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Heriot-Watt University has a 200-year history, and over that time has cultivated an outstanding reputation for its quality of teaching and research.
Despite being one of the oldest learning institutions in the UK, it offers a contemporary, research-driven approach to learning that ensures students are always benefiting from the very latest in global knowledge.
The Edinburgh campus is based on 380 acres of parkland just outside of the city centre, although courses are also available at the Borders campus, the Orkney campus and online. There are also international campuses in Dubai and Malaysia.
Heriot-Watt offers a vibrant student environment, with modern facilities and extensive support giving students the best chance of success. All courses are tailored towards future employability and the enhancement of global society.
The campuses are well placed for an enriching student life, whether it’s enjoying the wonderful culture of Edinburgh or the breath-taking scenery and outdoors activities of the Orkney Islands.
And there is plenty to do within the university too, including events run by the students’ union alongside a wealth of clubs and societies, helping postgraduate students to feel included in its welcoming student community.
Postgraduate
Heriot-Watt University is an excellent choice for postgraduate study. It offers a comprehensive program of both taught and research qualifications, contemporary resources and facilities, and excellent support.
The university is renowned for the quality of its research – postgraduate students have the opportunity to join in with that work, or through taught degrees to incorporate the latest cutting-edge breakthroughs into their study.
A selection of study options are available, including full-time, part-time and online courses.
There is a wide selection of postgraduate qualifications available at Heriot-Watt University, including a healthy mix of taught and research options. Students will benefit from extensive support and quality facilities, including all the resources and equipment they need to complete their work.
Students on taught courses will be led by expert lecturers and tutors, many of whom have worked extensively in their respective fields for a number of years. Teaching staff are enthusiastic, highly qualified and can communicate their expertise to students from a wide variety of backgrounds. Postgraduate students benefit from plenty of contact time with their tutors and supervisors and mentors, with many opportunities for feedback throughout the course. Seminars and workshops will normally be a blend of theory and hands-on practical work.
Students on research qualifications will also benefit from a tutor, although their role will be more to guide the student on their own path rather than directly teach them the subject matter.
The entry requirements for postgraduate study at Heriot-Watt University vary by course. While undergraduate degree is typically required, often in a related subject, students from all backgrounds will be considered and mature students are able to use work experience as a contributing element in their application.
Courses at Heriot-Watt University are delivered in English, so postgraduates who don’t speak English as their first language must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency before starting their course. There are several accepted assessment systems, however the most commonly used is IELTS. Minimum IELTS score for postgraduate entry is 6.5 (or equivalent), with the exception of the following courses: computer science programmes, energy (Dubai only), and renewable energy which require IELTS 6.0, and languages, and petroleum engineering (Dubai only) which require IELTS 7.0.
Students can find the specific entry requirements for their course on the university’s website. Some may require students to demonstrate their knowledge or passion for their subject, either in the form of an interview or a portfolio of existing work.
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Heriot-Watt University is a well-established and respected university, particularly for its research work. While students on taught courses will benefit from excellent tuition, it is the world-leading research which gains the university its outstanding reputation. Students in all fields will benefit from the latest developments, while those on research degrees will actively contribute towards it.
The university’s engineering and technology qualifications are renowned for their quality, and Heriot-Watt is one of the best universities for textiles and fashion degrees in the UK. The Borders campus recently saw a multi-million pound refurbishment, which has created an inspiring learning environment with integrated learning facilities, specialised workshops and computer aided design suites.
The Orkney campus is one of the most unique in the country, with its International Centre for Island Technology incorporating live marine research in exciting ways. Students will benefit from learning in a beautiful and natural environment, getting hands-on with their surroundings.
All of the taught courses at Heriot-Watt are designed with employability in mind. The university is No. 1 in Scotland and 4th in the UK for graduate employability, due to its career-focused degrees and the university’s international industry partners. Students are not just taught the theory behind their subject, but are also given practical skills that are directly transferable into the world of work, while being able to benefit from real industry exposure through research trips and projects.
Students on research degrees lead their own projects, with many exciting opportunities which their work may open for their future career.
Regardless of the qualification, there’s a Careers Service team at the university on hand to provide assistance, including offering workshops on key skills such as interview techniques or help contacting potential employers. They can also help to set up students with part-time work alongside their course to gain valuable experience and income.
The university’s students’ union is run by students, and offers a range of services including advice and guidance on study issues, social event organisation, and representation on student matters with the university. It exists to ensure that all students have an equal voice.
Clubs and societies
There are a wide range of sports clubs and societies at the Edinburgh campus, and while the Borders and Orkney campuses do have some social clubs, the options are more limited due to the smaller student population there.
Postgraduate students are actively encouraged to join these clubs and societies alongside undergraduates, with a wide range of interests covered.
City life
Most courses are taught at the Edinburgh campus, located a 10-minute drive from the historic and beautiful Scottish capital city which fuels the senses – whether students love the arts, nature, nightlife or study life.
The Borders campus is in Galashiels, which is a quieter town that still has all the essential amenities students could need.
Study at the Orkney campus feels very different. This is a remote island location, where instead of a wide range of high street stores and bars, students will find incredible opportunities for outdoor pursuits.
Unlike some other universities that only prioritise undergraduate students, Heriot-Watt guarantees that all postgraduate students on a one-year full-time course can have a place in accommodation at the Edinburgh or Borders campuses.
There is no university-owned accommodation at the Orkney campus, although the university can provide a list of landlords in the area willing to rent to students. Demand is high and early booking is advisable.
Students who choose university accommodation at Edinburgh or Borders will enjoy comfortable, safe, contemporary end-suite accommodation with different room sizes available at varying rates.
Facilities
Heriot-Watt University provides students with all the facilities they need to successfully complete their postgraduate qualification in comfort. This includes modern workshops and laboratories, along with plenty of lecture and seminar spaces.
Students work with the same software and equipment that they will use in their professional career, helping to ensure a smooth and seamless transition into the world of work.
Students have access to essential resources and study rooms at the university’s library, along with IT equipment and support. There are also on-campus medical centres for dealing with day-to-day treatments and diagnoses.
Postgraduate study at Heriot-Watt is engaging and rewarding, but can sometimes be challenging.
The university works hard to provide a range of free and confidential support services to all students. It recognises that a positive and inclusive learning environment is key to helping students achieve their academic and personal goals. As such, there is an extensive support services team on hand to help students with any issues which may prevent them from fully focussing on their success.
These could include problems with accommodation or finance, counselling support, help with matters related to disabilities and child care, or careers advice. Students can reach out to the central support services team who will be able to signpost them to the relevant department who can offer the exact guidance needed.
The Heriot-Watt University Students’ Union offers additional support, guiding students through the opening weeks and months of university life, and maintaining a friendly and approachable team throughout the year who can signpost students to specialised services where required.
There is a selection of scholarships and bursaries for both domestic and international students, which can be awarded to assist with the costs of postgraduate education.
Some scholarships are aimed at encouraging talented individuals to apply to the university, while others reward those who demonstrate drive and commitment whilst they are at university.
Full details of the postgraduate scholarships available, including eligibility criteria and application guidelines, are available on the university’s website.
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There are 125 taught postgraduate qualifications at Heriot-Watt, including many which are available on a part-time basis.
Students spend weekly contact time with their tutors, which includes theoretical and practical sessions.
Research
Heriot-Watt University offers 65 research qualifications, including PhDs and MPhils. Some are available part-time, and most are offered at the Edinburgh campus.
Research students spend the majority of their time working independently, with support from an expert tutor to guide their thesis.
Heriot-Watt University