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More than 1,000 postgraduate students from across the world gathered at Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh Campus this week to take part in the November graduations.
Graduates from Scotland, Botswana, Nigeria, Egypt and Australia, to name just a few countries, received their academic awards in Oriam (Scotland’s Sports Performance Centre for Scotland).
It is a great privilege to recognise the tremendous commitment of our graduates.
They graduated in subjects representing the breadth of the University’s research, from the Edinburgh Business School, the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, the School of Textiles and Design, the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, the School of Social Sciences, and the School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences.
Professor Richard A Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, praised the graduates, “It is a great privilege to recognise the tremendous commitment of our graduates. I’m confident each will go on to have success in their respective fields, equipped with the ability to bring fresh ideas and solutions to meet modern-day challenges.
“At Heriot-Watt we are delighted that many students choose to study with us as a result of our international standing. Although our roots will forever be in Scotland, the University has an international outlook with more than 30,000 students from around the globe. We are exceptionally proud of this fact and look forward to welcoming new students from across the world through our doors.”
Over the course of the two day graduation programme, guests and delegates made sure everyone’s success was toasted in style. A total of 480 bottles of sparkling wine were opened while more than 12,000 sandwiches and over 8,000 mini-cakes were enjoyed.
Adding to the celebratory occasion was Sir Timothy O’Shea, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Edinburgh, who joined us to recognise Dr Rio Watt for her honorary degree.
Dr Rio Watt was one of only three recipients of a Heriot-Watt Honorary Degree at this year’s Edinburgh ceremonies, which she received for her exceptional contribution to higher education in Scotland.
Honorary Degrees were also awarded to Professor David Teece, a global expert in business and economics, and Professor George Stewart for his work in the oil and gas industry over 50 years.
In October 2017, Heriot-Watt was named International University of the Year by the Times and Sunday Times.
It was selected for its global presence, operating as an integrated international university across five campuses in the UK, Dubai and Malaysia. Heriot-Watt University has partner institutions in 150 countries and over 140,000 alumni worldwide.
The Watt Club
Founded in 1854, The Watt Club is understood to be the oldest alumni association in the UK. Lifetime membership is automatic upon graduation from Heriot-Watt, and is free to all graduates of the University. To see photos of this week's graduation ceremonies, please visit our Facebook page. Are you alumni? Sign up now on www.wattclubconnect.org to connect and broaden your professional network.