Heriot-Watt Online

Heriot-Watt University Logo

Overview

Heriot-Watt is a research university with a focus on science and engineering. It started as the School of Arts of Edinburgh in 1821 to provide working men with practical knowledge of science and technology. Over the years, the institution was supported by philanthropists, the inventor James Watt and goldsmith George Heriot, later taking their names to become Heriot-Watt College.

In 1966 Heriot-Watt was recognised with royal charter and university status. It is now one of the top research universities in the UK, with a focus on science, technology, engineering, business and design.

The University comprises of four schools with over 27,000 students studying with them on-campus and online.

Heriot-Watt Academic Schools

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

Online Learning

With over 20 years of experience delivering degrees via online learning, Heriot-Watt offers a range of online postgraduate qualifications in business and STEM subjects.

Heriot-Watt’s online students gain the same academic degree as they would for an on-campus programme. They have carefully created their courses so that no student is disadvantaged by proximity to the university. Online students have access to all the reading lists, books, journals and tutors through their VLE (Virtual Learning Environment). The assessments, academic quality and certificates are identical across all their campuses, online and in person.

The University currently offers 25 online Master’s degrees delivered by utilising the latest online learning tools.

Online students can access the dedicated student support team via the VLE or over the phone. Their role is to support and help students with all non-academic queries and concerns.

Rankings and Reputation

TEF Silver

Teaching Excellence Framework 2023

6.8% of our research and 88.6% of our research outputs as ‘world-leading’ (4*) and ‘internationally excellent’ (3*)

REF 2021

Overall we are ranked 25th in the UK and 3rd in Scotland.

The Complete University Guide 2026

1st in Scotland for producing the highest percentage of CEOs and Managing Directors.

Novuna 2025

Online Courses no filters

Student Support

Flexibility
Heriot-Watt provides a flexible way to gain an online master’s degree. It is possible to complete a full master’s degree in two and a half years with the ability to extend the completion time while on the courses. This option means that online students can balance their study, work and family commitments as they progress.

Online Library
Online students can access Heriot-Watt’s digital library 24/7 via VLE. The digital library holds over 71,000 e-books, 50,000 e-journals and research papers. All the texts on the reading lists for the courses they offer are available via the library in digital format.

Student Support
Online students can access the dedicated student support team via the VLE or over the phone. Their role is to support and help students with all non-academic queries and concerns.

Graduation
All Heriot-Watt online and on-campus students are invited to the graduation ceremony held on the Edinburgh campus. Attendance is not compulsory but is a highlight for many graduates to meet up with their fellow students.

Certificate
All the certificates awarded by Heriot-Watt for online courses are identical to their on-campus equivalents.

Entry Requirements

Proof of undergraduate qualifications Two references Up-to-date CV

Check each course page for programme specific requirements.

  • Proof of undergraduate qualifications
  • Two references
  • Up-to-date CV

English Language Requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 (min 6 in all areas)
  • Pearson: 58 (51 in all subscores)
  • TOEFL: 92 (min 20 in all)
  • Duolingo English: 115 overall (minimum 100 in each sub-score)

Start Dates

MBA Courses

Rolling Start dates

MSc Course

September, January and May*

*The May intake is available on some online courses. Check individual course pages for confirmation.

Campus Location

Heriot-Watt University
Edinburgh, Scotland
UK
EH14 4AS