How it works
Interested in studying online, but unsure what it means?
As an online student you gain the same qualification and degree certificate as an on-campus student. The academic standard is exactly the same and all students undertake the same (or equivalent) coursework and complete a times online assessment. Similarly, online students enjoy many of the same support services as on-campus students. However, there are some fundamental differences between studying online and on-campus.
Read on to discover how it works or visit our Frequently Asked Questions.
How studying online at Heriot-Watt works
How is studying online different to on-campus?
Online delivery
Our online learning platform provides you with a flexible and engaging learning experience. You'll have access to course materials, lectures, assignments, and communication tools through our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). This platform is designed to facilitate interaction with your course leaders and fellow students, enabling you to study at your own pace while staying connected with your peers and academic team.
Final Online Assessments
Our courses offer unique, authentic assessment tailored to each course and aligned to its objectives. There is no requirement to attend in-person examinations; instead, each course is assessed by a Final Online Assessment. These are assessments you take remotely and alone in your own space.
You will have 24 hours to complete the assessment by downloading the paper and uploading your answers. You’ll also have access to your notes, course material, and the internet to consult during the assessment. All assessments will be available within the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
Pay-as-you-go format
Most online programmes consist of eight taught courses and a dissertation or research projects. You pay for each course, dissertation or research project as you enrol, making payments more manageable.
What resources are available for online students?
Academic Support
Studying via online (distance learning) doesn’t mean you will be left on your own. Tutors will provide you, by phone or email, with academic support similar to that received by our on-campus students.
Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
Comprehensive course materials are made available through our recently upgraded VLE. Course materials and assignments are delivered using various methods including video lectures, webinars, articles, journals entries, quizzes and discussion boards.
Online library services
You will have 24-hour access to our online library, from which you can access further materials to help you with your studies.
Discussion boards
You will have access to discussion boards which allow you to contact your tutors and collaborate with other students.
Administrative assistance
As well as academic support, Heriot-Watt Online offers dedicated administrative support for all online students. Our Enrolment Advisors can help you with any non-academic questions you may have.
Career support
Online students have access to careers advice from the Heriot-Watt careers service.
How long does it take to complete?
Our online learning programmes are structured in such a way that they can be completed in a two-and-a-half year period. However, one of the main benefits of our modular programme system is that it can be completed over a longer time to accommodate personal or work commitments of up to eight years. For example:
- A postgraduate diploma is completed in two to three years on average.
- An MSc is completed in three to four years on average.
Each taught course (module) takes approximately 150 study hours to complete. A dissertation takes approximately 300 study hours. Based on the time you have available, the following guide may help you make a realistic judgement of the timeframe in which you can expect to complete your MSc programme:
| Hours per week | Equivalent study blocks per week | Time taken to complete your programme |
|---|---|---|
| 25 | Four evenings and one weekend day a week | Two-and-a-half years |
| 17 | Two evenings and one weekend day a week | Three years |
| 13 | Three evenings a week or one weekend day and one evening a week | Four years |
What are the technical requirements?
In order to complete a programme online, you must have a computer and access to the internet so that you can access your study materials through Heriot-Watt University's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).