Postgraduate students
You’re so close to achieving your postgraduate at Heriot-Watt. We’re here to support you at each step of the way.
If you are set to start in January, please enrol online now using the Student Self Service . Your induction takes place 6 to 10 January 2025 and this starts with Kick-Start Your Success so please make sure you complete the online registration form .
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Campus accommodation open to applications | 3 March 2025 |
| Campus accommodation deadline | 23 June 2025 |
| Enrolment open | June 2025 |
| Arrivals Weekend for campus accommodation | 30-31 August 2025 |
| Welcome Week | 1-5 September 2025 |
| First day of semester | 8 September 2025 |
Get ready for postgraduate study
Tech and getting connected
Visit the step-by-step guide to learn 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
Edinburgh
There are a range of options for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks in the catering outlets and shop.
There’s also a range of facilities to get you active, help you relax and allow you to socialise.
Scottish Borders
The canteen and café 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.
Find out more about the borders facilities.
Orkney
There campus is small but there’s a social area, lecture room, computer room, laboratory and library.
Find out more about the Orkney facilities.
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
Pre-arrival checklist
We’ve outlined some key steps to help you avoid common issues and delays.
Visas and immigration
Our visa advice and compliance team have put together guidance on visa requirements.
Flights and arrival
If you’re arriving by plane, we recommend flying to Edinburgh Airport as its only 30 minutes to the Edinburgh campus and 1 hour to the Scottish Borders campus. We have organised a shuttle bus from the airport on specific days, so look out for an email from our international team on how to book your place.
Cultural integration
As a new international student, you'll be joining one of the largest international student cohorts at a Scottish university.
There are opportunities to socialise with those from specific cultures and countries through student societies, events and our Chaplaincy. There will also be an international student welcome event in your first week so you can meet peers and get advice from our friendly teams to help you settle in.
What to expect during Welcome Week
Induction takes place during Welcome Week, 6 to 10 January 2025, 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. They will be listed on the student events calendar and on Canvas in December 2024.
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
Oriam is Scotland's national performance centre for sport, based at Heriot-Watt University's 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.
Part-time work
There are a host of part-time, term-times roles available on campus. We’d advise signing up to Unitemps and checking out the roles in the Student Union.
Preparing for your studies
Check out the tips and resources available to help you manage your studies.
Develop your skills
Our friendly teams in the library and Careers Service host workshops, events and drop-ins to develop different skills and there are online resources on the Skills Hub
Your support services
Named contact
Your Personal Tutor or Student Advisor will be there throughout your whole student journey.
Student Success Advisors
Get support from the team of recent Heriot-Watt graduates.
Chaplaincy
Open to all students regardless of their faith.
Disability service
The disability service provides you with advice and guidance and assess support needs.
Counselling
Access support and information to help you deal with difficulties you may face.