Physics, BSc (Hons)<br/>• Chemistry, BSc (Hons)<br/>• Chemistry, MChem<br/>• Physics, BSc (Hons)<br/>• Physics, MPhys<br/>• Mathematics, BSc (Hons)<br/>• Mathematics with Physics, BSc (Hons)<br/>• Mathematics with Comp Science, BSc (Hons)<br/>• Mathematics with European Language, BSc (Hons)<br/>• Mathematics with Statistics, BSc (Hons)<br/>• Mathematics with Finance, BSc (Hons)<br/>• Mathematical, Statistical and Actuarial Science, BSc (Hons)<br/>• Master of Mathematics<br/>• Mathematical Statistical and Actuarial Sciences with Diploma in Industrial Training, BSc (Hons)<br/>• Mathematics with Finance with Diploma in Industrial Training, BSc (Hons)<br/>• Actuarial Science, BSc (Hons)<br/>• Statistical Data Science, BSc<br/>• Financial Mathematics, BSc (Hons)<br/>• Combined Studies, BSc (Hons)

Heriot-Watt are 2nd in the UK for undergraduate employability (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2024) and 25th in the UK overall (Complete University Guide, 2025). You’ll have lifelong access to their award-winning Careers Service and join the oldest alumni association in the UK with over 166,000 members in 190 countries – The Watt Club.<br/><br/>A vibrant nightlife, eclectic food scene and plenty of shops and green space – Edinburgh has it all. It’s a safe and friendly city and a great place to be a student. That’s why it’s ranked UK’s 2nd best student-friendly city (QS Best Student Cities, 2025). <br/><br/>Moving away from home is a big decision, which is why students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland are offered a £1,500 travel home bursary. This no-strings-attached bursary means you can visit home anytime during your first year (or spend it on something else).<br/><br/>Register for your Heriot-Watt Priority Pass to make sure you are first in line when Clearing opens, or to chat with their friendly team.