FAQs

At Edinburgh Business School, we are proud to make transformative education accessible to diverse communities and individuals across the world. Therefore, our EBS online MSc and MBA programmes run a performance-based admissions process. This means that we provide a pathway to entry into our MSc and MBA programmes, even if you don’t meet the suggested entry requirements. You will simply be required to enrol in and successfully pass three core courses on your desired MSc or MBA programme before progressing to complete the full qualification.

What does this mean? No matter your pathway to entry (direct or through performance-based admission), there is no need to complete an application form before enrolling. To begin your journey with us, simply follow these steps:

• Select your desired programme and access its programme page. 
• Click on 'Enrol Now.' 
• Follow the instructions to enter your personal details, select your desired courses, and make your initial payment. We suggest starting with your core courses, but you have the freedom to select any courses you choose.
• Upon completion, our Student Engagement Team will reach out to guide you through the subsequent registration steps, which will include providing further detail about your academic and professional background.
• After this you will receive your course access details and can begin studying when it suits you.

This enables you to commence your studies promptly, exactly when it suits you, without having to await a fixed intake or undergo an application review. 

Typically, students in our programmes hold a UK first or second-class honours degree (or international equivalent), or a Level 6 or higher professional qualification, aligning with the expected academic standard for Master's degree candidates. Proficiency in English is also essential for successful engagement in our programmes.

However, if you lack a degree or equivalent qualification but are eager to pursue a Master's, you can still enrol. You will simply be required to successfully complete and pass three courses within the programme to progress towards obtaining the full Master’s. We will request details of your academic qualifications after enrolment for student registration purposes. 

If you have any questions regarding entry requirements, international award equivalency, or your suitability to study at Master’s level, please reach out to one of our Enrolment Advisors who will be happy to advise you further. You can email the team at hwonlineapps@hw.ac.uk.

Because there are no set intakes, you can start at any time that suits you, and there are no enrolment deadlines. To start the process, click on ‘Enrol Now’ on your desired programme page.

Access to the full course material is only provided once course purchase has been completed.  

However, you are welcome to try out a demo. Click the link below to access sample content, where you can navigate and familiarise yourself with our Virtual Learning Environment:

Username: demo 
Password: demo 

Our programmes are purposefully designed with the online student in mind and in strict accordance with our quality standards, and they contain a rich and engaging variety of learning materials, including videos, readings, quizzes, etc. If you have questions about how you'll learn or want to understand whether our programmes are the right fit for you, we here to help - just reach out to one of our friendly and helpful Enrolment Advisors. 

Tuition fees vary depending on the programme you choose. You can access detailed information on the 2023/24 fees for all our EBS online Master's programmes here. Alumni of Heriot-Watt are also entitled to a 20% alumni discount. To claim an alumni discount please contact the Student Engagement Team prior to purchasing your first courses.

Students on our online Edinburgh Business School programmes benefit from a 20% fee reduction when purchasing all courses upfront for their programme of choice. Please note does not apply to PG Cert, PG DIP or DBA programmes. This cannot be used in conjunction with any other discounts.

Take advantage and enrol today.

All payments are securely processed through our trusted partner, Flywire. Flywire accepts various payment methods, including debit and credit cards, as well as bank transfers.

If you experience any problems making a payment, please contact our Student Engagement Team. 

For all our EBS online Master's programmes, you have the flexibility to pay course by course. During the enrolment process, you will be asked to select the specific courses you wish to pay for in the first instance. 

You have the option to cancel your purchase and receive a full refund within 14 days from the date of course purchase. For more comprehensive information, please view our refund policy.

Edinburgh Business School offers an Emerging Economies scholarship to residents of selected countries, which allows eligible students to reduce their programme fees by over £3,000. If you live in a country where we offer an Emerging Economies Scholarship, the Scholarship will be automatically applied at the point of purchasing your course/s. 

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. 

Yes, all the necessary course materials and resources are available within our Virtual Learning Environment. You'll have access to digital textbooks, lecture notes, videos, discussion forums, and additional learning resources to support your studies. We aim to ensure that you have everything you need to succeed in your online programme. 

Our online programmes offer complete flexibility, and you are not required to be online at specific times. You can access all the course materials and complete assignments at your convenience.  

All programme materials are available to download, and so you can access these at any time – whether you are online or offline. You will need to be online to participate in discussion forums and assessments.  

We understand that studying online may come with unique challenges, and we are dedicated to supporting you every step of the way. During your online studies you will have access to:

• Student Portal: you will have access myHWU, the Heriot-Watt student portal, which connects you to everything you, all in one place.
• Student Support Team: if you have any questions or issues, they are available to assist, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with them. Further guidance for new students is available.
• Discussion forums: connect with course leaders, other students and get answers to course specific general administration questions from the Student Engagement team.  
• Live Online Sessions: prepare for assessment and engage with peers and tutors virtually, in real-time by enrolling in additional live sessions for select courses.

Yes, for select courses you have the option of enrolling in Live Online Tutorials at an additional cost. These sessions are:

• Expert: taught by experienced tutors to enhance your learning.
• On-demand: participate live or catch up on the recording at a time that suits you.
• Customisable: enrol in live sessions for specific courses where you need additional support.

These sessions occur three times a year before your Final Online Assessments.

We currently offer live sessions on select courses on the online MBA and MSc Business and Organisational Psychology programmes. Visit the programme pages to find out more.

To join, simply add Live Online Tutorials during your enrolment or look out for live session registration emails which will be sent to you after you enrol on a programme, prior to each series beginning.

It’s entirely up to you. Each course that forms part of your Master’s is designed to take 200 study hours to complete. Most EBS Master’s programmes consist of 8-9 courses plus a project. Typically, students on our online programmes aim to complete their Master’s degree in 18 months, which would require approximately 15-20 hours per week of study. 

The duration of your online Master's programme can vary based on your individual pace and the number of courses you choose to take each term. Most students complete their degree within two to three years while studying part-time. However, you have the flexibility to accelerate your progress by taking more courses per term or extend your timeline to accommodate other commitments. It's important to choose a study pace that aligns with your personal and professional goals. 

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). 

Yes, the taught course fee includes the course and final online assessment fee.  

To pass a taught course at Master’s level, you need to achieve a Grade C/50% or above. 

Yes. If you fail a course at the first attempt, you will be permitted one further assessment opportunity in that course. Any additional attempts permitted, are subject to the approval of the Head of the Primary Academic Unit. Students have a maximum of two exam attempts (one first attempt and one re-sit opportunity) within a six-exam session period (approximately two years) for a maximum of three courses. Resit marks are not capped. Any assessment resits are changed at £160 per resit. 

Yes, any programme you complete as an online learning student gives you the exact same qualification as your on-campus peers. For example, if you undertake an MBA as an online learning student, you will be equally as qualified as someone who undertakes our MBA on campus. 

Your degree certificate will be identical to that our on-campus students receive, and there is no mention of online learning on the certificate. 

RPL is a process through which Heriot-Watt University evaluates previously completed qualifications or professional experiences to grant exemptions (up to a maximum of 20 credits). Exemptions are granted from courses which are core to your chosen programme of study. No exemptions will be awarded from elective courses.

Yes, but you must provide evidence of recent Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in the relevant area to demonstrate that your knowledge remains current.

You may be eligible to be granted exemption for a maximum of 20 credits. A validation fee of £160 is payable on each exemption/credit transfer. 

The processing time may vary depending on the completeness of your application and the volume of applications being reviewed. Ensure all sections are completed and all documents are submitted to avoid delays.

RPL considers prior certified learning from institutions recognized by Heriot-Watt University, including undergraduate degrees, postgraduate diplomas, and professional qualifications such as Chartered Accountant.

Our online students form an integral part of our student body, and we are always delighted to welcome graduating online students to our annual graduation ceremonies. 

Students can graduate from any one of our campuses in Edinburgh, Dubai, and Malaysia.  

Graduation is held biannually, in June and December. 

If you can’t attend graduation in person, that is not a problem. You will still graduate with a Master’s degree from Heriot-Watt, and your degree certificate will be mailed to you.  

As an alumni of Heriot-Watt, you will be invited to become a lifetime member of The Watt Club, which we are proud to say is the oldest alumni association in the UK. Alongside this, you’ll get access to Watt Club Connect - the exclusive online networking platform for all Heriot-Watt Alumni. 

You will also get access to the GRADFutures careers platform, where you’ll be able to: 

• Search for job opportunities 
• Book a place on one of our many career events and workshops 
• Develop your career planning 
• Investigate organisations you might want to work for 
• Discover what career areas might suit your strengths and interests 

You will also be eligible for a 20% discount on Heriot-Watt programmes and courses. To claim an alumni discount please contact the Student Engagement Team. 

Find out more about alumni benefits.

To help you apply easily, we have put together a step-by-step guide. 

1. Before you start, have the following documents ready:

• Copy of degree certificate and transcript 
• Curriculum Vitae (a brief account of your education, qualifications, and previous occupations) 
• Statement of purpose (500 word personal statement outlining academic, professional experience and motivation to study the programme). We recommend that you use your current CV with a covering letter as the first page. You should briefly explain, in English, the skills and experience that you have that will enable you to be successful in your studies (including Academic English and Mathematical skills as appropriate).    
• Evidence of English language ability (if English is not your first language and/or not from a recognised English-speaking country) dated within the last two years. 

2. Visit our website and click the ‘Apply Now’ button on the programme of your choice. 
You can then fill in your details and attach the documents requested. Hit Submit. 

3. Submitted applications will be reviewed by the relevant admissions tutor, and you will receive one of the following responses within two weeks: Unconditional Offer, Conditional Offer, No Offer.

4. If your application is successful and you wish to enrol, accept your offer. 

5. Enrol 
Typically, enrolment will open 4-6 weeks prior to the start of semester. However, if you have an unconditional offer, you can enrol sooner (Note: Course materials will not be available until official enrolment period is open). 

Further information can be found in our apply section.

Typically, students in our programmes hold a UK first or second-class honours degree (or international equivalent), or a Level 6 or higher professional qualification, aligning with the expected academic standard for Master's degree candidates. Proficiency in English is also essential for successful engagement in our programmes.

If you have any questions regarding entry requirements, international award equivalency, or your suitability to study at Master’s level, please reach out to one of our Enrolment Advisors who will be happy to advise you further. 

Some of our EGIS programmes have three intakes whereas others have only two intakes. Depending on the programme you wish to study, you may be able to begin your studies in September, January and sometimes in May. More details on intakes can be found on each programmes individual page on our website. 

Access to the full course material is only provided at the beginning of the semester once students have completed their enrolment and registration. 

Our programmes are purposefully designed with the online student in mind and in strict accordance with our quality standards, and they contain a rich and engaging variety of learning materials, including videos, readings, quizzes, etc. If you have questions about how you'll learn or want to understand whether our programmes are the right fit for you, we here to help - just reach out to one of our friendly and helpful Enrolment Advisors.

Tuition fees vary depending on the programme you choose. Fees for the academic year 2023/24 for each programme can be found on page 14 of the student handbook. Alumni of Heriot-Watt are also entitled to a 20% alumni discount. To claim an alumni discount please contact the Student Engagement Team prior to purchasing your course.

Once you have accepted your offer, you will receive next steps on how to make a payment. You can pay by credit or debit card.

This is the quickest way to register for courses and the most secure method of payment.  

Debit or credit card – if you experience any problems or have any questions, please contact the Student Support Team. Once the payment has been completed, the Student Support Team will check the course selection before updating your record.  

Sponsor – if fees are to be paid by a sponsor, students must submit a scanned copy of a current letter from the sponsor confirming they will pay the fees plus details of where the invoice is to be sent. This should be on the sponsor’s headed paper. Also submit a completed Course Application form. Please submit the form and sponsor letter to the Student Support Team.

Students pay as they study. This means that you pay per course (module). If you register for 1 or 2 courses each semester, then you only pay for those courses prior to the semester starting. 

Students are unable to purchase all courses upfront. Students pay as they study. This means that you pay per course (module). If you register for 1 or 2 courses each semester then you only pay for those courses prior to the semester starting. 

Unfortunately, there are no scholarships or discounts available for our EGIS programmes, aside from our 20% alumni discount. However, Heriot-Watt Online students pay as they study. This means that you pay per course (module). If you register for 1 or 2 courses each semester, then you only pay for those courses prior to the semester starting. 

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. 

Yes, all the necessary course materials and resources are available within our Virtual Learning Environment. You'll have access to digital textbooks, lecture notes, videos, discussion forums, and additional learning resources to support your studies. We aim to ensure that you have everything you need to succeed in your online programme. 

Our online programmes offer complete flexibility, and you are not required to be online at specific times. You can access all the course materials and complete assignments at your convenience.  

All programme materials are available to download, and so you can access these at any time – whether you are online or offline. You will need to be online to participate in discussion forums and assessments.  

We understand that studying online may come with unique challenges, and we are committed to providing support throughout your academic journey. Our Student Support team is available to assist with any questions or issues you may encounter. You can also connect with course leaders and fellow students through discussion forums and online collaboration tools. Additionally, we offer academic guidance and resources to help you excel in your studies. 

It’s entirely up to you. Each course that forms part of your Master’s is designed to take 200 study hours to complete. Most EGIS Master’s programmes consist of 8 courses plus a dissertation or project. Typically, students on our online programmes take 3-4 years to complete their online programmes. 

The fastest you can complete one of our EGIS Master’s programmes is two and a half years and the maximum timeframe would be eight years. On average, most students complete a MSc in 3-4 years. Please note that we advise students to register for no more than two courses per semester.  

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). 

Yes, the taught course fee includes the course and final online assessment fee.  

To pass a taught course at Master’s level, you need to achieve a Grade C/50% or above. 

Yes. If you fail a course at the first attempt, you will be permitted one further assessment opportunity in that course. Any additional attempts permitted, are subject to the approval of the Head of the Primary Academic Unit. Students have a maximum of two exam attempts (one first attempt and one re-sit opportunity) within a six-exam session period (approximately two years) for a maximum of three courses. Resit marks are not capped.. Any assessment resits are changed at £160 per resit. 

Yes, any programme you complete as an online learning student gives you the exact same qualification as your on-campus peers. For example, if you undertake an MBA as an online learning student, you will be equally as qualified as someone who undertakes our MBA on campus. 

Your degree certificate will be identical to that our on-campus students receive, and there is no mention of online learning on the certificate. 

RPL is a process where Heriot-Watt University assesses your prior qualifications or professional experiences to grant exemptions from specific courses in your MSc programme. These exemptions apply only to core courses within your programme and not to elective courses.

Yes, you can. However, you must provide evidence of recent Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to ensure your knowledge is up-to-date in the relevant area.

The school follows the University RPL policy, allowing students to apply for up to a maximum of 50% of the taught course element of an MSc programme (equivalent to four courses/modules). We ask that applicants formally apply to study with us before requesting an RPL Application form.

Processing times can vary based on the completeness of your application and the number of applications being reviewed. To avoid delays, ensure all sections of your application are filled out and all necessary documents are included.

Accepted qualifications include prior certified learning from institutions recognized by Heriot-Watt University, such as undergraduate degrees, postgraduate diplomas, and professional qualifications like Chartered Accountant.

Our online students form an integral part of our student body, and we are always delighted to welcome graduating online students to our annual graduation ceremonies. 

Students can graduate from any one of our campuses in Edinburgh, Dubai, and Malaysia.  

Graduation is held biannually, in June and December. 

If you can’t attend graduation in person, that is not a problem. You will still graduate with a Master’s degree from Heriot-Watt, and your degree certificate will be mailed to you.  

As an alumni of Heriot-Watt, you will be invited to become a lifetime member of The Watt Club, which we are proud to say is the oldest alumni association in the UK. Alongside this, you’ll get access to Watt Club Connect - the exclusive online networking platform for all Heriot-Watt Alumni. 

You will also get access to the GRADFutures careers platform, where you’ll be able to: 

• Search for job opportunities 
• Book a place on one of our many career events and workshops 
• Develop your career planning 
• Investigate organisations you might want to work for 
• Discover what career areas might suit your strengths and interests 

You will also be eligible for a 20% discount on Heriot-Watt programmes and courses. To claim an alumni discount please contact the Student Engagement Team. 

Find out more about alumni benefits.

New students follow the process below:

1. Accept your offer: Visit the online application portal to ensure that you have accepted your offer.
    
2. Enrol in your programme: You will have received an email with your new Heriot-Watt account details within 24 hours of receiving your offer. Follow the instructions on this email to set up your password. Then, Enrol Online using your new account details.
    
3. Register for your courses: Follow the link from the enrolment confirmation page or use the direct link (https://go.hw.ac.uk/HWOCourseReg) to register and pay for your first course/s.
    
4. Accessing your courses: Upon paying for your course/s you will receive an email invitation with instructions to link your Coursera account. This email may occasionally take a few days to be processed. You will receive an announcement closer to the start of term as soon as access to your Orientation course, as well as your registered course/s, become available. If you do not receive access to your courses when your programme is due to begin, please kindly reach out to HWOAdmissions@hw.ac.uk.

Continuing students will be able to register for further courses by visiting https://go.hw.ac.uk/HWOCourseReg.

Yes - the programme includes a professional certification course in the specialism of your choice, allowing you to earn a separate globally-recognised qualification delivered by a leading technology company such as Google, Meta or IBM.

Yes - the programme is taught in English, so evidence of proficiency in English is a requirement (minimum IELTs 6.0 or equivalent).

If you have any questions about the admissions process or the programme, please do not hesitate to get in touch via hwonlineapps@hw.ac.uk.

This programme is purposefully designed with flexibility to accommodate working professionals. The time commitment can differ for each student based on their individual responsibilities and study habits. However, as a general recommendation, we suggest dedicating 16-18 hours per week to your studies to successfully complete the programme.

No - the tuition fees include all exams, known as Final Online Assessments, study materials and other expenses associated with the course.

As a Heriot-Watt student, you’ll be welcome to attend and receive your degree certificate alongside the on-campus students in Edinburgh, Dubai or Malaysia when you complete the programme.

Yes - if you need to pause your studies for any reason, you can do so without penalty or loss of progress for up to 12 months.

Our teaching methods will be diverse, engaging, and interactive. You'll experience a blend of asynchronous learning, engaging digital materials and multimedia, hands-on activities, and job-aligned projects. The programme is designed around real-life examples, enabling you to develop your skills thoroughly before assessment.

Yes, all of these courses are designed and delivered by academics from Heriot-Watt University, meaning you’ll benefit from the same level of academic excellence as our on-campus students.

The degree certificate you receive when you complete the programme will be awarded for a Master of Science in Computer Science from Heriot-Watt University. It doesn’t mention ‘online’ or ‘Coursera’ anywhere on the degree certificate.