Foundation programmes
An alternative, supportive pathway into a Heriot-Watt undergraduate degree.
Study one of our immersive foundation programmes, which provide knowledge and expertise across a variety of a subject areas, and gain direct entry into the second year of your chosen undergraduate degree.
Why choose a foundation pathway?
No matter where or what your starting point is, we are here to help and support you. Whether you are considering an undergraduate degree and don’t have the necessary grades to meet entry requirements or have been out of education for a while, our foundation programmes have been specifically designed to provide additional support during your first year of university.
Our programmes
With entry points in September and January, each programme follows a focused and intensive curriculum to provide you with the expertise and knowledge in your chosen subject area. This allows for a smooth transition into the second year of your chosen undergraduate degree in September of the following academic year. Applications to our foundation programmes are open to students from Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and overseas. Please refer to our 'How to apply' guide for further information on applications for our September and January entry dates, and more details on where to apply.
We have been shortlisted for University of the Year 2025
We’re proud to be the only Scottish university shortlisted for this prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) award.
See all our rankingsWe provide greater support to our students through our unique approach and delivery, so that you have the skills and knowledge to succeed when moving into the second year of your studies. Our foundation programmes offer smaller lecture, tutorial, and workshop group sizes, allowing our academic tutors to provide you with personalised support to help you achieve academic success.
Why Heriot-Watt?
Graduate employment
As a career-focused university, we prepare undergraduate students for employment after study. 1st in Scotland and 2nd in the UK for graduate employability, 84% of our graduates are in full-time employment or further study 15 months after graduation.
Study abroad with Go Global
Expand your horizons with our inter-campus transfer programme that lets you study in our Dubai or Malaysia campuses for a semester, a year or longer.
Top Rankings
Committed to teaching quality, student experience, research quality and graduate prospects, we are proud to be placed 287th in the world, 34th in the UK and 5th in Scotland (QS World University Rankings 2026).
Learn more
Living in Edinburgh
Scotland's capital is within easy reach of campus and a great place to live and study. Find out more about what Edinburgh is like for students.
Campus accommodation
First year students are guaranteed accommodation. We have over 2,000 rooms on campus that are within walking distance of teaching buildings, the Student Union and gym.
Health and Wellbeing
We're here to connect you with the right support and services during your studies. Find out what is available to you.