Postgraduate students
You’re so close to starting your postgraduate degree at Heriot-Watt. We’re here to support you at each step of the way.
If you are set to start in September, please enrol online starting from August 2026 using the Student Self Service . Your induction takes place 7 to 11 September 2026.
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Campus accommodation open to applications | March 2026 |
| Campus accommodation deadline | June 2026 |
| Arrivals Weekend for campus accommodation | August 2026 |
| Welcome Week | 7-11 September 2026 |
| First week of timetabled classes | 12 January 2026 |
Get ready for postgraduate study
Tech and getting connected
Visit the enrolment page for guidance on how to enrol as a student and in your classes. Your academics and support staff will outline any other tech that you need to know about during Welcome Week.
MyHWU is your student portal which you can access from the website or app – we recommend the app so that your key resources are all easy to access.
You will need a laptop or tablet during your studies. We have a laptop loan scheme if you require this.
Campus facilities
Campus facilities
Edinburgh catering
There's a range of options for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks in the catering outlets and shop.
Edinburgh facilities
Facilities to get you active, help you relax and socialise.
Scottish Borders facilities
The canteen and cafe are open during the week, and The Lounge in the High Mill Building and The Thread in Jean Muir Student Village have facilities for heating up food, relaxing and socialising.
Orkney facilities
The campus may be small but it has everything you need, including a social area, lecture room, computer room, laboratory and library.
Public transport and getting around
Edinburgh
Bus
Buses run from campus to the city centre every 10 minutes. There are also cycle routes to the city centre and bike storage on campus.
Car
Students with cars can either utilise the Hermiston Park & Ride or park on campus.
Scottish Borders
Buses to the town centre do stop near campus, or walking in can take 30-45 minutes. There’s a car park on campus which is shared with Borders College.
Orkney
The easiest way to get around is by car and there is parking near campus.
Accommodation
For international students
Visit our Living in the UK page to learn about banking, healthcare, working in the UK, and access a checklist so you can avoid any issues or delays when you arrive.
What to expect during Welcome Week
Induction takes place during Welcome Week, 7 to 11 September 2026, and is an organised programme of welcome and introductory activities you will participate in as a new student joining a particular programme of study. It is mandatory as we want to ensure you are connected, clear on expectations, and have had a chance to meet your lectures and fellow students before teaching starts.
There will also be a range of social activities during the daytime and evening that are free and open for all students, whether they live on campus or commute. This will include some postgraduate-only events. They will be listed on the student events calendar and on Canvas.
Watt Welcome Fair
Watt Welcome Fair is the main event of the week, where you’ll find all student societies, sports clubs and University services under one roof. Watch the highlights video from last year.
Getting prepared for your first few weeks
Example timetable
Use the timetable explorer to check your classes.
Student Union
Discover the 60+ student-led societies, events and opportunities to engage with your Student Union.
Sports Union
Learn about the 30+ sports clubs available to you regardless of your sporting ability.
Oriam
Scotland's national performance centre for sport based on the Edinburgh Campus.
Residence Life
Our Residence Life team is here to ensure the welfare and wellbeing of all resident students living on the Heriot-Watt campus.
Unitemps
How to apply for a job through Unitemps at Heriot-Watt University.
Manage your studies
As a continuing student at Heriot-Watt you will find all the information you need to Manage Your Studies in this section.
Develop your skills
Our friendly teams in the library and Careers Service host workshops, events and drop-ins to develop different skills. There are online resources on the Skills Hub.
Your support services
Student Success Advisors
Heriot-Watt University advice and support for students from recent graduates
Chaplaincy
The Chaplaincy at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh campus.
Disability Service
Contact the Edinburgh Campus Disability Service for advice, guidance, and support that enables you to fulfil your potential as a Heriot-Watt student.
Counselling
Heriot-Watt can offer you counselling, support and information to help you deal with the difficulties you may face while studying with us.
Visa advice
Get support in applying for a student visa and any other student immigration queries.
Student Wellbeing Services
Access a wide range of support, guidance and activities to help with your wellbeing.
Student Service Centre
Located on the Edinburgh campus, the centre offers drop-in and bookable appointments to help with with enrolment, issuing of ID cards, support with student finance, visa advice, and more.