Return of Summer Graduations
Graduation season returns to Heriot-Watt University this week with more than 1500 students from across the globe ready to collect their scrolls.
Celebrations begin on Friday (12 June) for graduates from the School of Textiles and Design at Heriot-Watt’s Scottish Borders campus. They will cross the stage to formally receive their academic qualifications in front of friends and family in the impressive setting of St Paul’s Church in Galashiels.
The following week, it will be the turn of graduates belonging to the School of Social Sciences, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, and the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, to celebrate their achievements in the University’s James Watt Centre in Edinburgh.
Graduation is always a moment of immense pride, not only for our students but for their families, friends, and the staff who have supported them throughout their studies.
The ceremonies will recognise students who studied both on campus and online, marking years of hard work as they formally graduate from the University.
Among this year’s graduates is Beth Aitken from Midlothian who has earned a BSc Chemistry having been accepted onto the Lothian Equal Access Program for Schools (LEAPS) programme which provides advice and encouragement to young people who are underrepresented in higher education.
As the first in her family to attend university, Beth flourished and served as social media officer for the Chemistry Society in her first year before being elected President in her second. At the end of her first year, she was also awarded the Dunfermline Scholarship and, after completing her studies, has now secured employment with the Macallan Distillery in Speyside.
Reflecting on the support this Scholarship provided, Beth said: “People may think “it’s just a bit of money, what impact can it have? But these bursaries have the ability to increase students’ quality of life and study. The security of having your rent covered, so you can focus on your studies is incredible. I am truly grateful to those that have donated and supported this scholarship. It’s allowed me to put my all into my studies and enjoying university.”
The graduation ceremonies come as Heriot‑Watt is ranked first in Scotland and second in the UK for graduate employability, with more than 84% of graduates in full‑time employment or further study within 15 months of graduation, according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024.
This year’s celebrations hold added significance for Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice‑Chancellor of Heriot‑Watt University, who will step down from his role later this year, having presided over graduation ceremonies for the past decade.
He said: “Graduation is always a moment of immense pride, not only for our students but for their families, friends, and the staff who have supported them throughout their studies. To see so many talented graduates leave Heriot‑Watt equipped with the skills, confidence and global outlook needed to succeed is a powerful reminder of the University’s mission and impact.
“As I prepare to step down later this year, it is particularly meaningful to preside over my final summer graduation ceremonies. I will leave knowing that Heriot‑Watt’s graduates continue to make a positive difference around the world.”
After collecting their academic awards, each graduate automatically enrols into Heriot-Watt’s unique and ever-growing alumni association, the Watt Club, which represents more than 173,000 graduates in over 190 countries, ensuring an ongoing connection with the University.
Graduation ceremonies are also planned for Heriot-Watt's Dubai campus on July 1 and at the Malaysia campus on July 5.