Strategy 2035

Driven by purpose, measured by impact.

Our ambitious 10-year strategy will grow our reach and deepen our impact as a globally connected university, with campuses in Scotland, Dubai and Malaysia and a community of on-campus and online students across 154 countries.

Our purpose

“Our purpose is to develop leaders to build an equitable, sustainable, and enriching society. Our community will leverage its global presence and focused expertise to provide applied learning and research to transform lives and address real-world challenges.”

A welcome from the Principal

I am proud to be joining Heriot-Watt at such a defining moment: the launch of Strategy 2035, our plan for the decade ahead.

Heriot-Watt is entering its next chapter. For more than 200 years, we have transformed lives through accessible education, pioneering research and strong connections with industry. Today, the world of work is changing at an unprecedented pace. Strategy 2035 sets out how we will build on our strengths as a distinctive, globally connected University while evolving to meet the needs of our students, employers and communities.

What drew me here is the clarity of that purpose. We are Future Shapers, developing leaders to build an equitable, sustainable and enriching society. It is a purpose I see lived every day by our students and colleagues across Scotland, Dubai, Malaysia and our global online community, and it runs through every commitment in our strategy.

I am confident in what Heriot-Watt can achieve and I am focused on the opportunities that lie ahead.

To our students, colleagues, alumni and partners around the world: Strategy 2035 is an invitation. Watch our film, explore our ambitions, and join us in shaping the future.

Professor Nola Hewitt-Dundas, Principal and Vice-Chancellor

We are Future Shapers

COMING SOON

Our Strategy 2035 flagship film will be available here following the event on 21 October at 10AM BST.

Introducing Strategy 2035

Our Strategy focuses on applied learning for life and employability, with research that addresses real-world challenges.

We are partners, collaborators, entrepreneurs and innovators.

We care about sustainability, about developing and educating people who will lead and make a difference in the world.

Since 1821, Heriot-Watt's innovative education model and pioneering research have enabled us to make global impact by creating and sharing solutions which benefit society. Strategy 2035 builds on these strengths, and on our global footprint and Scottish heritage, setting out purpose and direction for the future.

Strategy at a glance

Driven by purpose, measured by impact.

Strategic ambitions

Research focused on real-world challenges

Excellence and impact through our Global Research Institutes and fundamental research.

Accessible, responsive and flexible portfolio

Our learning is accessible and flexible through a portfolio designed to meet graduate and employer needs.

A signature student experience

Our ethos of employability underpins values-led, flexible and globally connected, across every mode and location of study.

Two growth pathways

Online Campus

Scalable, flexible, lifelong online learning that responds to a changing world.

Strategic partnerships

Academic, industry, civic and global collaborations for learning and research, adding value and strengthening our impact.

Three strategic enablers

Governance effectiveness and operational excellence

With a focus on long-term sustainability, we will shape the University, so it is strategically aligned, operationally agile, and people-centred, delivering maximum value and impact for students, staff and society.

Strategic and intentional approach to partnerships

Partnerships will benefit from a strategic shift in our approach, which will be critical in achieving the growth, margin and impact needed.

Responsive, accessible and flexible educational offering

Through the Shaping Futures Education and Student Life Framework, the University will develop a more flexible, market-relevant and accessible portfolio, equipping students with industry relevant skills.