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Heriot-Watt University
https://www.hw.ac.uk/postgraduate-study
Shape humanity
The world is at a crossroads, with the planet and its species facing a range of existential challenges. At Heriot-Watt, we believe a better future is possible - one that relies on human ingenuity. We need your help – to unlock your ideas and nurture your potential, to help tackle these problems and achieve the unimaginable.
Postgraduate events
Chat with our academics, hear about your funding options and ask current students about their experiences at our postgraduate events.
- Our next postgraduate open day on the Scottish Borders campus will take place on March 6
- Our next postgraduate open evening on the Edinburgh campus will take place on March 18
Boost your career with a postgraduate degree from Heriot-Watt.
Ranked 25th in the UK and 3rd in Scotland, we have been pushing new frontiers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, business and design since 1821. Home to prominent researchers and academics from across the world, we are driven by innovation, educational excellence and ground-breaking research.
Address urgent global challenges and find solutions for a sustainable world. Explore all our 120+ postgraduate courses.
Why choose Heriot-Watt?
- We have been named runner-up for the Good University Guide’s Scottish University of the Year award.
- We have been shortlisted for University of the Year 2025 in the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Awards.
- We produce the highest percentage of entrepreneurs and CEOs in Scotland (Novuna Business Cash Flow, 2025).
- We are ranked 25th in the UK and 3rd in Scotland (The Complete University Guide 2026).
- We are ranked 1st in the UK for Electrical & Electronic Engineering, 4th in the UK for Economics and 1st in Scotland for Artificial Intelligence.
- We are ranked top 2 in the UK for graduate employability (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).
Personalised virtual experience
Immerse yourself in the facilities and teaching spaces at our Edinburgh, Scottish Borders and Orkney Campuses.
Careers and employability
Heriot-Watt graduates are highly sought after: we placed 2nd in the UK for graduate employability (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).
The Careers Service assists Heriot-Watt students and graduates by providing high quality careers guidance and access to top employers in the country. It also helps access internships, work experience and part-time employment while you study.
"I work as an Actuarial Analyst and my degree became the most important driver due to the learnings and development through the academic year. I also got a distinction so that helped me get the job! Heriot-Watt is definitely a very good University to study Actuarial Science. The campus is beautiful and culturally diverse - I had the most wonderful year."
Ashima Sharma, - Actuarial Analyst at AXA UK
Research excellence
Our multi-disciplinary, award-winning research is finding solutions to major global challenges, including living sustainably and achieving net zero. 88.6% of our research outputs are ranked world-leading and internationally excellent (The Research Excellence Framework 2021).
Heriot-Watt offers an outstanding environment for postgraduate research. Our £7M Postgraduate Centre combines training facilities and networking opportunities with other postgraduate students from across the university. Heriot-Watt is also home to the UK’s leading innovation hub in robotics and autonomous systems – The National Robotarium.
Our global campuses
Heriot-Watt features three Scottish campuses, including our main hub in Edinburgh, and two international campuses in Dubai and Malaysia.
Edinburgh
The Edinburgh campus is situated in 380 acres of beautiful parkland just outside of the city centre. Voted top 2 in the UK for students (QS Best Student Cities, 2026), Edinburgh has it all: a vibrant nightlife and café culture, boutique retailers, nearby beaches, mountains and plenty of green space. The city is also home to the Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe Festival, and is a hub for art, culture, comedy and drama.
Scottish Borders
The campus boasts industry-standard design and production facilities in the heart of the Scottish luxury textiles industry, producing career-ready graduates.
Orkney
A unique living laboratory, the Orkney campus features impressive natural surroundings and creates a stunning base to study the marine environment.
Dubai
Heriot-Watt was the first British university to open its doors in Dubai, where it earned a prestigious five-star ranking from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).
Malaysia
The purpose-built Malaysia campus in Putrajaya sits on a stunning lakeside location providing exceptional educational facilities, modern leisure and sports facilities.
Flexible study
Prefer studying at your own pace? We have over 11,000 students from 160 countries learning from experts and industry leaders at Heriot-Watt Online.
Scholarships, fees and funding
Heriot-Watt provides postgraduate students with a variety of scholarships to help you achieve your highest academic potential. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support. Find out more about fees and funding.
The Island Scholarship, delivered in partnership with the Scottish Government and Orkney Islands Council, will help fund the tuition fees of up to 100% for both UK and International students on the following three full-time programmes at Heriot-Watt's Orkney Campus:
- MSc Marine Renewable Energy
- MSc Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transition
- MSc International Marine Science
Register your interest now to be notified when applications open in 2026.
How we support you
Wellbeing of our students is our upmost priority. We offer a wide range of services:
For more, visit our website.
International students
Heriot-Watt University recognises the challenges faced by overseas students. We make a great deal of effort to provide international students with access to outstanding support services no matter where or what you study. The global student office in the UK helps with everything from advice, visas and immigration to funding and exchange opportunities.
Useful links
Accommodation
International students
Meet our international alumni
Postgraduate events
Departments
Postgraduate Bursary Opportunity with Postgrad.com
Are you studying as a PG student at the moment or have you recently been accepted on a postgraduate program? Apply now for one of our £2000 PGS bursaries.
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