Heriot-Watt University - Scottish Borders Campus

Our heritage dates back to 1821 since when our community of scholars has been developing transformational solutions to specific global problems. We are specialists in engineering, business and science and leaders in innovative global education for a future world.

We are global

• We have five campuses across the world: Edinburgh, Scottish Borders, Orkney, Dubai and Malaysia, as well as 53 Approved Learning Partners (ALPs) and educational collaborative partners in 150 countries.
• We have over 29,000 students studying with us at our campuses and online through distance learning (year end 2017).
• One third of our on-campus students studying in Scotland are from outside the UK, making Heriot-Watt one of the most internationally diversified of any UK university.

We are connected

• The Watt Club is oldest graduate club in the UK.
• We have over 130,000 alumni worldwide in over 190 countries.
• We are the university of choice for business and industry? and our graduates are sought by the best organisations worldwide.

We are experts and leaders

• The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 ranked Heriot-Watt 22nd in the UK, with 82% of our research as world-leading or internationally excellent.
• We are 9th in the UK and 1st in Scotland for research impact.
• Over 80% of our academic staff are currently engaged in research at internationally recognised levels.
• We are ranked 302nd in the world in the 2019 QS World University Ranking.
• At least 90% of students were satisfied overall with their course in 10 of our 22 subject areas in the National Student Survey 2019.
• We are 37th in the world, 13th in the UK and 3rd in Scotland for our international outlook based on THE World University Rankings 2019.
• 8th in Scotland in the Guardian University Guide 2021.
• 95% of graduates are in employment or further study within six months of graduation.

Our History:

Where it All Started
From a pioneering institute born out of the Scottish Enlightenment, today we are shaping the world, a global university, a leader in transnational education. Echoing our founding principles of tailoring our curriculum to the needs of modern society, we are a powerful driver of the economy wherever we are in the world. In all of our communities we create a distinct university experience, a springboard for an international career.

Our story
We are proud that since our foundation in 1821, we have been outward looking pioneers of education, in pursuit of knowledge to the benefit of society and the world. Read the story of Heriot-Watt University:

• Our Heritage
• Pioneering Education Since 1821
• Opportunities For Women
• Origins Of Our Name
• International Outlook
• Leaders In Ideas And Solutions

Scottish Borders Campus
A countryside location, perfectly situated at the pulsating heart of Scotland's luxury textile industry, Heriot-Watt Scottish Borders campus delivers the best design and production facilities for textiles and fashion in the UK.

• Gateway to a world of fashion and design
  • Home to the School of Textiles and Design, our Scottish Borders campus in Galashiels is a gateway to an exciting world of fashion and design, with strong industry partnerships and links to the worldwide textile industry.
• Unrivalled facilities
  • A multi-million-pound refurbishment has created an inspiring learning environment and centre for excellence, with integrated learning facilities, specialised workshops, computer-aided design suites, museum and library and gallery.  The accommodation is special too, spacious and cleverly designed, providing a place to relax, socialise and study for students from around the world.
• Easy access to the city
  • For a flavour of city life, Scotland's vibrant cultural capital city, Edinburgh, is just 50 minutes away by train. On weekdays, a twice-daily shuttle bus connects the campus with Heriot-Watt's Edinburgh Campus.

Scholarship

Scholarships and bursaries
A scholarship or bursary can help finance your student journey. Discover how to approach various bodies for support.

UK campuses
Each year, hundreds of students enhance their educational experience through a variety of Heriot-Watt and externally funded scholarships, including opportunities funded by the University's generous alumni community, based all over the globe.

The University supports scholarship provision with:

• £10m to support fees scholarships (including £3m for rest of UK (RUK) students)
• £1.5m to support maintenance (living cost) bursaries for RUK students.
• £7.5m to support scholarships and bursary payments to home/EU/overseas students.

International Merit Awards
Heriot-Watt University welcomes students from all over the world.  Our International Undergraduate and Postgraduate Merit Awards are designed to help you fund your studies with us on any of our Edinburgh-based undergraduate or taught postgraduate programs at our UK campuses.

• Undergraduate Merit Awards
• Postgraduate Merit Awards

Accomodation

Jean Muir Student Village
You’ll find a really friendly, welcoming community at the Scottish Borders Campus. You'll meet others from all over the world that share your interests, discover new activities, and make lifelong friends.

We know how important good quality accommodation is to the student experience. That’s why we have invested £12 million replacing all of our on-campus accommodation with a brand new, state-of-the-art Jean Muir Student Village which opened in September 2012.

What you’ll really notice throughout the new student village is its first-class building design, the fantastic modern furniture, and the amount of communal space for you to study and socialise in.

All new entrants are guaranteed a place in University-managed accommodation.

• Contemporary Standard Rooms
• Contemporary Deluxe rooms

Students with disabilities or extra support needs
A number of rooms on campus have been purpose-built and are fully accessible.

If you are an international student, you must contact us in advance so that we can assess whether we are able to meet your support and care needs in the residences.

Family accommodation
Unfortunately, we don't have family accommodation on campus, but the accommodation team will be happy to assist you with enquiries for off-campus accommodation. We recommend that you travel to Galashiels on your own first before making arrangements for your family to join you.