Introduction
The Sino-Foreign Cooperative Education Program in Data Science and Big Data Technology is jointly offered by Xidian University and Heriot-Watt University. Approved for enrollment in 2025, it plans to admit 120 students annually and is included in the national regular higher education enrollment plan. Applicants are selected based on merit after their Gaokao scores meet the minimum admission control line for the corresponding batch in their respective province/municipality/region. Upon enrollment and registration, admitted students hold student status at both Xidian University and Heriot-Watt University.
Heriot-Watt University is a world-renowned institution founded in 1821 with over 200 years of history. It is the world's first mechanical engineering college and the eighth oldest university in the UK. In the UK's most authoritative Research Excellence Framework (REF) assessment, its engineering and mathematics fields ranked first in Scotland and third in the UK, with 90% of its research outputs rated as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent'. It has won the UK's highest higher education award, The Queen's Anniversary Prize, four times. Benefiting from career-oriented curriculum design, its undergraduate employment rate ranks first in Scotland and second in the UK; the proportion of its graduates becoming CEOs or managing directors ranks first among UK universities.
Studies & Degree
The program follows a four-year duration with a "3+1" model (three years in China, one year in the UK). Students who complete all four years of study and meet the degree conferral conditions will be awarded the undergraduate graduation certificate and the Bachelor of Engineering degree in Data Science and Big Data Technology from Xidian University, as well as the Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Software Engineering from Heriot-Watt University. The program is taught entirely in English; candidates who took a language other than English as their foreign language subject in the national entrance examination are advised to consider their application carefully. Graduates can enter the workforce directly or apply for Master's programs. Outstanding students may, according to Xidian University regulations, obtain recommendation for exemption from the entrance examination for postgraduate studies to pursue Master's degrees at top-tier domestic universities, or apply for further studies at leading overseas universities or those in Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan.
This program leverages the advantages of Xidian University's "Computer Science and Technology" Double First-Class discipline and ESI Top 0.01% subject, combined with Heriot-Watt University's international teaching and research resources, to significantly enhance students' employment competitiveness. Students can obtain dual degrees awarded by both Chinese and British institutions. They will receive an educational curriculum and practical training integrating the characteristics of both countries' systems, comprehensively enhancing their professional capabilities and international perspective, making them more attractive in the job market. Heriot-Watt University's curriculum closely aligns with industry needs, providing abundant internship and employment resources. Xidian, drawing on its profound foundation in electronic information and defense/military industry, actively guides students towards employment in key national units and research institutes, achieving high-quality employment.
Tuition Fee and Others
Based on educational cost accounting and approved by the Ministry of Education, the annual tuition fee for students during the first three years of study in China is 80,000 RMB per student. For the fourth year of study in the UK, students pay tuition fees according to Heriot-Watt University's international student standard for that year. For reference, the tuition fee for Heriot-Watt University in 2025 is approximately 22,500 GBP (tuition fees are subject to annual increases).
Program Inquiry: School of Computer Science and Technology, Mr. Yin, 029-81891390
