Heriot-Watt University

Overview

Heriot-Watt University is a Scottish university primarily based in Edinburgh, although it has campuses in the Borders and Orkney as well as internationally in Dubai and Malaysia.

A research university, Heriot-Watt has existed in some form for the past 200 years and is now one of the leading universities for cutting edge research in all of the UK, with particular strengths in textiles and fashion, engineering and technology.

The university may have close bonds with its home in Scotland, but it is very much an international and multicultural institution. With educational collaborative partners in over 150 countries and an alumni network of 130,000 spread across 190 nations around the world, Heriot-Watt certainly has a long reach.

Students can benefit from extensive networking opportunities and the chance to learn from the very latest expertise, whether researched at Heriot-Watt or at an international partner.

The university offers contemporary facilities including a substantial library space, sporting facilities, and a wide selection of support services designed to help students manage their university life.

Between the extensive heritage of the institution, the modern teaching methods and leading research incorporated into study programs, as well as the excellent cultural attractions and amenities nearby, Heriot-Watt is an exciting place to undertake a degree qualification.

There are over 100 undergraduate courses that students can undertake at Heriot-Watt University, the majority of which are full-time degrees although a small selection of Graduate Apprenticeships are also available. Most courses are offered at Edinburgh although a select few are available for study at the Borders campus.

Subjects are split between five schools:

• Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society
• Engineering & Physical Sciences
• Mathematical and Computer Sciences
• Social Sciences, including Edinburgh Business School
• Textiles and Design

There are over 20 different subject areas too, ranging from the most popular (by number of degrees) such as computer science and mathematics, to more niche options such as sport and exercise science, brewing and distilling, and constructed and virtual environments.

All of the courses taught at Heriot-Watt are led by expert faculty who have experience in the field, while there is constant research being undertaken which helps to reshape and drive the syllabus for each subject to reflect the latest developments and trends.

While entry requirements for study at Heriot-Watt University vary depending on a student’s chosen course, what is true across the board is that everyone is assessed as an individual. While some subjects may have specific requirements in terms of prior qualifications, generally every application will be judged on not just formal certificates but also students’ other experience and skills.

The university also recognises that not all students have access to the same opportunities with their education, and therefore offers alternative routes to study. Anyone who wishes to apply to Heriot Watt is encouraged to do so, although those who don’t meet the minimum requirements are advised to check the university’s Fair Access Policy to see how else they may qualify.

Mature students (21 years or over at the time of application) can use relevant work experience as part of their application process in lieu of the necessary qualifications.

Accommodation

Both the Edinburgh and Borders campuses offer students comfortable, well-equipped accommodation options.

There are 2,000 residential rooms available to students at the Edinburgh campus, all of which are self-catered and single occupancy. Different room sizes are available with varying rates, with all first-year students who are eligible are guaranteed a room in university accommodation.

The accommodation at the Borders campus has all been consolidated into the single Jean Muir Student Village, a modern space with comfortable standard and deluxe rooms, all of which are en-suite.

Facilities

Whichever campus students attend while at Heriot-Watt University, they will enjoy a wide range of contemporary facilities that ensure all aspects of student life are simple and enjoyable. Students have access to the necessary library facilities that not only offer all the resources required for their course, but also give students essentially IT support and places where they can study either alone or as part of a group.

On-campus medical centres provide the essential day-to-day treatments that students may require during their time at university, while there is also a student shop selling everyday essentials.

Lecture halls, seminars and especially laboratories and workshops are equipped with the necessary equipment, including many tools and software that students will be using in their future careers, giving a seamless transition between academia and the working world.

Heriot-Watt acknowledges that, while students’ time at university will be filled with exciting and enriching experiences, there will be occasions where additional support is needed. As such, there are a wide range of support services available that students can make use of, with a central Student Support team acting as a first point of contact and signpost for the various teams that can help.

These services include help and support with any issues surrounding university life, from accommodation and personal safety through to finances, disability support and more. Students who disclose a disability will be provided ongoing advice and support through their time at the university.

The university also has a Careers and Graduate Futures Service, which helps students to find work both upon completion of their course but also part-time alongside their studies, while also offering development workshops for key employability skills.

The university has a long-established history as an arts and technical college, and now offers a broad range of specialities across the fields of science, technology, engineering, business and design. As a research university, students can benefit from cutting edge exploration in each field and get real industry exposure.

Students who opt to study at the Edinburgh campus will have a choice of a wide spectrum of subjects but the campuses at the Borders are more specialist. The Borders campus offers some of the best facilities for students of design, textiles and fashion in all of the UK.

Students' Union

Students at all of the Heriot-Watt University campuses have access to students’ union representatives, who can help to make sure that all students have a voice in how their university is run and as guidance during any disputes.

The Heriot-Watt Students’ Union is also responsible for the running of the sports clubs and other societies at the university, where students can meet others with a shared background, hobby or interest, and learn key skills if they choose to become a committee member.

The SU is run for students, by students and anyone is welcome to get involved in various capacities. The SU is also where many activities are focussed, including various entertainment events and important campaigning activities.

Clubs and Societies

There are many different clubs and societies offered by the students’ union at Heriot-Watt University, although it will depend on a student’s subject and therefore campus as to which ones are available to them, with most offered at the Edinburgh campus.

There are even more societies offered too, with students welcome to start their own if they have sufficient interest. Existing societies include cultural and socio-political groups such as the Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers or the Society for Progressive Students, as well as societies rooted in more whimsical interests such as the Pokémon Society or the Cheese Society.

At the Edinburgh campus is Oriam, Scotland’s National Performance Centre for Sport and home to a number of Scottish sporting organisations - Football, Rugby Union, Institute of Sport (East, Basketball, Handball, Squash and Racketball) and Volleyball. The Sports Union operate over 30 different sporting clubs that students can join, regardless of previous experience or ability, where they can remain active throughout their studies, enjoy tuition in their chosen sport and potentially represent the university in competition. Sports range from the popular options such as football, netball and cricket to more niche options such as e-sports, aikido, mountaineering and ultimate frisbee.

City life

Studying at university is about more than time spent in lectures and seminars, and for many it is the first opportunity to live away from home. Heriot-Watt’s primary campus is located in Edinburgh, the historic and beautiful Scottish capital city that fuels the senses whether students love the arts or nature, nightlife or study life. It is home to some fascinating cultural landmarks and events, including the world-famous Edinburgh Festival each year. Students will delight in the sheer number of bars, restaurants, shops, galleries and more to explore, along with the green spaces that offer an idyllic outdoor studying spot during downtime.

The Borders campus is located in Galashiels, a quieter town where students can focus on their studies, but within easy reach of the city of Edinburgh too. Indeed, there is a twice-daily free shuttle bus connecting the campuses on weekdays, while the train offers regular services too.

Cost of a pint This is the average cost of a pint.

Source: IDP Connect 2019

£3.00 - £3.80

per pint

Every course at Heriot-Watt is geared towards helping students achieve not just a passing grade for their qualification, but also get the skills and experience they need to succeed in their future career.

As such, the university runs a Careers and Graduate Futures Service, which offers a range of tools and workshops designed to help improve general employability skills, identify potential career paths and opportunities for students, teach them how to properly market themselves and their abilities, and set up work experience placements.

All students have access to the GRADfutures platform where they can access many of these resources in their own time, while students can even book a 1:1 appointment (via the GRADfutures service) up to two years after they have graduated, with continued support in finding work available.

Scholarships/ Bursaries

There are a variety of scholarship and bursary options available to help students with the cost of their education at Heriot-Watt.

Some of the scholarships are available to students from across the UK, including dedicated payments to help with tuition fees or living costs. For example, students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales receive a £1,500 travel bursary (paid as £500 in Oct, Feb and Apr). Moving away from home can be daunting – this bursary should allow students to return home several times throughout the year.

Others are offered to international students, usually as a £1,500 part-payment of fees.

There are also dedicated bursary opportunities exclusively for students applying from Scotland, including those aimed at supporting students from low-income families, or from a care background, or those who would normally not be able to access higher education.

For high performing athletes, there are a range of sports scholarships designed to ensure students can reach their full potential in their chosen sport while simultaneously reaching their full academic potential.

Students can find out more about the scholarship opportunities on the university’s website.

Fees

The tuition fees that students pay for their university education depend on their residency status, based on the country where they have been living for the three years prior to their enrolment.

Students from Scotland don’t normally need to pay tuition fees – these are paid on their behalf by the Students Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS). Students must apply for these payments to be made as they are not automatic, and applications are required for each year of study.

Students applying from the rest of the UK will pay £9,250 per year for their degree, with tuition fee loans available from the Student Loans Company. Students won’t have to pay these fees upfront but will instead take a loan to cover them, only repaying them once they pass a certain repayment threshold which varies depending on where the student lives.