Heriot-Watt University

Masters study opportunities at Heriot-Watt University

Inspire change

The world is at a crossroads, with the planet and its species facing a range of existential challenges. At Heriot-Watt, we believe a better future is possible - one that relies on human ingenuity. We need your help – to unlock your ideas and nurture your potential, to help tackle these problems and achieve the unimaginable.

Find out more

Why study at Heriot-Watt?

• We are a leading UK university, ranked 25^th in the UK and 3^rd in Scotland (The Complete University Guide 2026).
• Among Europe’s Elite – we are ranked in the top 18% of Europe’s universities (QS Europe Rankings 2025)
• We are ranked top 2 in the UK for postgraduate employability (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).
• Home to The Watt Club – the UK’s oldest alumni association with over 166,000 alumni from 190 countries
• We produce the highest percentage of entrepreneurs and CEOs in Scotland (Novuna Business Cash Flow, 2025)
• Lifelong career advice, courtesy of our award-winning Careers service.

Our postgraduate courses

We offer a wide range of masters courses across full time, part time and online study models.

Our international, industry-connected faculty are leaders in STEM, business and design, and know exactly what employers are looking for in our graduates. Your success is important to us, which is why we support your journey not only during, but also after your studies with our industry connections and life-long career advice.

• Top 10 in the UK for, Building, Chemical Engineering, Mathematics, and Town and Country Planning (The Times and The Sunday Times University Guide 2025)
• Top 5 in Scotland for Accounting & Finance, Chemistry, Engineering, French, German, Marketing and Mathematics (The Complete University Guide 2025)
• 15th in the world and 4th in the UK for Petroleum Engineering (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025).

Browse our masters courses

Heriot-Watt offers an outstanding environment for postgraduate study. Our £7M Postgraduate Centre combines excellent facilities and networking opportunities with postgraduate students from across the University. Heriot-Watt is also home to the UK’s leading innovation hub in robotics and artificial intelligence – The National Robotarium, and Scotland’s national sports performance centre Oriam.

Almost 90% of our research outputs are ranked world-leading and internationally excellent(Research Excellence Framework 2021). We are dedicated to addressing global challenges through practical, innovative solutions that transform our society and environment.

"I would recommend studying at Heriot-Watt University because of its strong academic foundation, global perspective, and supportive environment. The teaching staff are incredibly knowledgeable and approachable, and the university fosters both independent thinking and collaboration. My time there gave me not only a solid academic background but also practical skills and international exposure that have been essential in building my career."

- Levina Mary Binu, MSc International Business Management with Industry placement

How to apply

Scholarships

Postgraduate study is an investment in your future. You can further your knowledge, specialise in a subject area and expand your career options and earning potential.

Heriot-Watt provides postgraduate students with a variety of scholarships to help you achieve your highest academic potential.

Browse all postgraduate scholarships or find out more about fees and funding

Heriot-Watt Virtual Experience

Immerse yourself in the facilities and teaching spaces at our Edinburgh, Scottish Borders and Orkney campuses.

Start the tour

Accommodation

Whether you’re joining us on our Edinburgh campus set in green parkland, Scotland’s textiles hub Galashiels or picturesque Orkney – we have you covered. Safe, modern accommodation is available for all our postgraduate students. See accommodation for more information.

Study in the best city in the world

Voted 2nd most student-friendly city in the UK (QS Best Student Cities, 2025), Edinburgh is one of Europe’s most internationally connected cities. It’s an excellent place to study and live in, and millions of people come to Edinburgh every year to experience the best of what the city has to offer: festivals, food, culture and scenery.

Book a campus tour

Our campuses

International students

Student support

FAQs