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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.
- To help you get prepared with your application, we are running a series of webinars covering topics like scholarships, admissions and visa support. Register now and get your questions answered.
Why choose Heriot-Watt?
- Top in Scotland for research output and impact (REF 2021).
- We produce the highest percentage of CEOs and Managing Directors in Scotland (Novuna 2025).
- We are ranked in the top 13% of European universities (QS World University Rankings 2026).
- Home to The Watt Club - the UK's oldest alumni association with over 173,000 alumni from 190 countries.
- We are ranked 1st in Scotland for Economics, 4th in Scotland for Marketing, 1st in the UK for Electrical & Electronic Engineering Building and 8th in the world for Petroleum Engineering.
Boost your career with a postgraduate degree from Heriot-Watt.
Ranked 34th in the UK and 5th 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 150+ postgraduate courses.
Scholarships, fees and funding
Heriot-Watt supports applicants with a variety of scholarships and bursaries to help them achieve their 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
Careers and employability
Heriot-Watt graduates are highly sought after: We are ranked 1st in Scotland and 2nd in the UK for graduate outcomes. Almost 90% of our graduates are in employment or further study 15 months after graduation (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 helps access internships, work experience and part-time employment while you study. It also host Scotland's largest single day careers fair each year.
"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.
Personalised virtual experience
Immerse yourself in the facilities and teaching spaces at our Edinburgh, Scottish Borders and Orkney Campuses.
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) and 3rd best city in the world (Time Out 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
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. Experience Scottish countryside living and enjoy year-round hiking, wild swimming and kayaking while having boutique shops and cafes nearby.
Orkney
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. For over 25 years this campus has driven research and teaching in the marine, oil, gas, and fisheries sector. Adventure seekers travel from across the globe to tackle the Old Man of Hoy, a legendary 450ft sea stack.
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). The Dubai campus is a short journey from the city centre providing extensive facilities including multiple study spaces, labs, student services, activity studios and cafes.
Malaysia
The purpose-built Malaysia campus in Putrajaya sits on a stunning lakeside location providing exceptional educational facilities, modern leisure and sports facilities. Malaysia is one of Asia's most affordable study destinations. Currently ranked within the top 10 most peaceful countries in the world and 3rd most peaceful nation in the Asia-Pacific region (Global Peace Index for 2024).
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.
How we support you
Wellbeing of our students is our upmost priority. We offer a wide range of services:
For more, visit our website
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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.
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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