Heriot-Watt University
The history of Heriot-Watt University dates back to 1821 – a time when the learning in established universities was very much focused on the acquisition of theoretical knowledge across the disciplines of Science, Economics, Divinity and Law. Two enterprising Edinburgh businessmen, Leonard Horner and Robert Bryson, recognised that the city needed an education institute which could provide training in the professional, practical skills needed by industry. The name of the University commemorates James Watt, pioneer of steam power, and George Heriot – goldsmith and financier to King James VI, the first King to rule both Scotland and England. Heriot left most of his fortune in trust to provide educational opportunities for the people of Edinburgh.
Today Heriot-Watt retains a strong focus on practical, applied learning – producing world-class graduates who meet the needs of business and industry. Its main campus is situated on a modern, purpose-built campus on the beautiful estate of Riccarton to the west of the city with a small campus in the Scottish Borders focused on fashion and textile design. While relatively small with only 6,000 students studying in Scotland, Heriot-Watt has pioneered innovative models of distributed learning and now has thousands of students studying across the world – either independently or in one of its associated institutions. There is also a Heriot-Watt campus in Dubai and exciting plans to open another in Malaysia.
Heriot-Watt is a research-intensive university with almost half its revenue coming from research funding, training, and business services – making it a great place to study for a Master or PhD qualification. In addition to the traditional subjects across the disciplines of science, engineering, and built environment, Heriot-Watt also offers a range of specialist programmes in distinctive areas such as Brewing and Distilling (Beer Chang, the largest brewery company in Thailand, sends its staff to train here).
The other arm of Heriot-Watt focuses on business study with programmes ranging from Finance and Economics to Logistics and Fashion – each programme equipping graduates with the skills and experience needed for success in the real world. The Logistics Research Center, for example, often undertakes research for government departments and cooperates with several European research entities, providing students with opportunities for students to learn from real Logistics operations and not simply from textbooks.
Degree/ Qualification offered – Bachelor, Postgraduate Certificate/ Diploma, Master, PhD
