Professional Academy marks UN International Day of Education with 20% tuition reduction

Heriot-Watt University’s Professional Academy is offering a 20% fees reduction across its courses to mark the UN International Day of Education, reinforcing its commitment to accessible, flexible, and career-relevant education.

Available until Friday 30 January 2026, the reduction applies to all Professional Academy courses and is open to learners worldwide.

The UN International Day of Education highlights the role education plays in expanding opportunity, strengthening economic resilience, and enabling people to adapt to a rapidly changing world. Heriot-Watt's Professional Academy is designed to address these challenges through fully online, self-paced learning.

“We know today’s professionals are time-poor. That’s why our Academy is built for flexibility: self-paced courses, open-access enrolment, and the freedom to study from anywhere. It’s learning that works around real lives,” said Russell Brooks, CEO of Heriot-Watt Online.

Professional Academy courses are typically completed in four to eight weeks and focus on practical, in-demand skills aligned with current industry needs. Learning is designed to be applied immediately in the workplace, enabling professionals to strengthen performance, support organisational change, and respond to evolving sector challenges.

Subject areas include business analytics and big data, equipping learners to interpret data and support evidence-based decision-making; supply chain and logistics, addressing disruption, resilience, and humanitarian challenges; leadership and organisational psychology, supporting effective leadership through periods of change; and ESG and sustainable investment, responding to growing demand for sustainability expertise across industries.

All courses are developed and delivered by expert faculty and draw on Heriot-Watt University’s global research strengths and industry partnerships, ensuring academic rigour alongside real-world relevance.

The Professional Academy offers a low barrier to entry, allowing learners to begin studying without formal qualifications. Through a performance-based admissions route, learners demonstrate their capability by successfully completing their first course. On successful completion, that course carries academic credit, which can be stacked and used to progress towards a full MSc, MBA, or postgraduate certificate over time.

The 20% tuition reduction is available until 30 January only.

All HWU alumni already receive 20% off fees. For more information on how to claim your alumni discount contact hwonlineapps@hw.ac.uk.