Heriot-Watt University

Edinburgh United Kingdom

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Heriot-Watt University is a world-leading institution with strong links to international industry driven by our research and innovation in STEM, business and design. With a rich heritage stretching back to 1821, we are a truly global university bringing together scholars and subject matter experts to offer a wide range of Masters courses across full time, part time and online study models. We’re in the top 13% of universities in Europe (QS Europe Rankings 2026), and students at Heriot-Watt have access to pioneering research and teaching, with almost 90% of the university’s research output ranked as world-leading and internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021). Heriot-Watt is 1st in Scotland and 2nd in the UK for positive graduate outcomes in the 2024 Graduate Outcomes survey. Plus, Heriot-Watt produces the highest percentage of CEOs and Managing Directors in Scotland (Novuna 2025). This is thanks to career-focused degrees and lifetime support from our award-winning careers team.

Why study at Heriot-Watt University?

Top in Scotland for research output and impact. (REF 2021)

Top 13% of universities in Europe (QS Europe Rankings 2026

Top in Scotland and 2nd in the UK for positive graduate outcomes. (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024)

Top in Scotland for producing the highest percentage of CEOs and Managing Directors (Novuna 2025)

Home to The Watt Club – the UK’s oldest alumni association with over 173,000 alumni from 190 countries.

2,290

postgraduate students

114

courses

11

Scholarships listed on FindAMasters

287

QS World University Rankings 2026

Edinburgh United Kingdom

main campus

About Heriot-Watt University

At Heriot-Watt, we aim to find radical and practical innovations to major global challenges. Harnessing the potential of pioneering science, and working directly with industry experts, we develop tech-driven solutions to deliver tangible impact. Our Scottish campuses in Edinburgh, Orkney and the Scottish Borders are home to top-class and industry-supported environments – we are ranked top in Scotland for the amount spent on student facilities (Complete University Guide, 2026).

Heriot-Watt is home to the world-leading centre in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence – The National Robotarium. Pioneering research and development at the Robotarium offers hands-on experience and network opportunities with industry experts in the fields of data, AI and robotics. The Edinburgh campus is also home to Oriam - Scotland’s National Sports Performance Centre, and the training hub for, among others, Scotland's national football and rugby squads.

Our unique, award-winning global campuses in Dubai and Malaysia offer the opportunity to build a solid foundation for a global career. Heriot-Watt was the first international university of its kind to open our doors in Dubai, where we earned a prestigious five-star ranking from Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

Student life at Heriot-Watt University

Postgraduate students at Heriot-Watt have a wealth of support and facilities on hand, such as the Postgraduate Centre, a £7m facility supporting your academic journey and providing opportunities to develop your professional network. The Edinburgh campus sits on 380 acres of parkland, giving you a calm and focused environment to study in, while Edinburgh city is a vibrant, student-friendly environment. Edinburgh is 3rd best city in the world (Time Out 2026) and the 2nd most student-friendly city in the UK (QS Best Student Cities 2025). It is home to the world’s largest arts festivals, like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Edinburgh International Festival, as well as lots of free museums and art galleries.

Our Scottish Borders campus in Galashiels boasts industry-standard design and production facilities in the heart of the Scottish luxury textiles industry, producing career-ready design graduates. Galashiels has a rich history in textiles and is home to many luxury manufacturers and designers, providing our students unique opportunities for creative inspiration and industry collaboration. Experience Scottish countryside living and enjoy year-round hiking, wild swimming and kayaking while having boutique shops and cafes nearby. The local train station has frequent services to Edinburgh and connecting trains to all major cities including Glasgow, Manchester and London.

The Orkney campus is set in the picturesque harbour off Scotland's north coast and one of the UK's most unique university locations. It's extensive natural resources, ties to the marine industry and friendly community make it a distinctive learning environment, well-connected by frequent flights and ferries. For over 25 years this campus has driven research and teaching in the marine, oil, gas, and fisheries sector. Our International Centre for Island Technology (ICIT) is a 'living laboratory' steeped in 5,000 years of history and 500 miles of diverse coastal habitats. Adventure seekers travel from across the globe to tackle the Old Man of Hoy, a legendary 450ft sea stack.

Disciplines available at Heriot-Watt University

Architecture, Building & Planning

Biological Sciences

Business & Management

Communication & Media Studies

Computer Science

Creative Arts & Design

Economics

Education

Engineering

Environmental Sciences

Finance

Food Sciences

Geology

Information Services

Languages, Literature & Culture

Linguistics & Classics

Materials Science

Mathematics

Medicine

Physics

Politics & Government

Psychology

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Student profiles

Ahmed Essam

School of Social Sciences

The first thing that attracted me to the Edinburgh Business School was that the programme is very, very flexible. It helps people to develop while concentrating on their business life.

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Alex Riddell

School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society

My masters in Marine Renewable Energy gave me a comprehensive overview of the renewable industry and I learnt skills that I have transferred into my current day-to-day job. I learnt how the environment will benefit from these innovative technologies and how the industry will progress into the future.

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Duncan Munro

School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society

Orkney campus student

"Moving up to Orkney has been a breath of fresh air. I have thoroughly enjoyed studying at the University and living in the heart of the marine renewables industry. There is so much to get involved in outside of university life that I have never had a dull moment living here."

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Leon Webb

School of Engineering and Physical Sciences

"Heriot-Watt is the home of the International Centre for Brewing and Distilling and has an outstanding reputation for expertise in the field."

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Pushkaraj Kale

School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society

I chose this program because it offered industry-focused modules, which gave me valuable hands-on experience in understanding the complexities of project management. The program’s structure allowed me to engage with real-world challenges, researching several notable projects including Wembley Stadium, Edinburgh Trams and the London Underground Jubilee Line, allowing me to deepen my understanding of large-scale infrastructure development and develop relevant skills for my career. Shortly after graduating, I joined Turner & Townsend, one of the largest project management consultancies globally, as an Assistant Project Manager. I am currently part of their Real Estate and Commercial Development team at the global office in London, and I am excited about the opportunities ahead.

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Frequently asked questions

Why should someone choose Heriot-Watt University?

Heriot-Watt specialises in business, science, technology, engineering, and design, with career-focused degrees that allow its graduates to make a real impact on the world and society. The University has strong links to industry and an award-winning careers service who provide lifelong support to students, which is why its graduates are highly employable. As a global research-led university, Heriot-Watt has five campuses located in Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders, Orkney, Dubai and Malaysia. Students are encouraged to join the wide range of events, clubs, and societies to feel part of this global community.

What opportunities are available with a degree from Heriot-Watt University?

Many Heriot-Watt graduates progress into leading roles around the world, delivering a positive influence on communities and affecting change. Heriot-Watt is ranked 1st in Scotland and joint 2nd in the UK for graduate prospects (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024). This is thanks to our career-focused degrees and the lifetime support that students receive from our Careers Service. Whilst most Heriot-Watt graduates are successful in securing professional roles in organisations ranging from large global multinationals to SMEs, studying at Heriot-Watt also opens opportunities for entrepreneurial graduates to start their own business. The University has a distinguished history in enterprise and entrepreneurship with a range of academic programmes and key links with industry. This unique learning experience gives students real-life insight into how modern business works and equips them with the confidence, knowledge and experience required to succeed.

Main campus

Heriot-Watt University

Edinburgh

Scotland

United Kingdom

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