Heriot-Watt University

Skills Scotland Scholarship for Working Professionals

At Heriot-Watt University, we are pioneers in education, committed to building partnerships that not only help people and businesses prepare for the future, but can also help them navigate the current crisis we are facing.

We are delighted to launch a new fully-funded Skills Scotland Scholarship programme, supported by the Scottish Funding Council, for working professionals living in Scotland.

The flexible remote working that many people are currently adapting to can also create opportunities for upskilling. Our Skills Scotland Scholarship offers access to masters-level courses worth £1,400 from a range of specialist MSc programmes in the construction and infrastructure disciplines.

Explore

What can you study? | How to apply | Register your interest

Providing certainty in uncertain times

In response to the current economic situation, we are committed to supporting the upskilling and reskilling of individuals who are in furlough or redundancy situations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We understand that these are uncertain times so if your circumstances change for any reason such as a change of job or unemployment, you won’t need to give up your course. You can continue your studies with us.

What can you study?

Course teaching will start on 11 January 2021 or 10 May 2021 and students can opt to take an exam on completion.

Courses available:

Climate Change, Sustainability and Adaptation (D11CA)
Aims: To introduce you to the concepts of sustainability in their widest definition – that of environmental, economic and social sustainability. The course will introduce issues relating to climate science and future predictions, in addition to legislative requirements and government initiatives to combat climate change.
 
Outcomes:
  • An awareness of sustainability in its widest definition, including aspects of environment, economy and social impact.
  • An understanding of low carbon and climate change legislation, and an appreciation of possible future initiatives.
  • An understanding of Environmental Impact and Life Cycle Assessments in current design and construction practice.
  • An ability to understand a number of conflicting design issues and communicate amongst a diverse group of construction professionals.
  • An ability to appraise current designs and assess a number of case studies; critically analysing their strengths and weaknesses.
Topics covered: Introduction to sustainability: environmental, economic and social; Sustainability and the built environment; History of climate science and future predictions; Carbon, energy and water footprints; Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), including Life Cycle Assessment (LCA); Energy reduction and carbon emissions mitigation; Adaptation/probability for future climate scenarios; Building case study I – domestic buildings.
 
To find out more detail, view our full course description document.
Data Analysis and Simulation (D21DA)
Aims: To develop your knowledge of statistical data analysis and its application in engineering and science and introduces the concepts of using simulation techniques for analysis of complex systems. It also teaches linear optimisation techniques and the ability to apply them to solve simple problems.
 
Outcomes:
  • Understand and be able to apply statistical methods to analysis of engineering and scientific data
  • Design experiments
  • Understand basic principles of simulation and modelling and be able to apply them to analysis of complex systems
  • Gain basic knowledge about linear optimisation techniques and be able to apply them to solution of simple problems
Topics covered: Introduction to statistics; Basics of probability theory; Probability distributions; Sampling and confidence intervals; Hypothesis testing; Data correlation and regression analysis; Random number generation; Simulation and modelling; Elements of queuing theory; Introduction to optimisation techniques.
 
To find out more detail, view our full course description document.
Learning from Disasters (D21LD)
Aims: To gain an in depth understanding of some classic disasters and their consequences by using a range of practical accident investigation techniques.
 
Outcomes:
  • Review some of the major safety lessons from historical disasters
  • Analyse a disaster in detail using a number of practical techniques
  • Apply these skills to a real accident to see the effectiveness of risk management
  • Understand the legislative framework in relation to these accidents
  • Become more aware of some critical events that shaped the development of the Safety Industry
  • Improve ability to research, analyse and synthesise information
Topics covered: Accident models; Root cause and accident analysis techniques; Lessons learned from major disasters.
 
To find out more detail, view our full course description document.
Sustainability for Construction Professionals (D11ST)
Aims: To equip you with the contextual awareness and interdisciplinary skills and knowledge necessary to allow you to contribute to the delivery of Sustainable Development as part of your professional role. Develop an understanding of the role of the Construction Professional in supporting a holistic approach to development, which emphasises Stakeholder Engagement in options appraisal.
 
Outcomes:
  • Demonstrate a broad knowledge and understanding of the global systems and frameworks related to Sustainability, and show awareness of current and emerging practices in this area
  • Demonstrate, with reference to their professional role, responsible action and evaluation in relation to fellow citizens, business and the environment, from local to global level.
  • Complete, and synthesize research and analysis of the subject in relation to their future professional responsibilities
  • Develop Consultation and Consensus building skills
Topics: Overview of broad concepts; History of sustainable development strategies; Overview of 'Sustainable Urban Design'; Planning frameworks; Project design and planning; Sustainability indicators; Audit and certification; The use of portfolios in professional development.
 
To find out more detail, view our full course description document.
Value and Risk Management (D31VR)
Aims: To introduce you to the concepts of value and risk management, apply them to strategic and tactical problems and illustrate their tools and techniques through case study.
 
Outcomes:
  • A practical understanding of the value and risk management of the strategic and tactical development of a construction project.
  • Gain a practical appreciation of value and risk management techniques used at the technical development stage of the design
  • Understanding of the practice of value management with the UK practice of cost management.
  • Understand the development of a PPP brief, including a practical appreciation of value and risk management techniques used at this stage.
  • Investigating contemporary approaches to VRM in the context of construction projects
Topics covered: Value and risk management and the construction procurement process; An Introduction to Value Management, Value Engineering - Function Analysis and other VE tools; Risk, uncertainty and the construction industry; Risk and procurement of PPP projects; The Risk Management framework; Sources, events and effects of project risk; Tools and techniques of Risk Management; Risk response and mitigation; Client Briefing; A Review of North American Practice.
 
To find out more detail, view our full course description document.


Build your skills, knowledge and career

The courses are part of our industry accredited and internationally recognised online MSc programmes:

The courses are delivered online by national and international leaders in their field. Students will have full access to our state-of-the-art online learning platform and will be able to work through the course material at a pace that suits them. The courses will not only provide students with the theoretical framework of the subject area but will arm them with the practical tools, confidence and knowledge to flourish in their businesses and careers.

Each individual course will take approximately 150 study hours to complete. To find out more about how courses are delivered online, please visit our How online learning works pages.

How to apply?

You can only apply for a fully funded Skills Scotland course by completing the below expression of interest form. The deadline for applications is 28 May 2021. Please note, if you apply through the main application portal you won't be able to use this scheme.

To apply you'll need to be:

  • 18+ years of age
  • Reside or have the legal right to work in Scotland

When you apply please ensure you have a copy or photo of a Council Tax bill, driver’s license or redacted payslip ready. View our full Terms and Conditions to find out more.

Register your interest