Building, Planning, Real Estate and Urban Design
Programmes are delivered by our Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Building Design, a multidisciplinary research centre with international expertise across a number of themes.
Building, Planning and Urban Design
The Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Building Design is a leading body recognised by the Royal Academy of Engineering.
The Centre aims to produce postgraduate students in architecture and engineering that can not only demonstrate knowledge and skills within their own discipline, but are also literate about sustainability challenges and the need to take a multidisciplinary approach to shape our cities and towns so they effectively contribute to a wealthier and fairer, healthier and safer, and ultimately sustainable society.
Real Estate, Housing and Social Policy
Our Real Estate, Housing and Social Policy courses benefit from the expertise of research-active and industry-minded staff. A number of honorary professors from industry also provide guest lectures and advise on student research projects.
Courses are delivered by The Urban Institute. The Institute's Graduate School connects students with staff, research associates and fellow students engaged in cutting-edge research in areas such as affordability, housing markets and private renting; commercial property markets; urban economics; diversity and minority ethnic communities; homelessness and social exclusion and housing policy.
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Shape the built environment
At Heriot-Watt, we strive to improve infrastructure globally within our Architectural Engineering, Civil & Structural Engineering, Construction Project & Quantity Surveying, and Urban Studies areas. Our hands-on, cross-disciplinary approach to teaching makes us the perfect choice for those who choose to create a sustainable, resource and energy efficient world.
Postgraduate Building, Planning, Real Estate and Urban Design programmes
PhD opportunities in Building, Planning, Real Estate and Urban Design
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Construction Management and Surveying
Our Construction Management Degrees are internationally recognised for the quality of training provided. Gain exciting industry opportunities as you study. See more.
Civil and Structural Engineering
Civil Engineering Degrees cover a range of industry careers in economic development. Studying at Heriot-Watt enables fantastic career prospects. Find out more.
Energy and Renewables
Our Renewable Energy Degrees offer a variety of taught, online and research programmes with a focus on Energy, Sustainability and Renewable Energy. See more.
Why Heriot-Watt?
Ranking (Building, The Times and Sunday Times Complete University Guide 2026)
We are ranked 1st in the UK for Building by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026.
Ranking (Town and Country Planning, Complete University Guide 2026)
We are ranked 11th in the UK for Town and Country Planning in the Complete University Guide 2026.
Living in Edinburgh
Historic and beautiful, a cultural capital that fuels the senses whether you love the arts or nature, nightlife or study life, Edinburgh is stimulating and inspirational and never, ever boring.
The Dubai Campus
Heriot-Watt University, Dubai's state-of-the-art campus in Knowledge Park opened in April 2021
Your career
Employers around the world actively seek out our graduates because they are work-ready. All our degrees are career-focused and relevant to the needs of industry. Around 95% of our students are in employment or further study within six months of graduating.
Edinburgh Campus facilities
At Heriot-Watt University, we offer a wide range of services to help you deal with all aspects of your life with us, whether these be academic, personal, technical, financial or just plain fun!