Our history
Heriot-Watt University has a rich tradition of excellence going back two centuries. With a history of providing solutions for business and industry and delivering practical, relevant education to students, we are proud of our track record of educating, inspiring and challenging the professionals of tomorrow.
190 years of practical education
Since our foundation in the early nineteenth century, we have been dedicated to the practical application of knowledge. Throughout our history our courses have emphasised and adapted to the needs of industry, from providing technical knowledge for clockmakers to inspiring the next generation of engineers. We have been fortunate to have strong links to business throughout the last 200 years, which have allowed our students to gain experience in some of the world's most innovative workplaces.
An international university
For over 20 years we have been committed to providing education of the highest standard to students around the world. Some of our international achievements include:
• a pioneering distance learning programme, launched in 1990 to allow students worldwide to study a Heriot-Watt degree. Today have 11,800 students in 150 countries, thanks to our innovative Approved Learning Partner network of 50 institutions.
• our Dubai Campus, opened in 2005 as the first overseas campus in Dubai International Academic City. In 2011 we capitalised on our success in the City by opening the first ever purpose-built campus in the area.