Webinar recap: Guide to enrolment at Heriot-Watt Online
Our recent “Guide to enrolment at Heriot-Watt Online” webinar explains what it means to study online with Heriot-Watt University, taking prospective students through the full online learning journey. Topics include academic support, digital learning platforms, enrolment, fees, assessments and graduation.
Hosted by Mhairi Bruce from our enrolment team, the session focuses on the practical steps involved in enrolling and preparing to start an online programme.
Why study online with Heriot-Watt University?
Heriot-Watt is one of Scotland’s most international and forward-looking universities, with a global community that spans more than 190 countries. By studying online at Heriot-Watt, you will benefit from teaching informed by world-leading research, strong graduate outcomes, and an established alumni network through the Watt Club, the oldest graduate club in the UK.
Online students study programmes that adhere to the same academic standard, and graduate with the same qualification as on-campus students. There is no reference to online study on the degree certificate.
What support do online learners receive?
Online learners have access to the same academic support as on-campus students, including tutor guidance and discussion forums built into the virtual learning environment (VLE). Course materials are available 24/7 and can be downloaded for offline study, alongside full access to the University’s online library.
Dedicated online student support is available for non-academic queries, and careers guidance is provided through the Heriot-Watt Careers Service, GradFutures and, after graduation, the Watt Club.
Studying online with our VLE
As an online learner, you will have access to the same academic support as on-campus students, including tutor guidance and discussion forums built into the VLE. Course materials are available 24/7 and can be downloaded for offline study, alongside full access to the University’s online library.
Dedicated online student support is available for non-academic queries, and careers guidance is provided through the Heriot-Watt Careers Service, GradFutures and, after graduation, the Watt Club.
Enrolment and payment: What you need to know
Enrolment opens once an offer has been made. You must accept your offer and, if it is conditional, upload any outstanding documentation through your application account. A passport-style photograph is required to complete enrolment.
Courses are paid for as you study, rather than upfront for the full programme. You will register and pay per course each semester, using Flywire, our secure third-party payment system. Sponsored students follow a separate process using a financial guarantee letter.
An alumni discount of 20% is available to eligible Heriot-Watt graduates.
Assessments, progression and results
You can register for assessments online within the VLE, with clear deadlines provided. You’ll have a maximum of two attempts per assessment and can study up to three courses within a six-assessment-period window.
Results, including grades and exam board decisions, are released through Canvas. Depending on progression decisions, you can move on to further taught courses or your final dissertation or project.
Flexibility and time to completion
Our online programmes are designed to be flexible. There are no fixed study times, and you can engage with materials at a pace that fits around your work and personal commitments. Most students complete their MSc within three to four years, with a minimum completion time of two and a half years and a maximum of eight years.
Graduation and life after study
Although you will study entirely online, you are warmly welcome to attend one of our graduation ceremonies, held twice a year in Edinburgh, Dubai and Malaysia. Those unable to attend in person still graduate in full, with certificates sent by post.
Graduates join the Watt Club, gaining access to professional networking, career development tools and further study discounts.
Ready to enrol?
Studying online with Heriot-Watt University offers a flexible route to a globally recognised qualification, without compromising on academic standards, student support or career outcomes. From enrolment through to graduation, you will be supported at every stage.
