Current Postgraduate Students

At the beginning of each year, all on-campus students are required to enrol (i.e. register) with the University at the time and location specified for their course. The Information Packs sent to new and continuing students include details or our enrolment process. Enrolment is a three stage process covering a pre-enrolment meeting, online enrolment and participation in an enrolment event. Students who register late without a valid reason will be charged a fee.

The Postgraduate Studies Committee exists to develop and promote a co-ordinated approach to quality enhancement of postgraduate taught and research programmes. The Committee considers matters pertaining to the admission, registration, supervision, monitoring and examination of postgraduate research students and candidates for higher degrees as well as other duties.

The Heriot-Watt Research Students Representatives Group (RSRG) addresses the need for cross-School discussion of research student issues by the students themselves as well as representation through the Research Student Co-ordinators Group. The membership consists of a research student representative from each School and Institute, the research student development advisor of the Students Association, and the Research Development Co-ordinator from the Educational Development Unit. The group meets seven times a year and is chaired by the University Director of Postgraduate Studies.

Heriot-Watt Graduation ceremonies take place twice a year - in July and November - and each ceremony has its own particular arrangements. Eligible graduands will find here the information and guidance needed to ensure that their Graduation Day is a memorable success. Details of dates, timings, applications, guest numbers, ceremony schedule, garden party, academic robes and hoods, dress code, information for delayed graduations as well as those graduating in absentia, and more, are included.

Students studying at Heriot-Watt University are reminded that a good attendance record is one of the factors taken into account in reviewing a student's commitment to, and performance in, their academic studies. Failure to attend for extended periods without a good reason can lead to a range of compulsory withdrawal procedures such as an ineligiblity for assessment or exclusion from continued study. The procedures and process are explained here with the relevant forms and sample letters.

Heriot-Watt University's online timetable application enables you to view the time and location of your modules and courses. You can also query the database to check the availability of rooms throughout the University.

The Heriot-Watt University Students' Association Postgraduate Website aims to make the postgraduate experience as enjoyable and rewarding as possible. The Students' Association realises that being a postgraduate student is a very different experience to that of an undergraduate and we aim to offer a service that will reflect this. We provide a programme of social and other events, organise sports teams, and look after welfare issues and postgraduate concerns on University committees. Log on to our postgraduate forum to discuss your issues and concerns.

The Heriot-Watt Code of Practice requires all research students to have at least two supervisors. Criteria for the nomination of supervisors as well as those for approved (external) supervisors are outlined.

If you change address or telephone number you will need to notify your School or Institute by completing a Change of Address form. This form applies to changes to your permanent home address as well as your term-time address. If your name changes you should contact the Academic Registry in the Lord Balerno Building (or the Student Services Office for Dubai Campus students) in person bringing evidence of your name change e.g. Marriage Certificate, Deed Poll letter or passport.

Heriot-Watt University's online payments facility is available so that fees and International Deposits for postgraduate students can be paid quickly and efficiently by credit or debit card.

Occasionally it is necessary for students to extend their postgraduate study period (exceeding one additional year from date of first registration), suspend studies or to apply for additional assessment opportunities. In these cases students should complete an Amendment to Registration From which must be approved by the Postgraduate Studies Committee.

Postgraduate Research Students are a key component of Heriot-Watt University's Strategic Vision to build on our academic and professional strengths and reputation. The Research Student Code of Practice lays out the reasonable expectations and responsibilities entered into by all parties at the outset of a research programme.

The Heriot-Watt Research Development Programme incorporates courses, online material, and an annual conference for all Heriot-Watt researchers. Throughout students' postgraduate study there are courses which help with the continuous development of the necessary skills for research and for future employment. Course sessions are delivered by both staff from within the University and from external experts who are invited in. Topics covered range from team building, time management through to thesis writing.

The Ordinances contain details on the way in which the University is governed within the general framework of the Charter and Statutes. The Regulations provide the framework for the academic work of the University, the education of its students, and such other matters as lie within the functions of Senate (such as committees and awards). They cover governance issues, staffing matters, student matters - admissions, fees, examinations, graduation, awards etc - and programmes of study. Ordinances set out the principles behind the regulations. Regulations determine the detailed operation of the University.

Any postgraduate student wishing to transfer to another research degree course should complete the Course Transfer Application and return it to the appropriate School or Institute Office for processing.

Tuition fees are payable each year of your course and the current fees are indicated. If you reside in Scotland you can have your tuition fees paid by the Students Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS). EU nationals, who satisfy the eligibility requirements, will also have the cost of their tuition fees met by SAAS. If you are from England, Wales or Northern Ireland you will not have to pay fees. Instead you will be eligible for a student loan to cover your costs. International students who are not from the EU should contact the International Recruitment Office regarding tuition fees.

Submitting your Postgraduate Research Thesis should be done in accordance with the procedures outlined here. Submission dates and requirements for first submission, re-submission and final submission are outlined as well as example thesis pages, the University's position on plagiarism offences and more.

At Heriot-Watt, the community of postgraduate students undertaking taught and research courses is 1,500 strong and has representation from around 100 countries. Around two thirds of the on-campus students are from countries outside of the UK. With this in mind there is huge opportunity for cross-cultural and interdisciplinary interaction. This opportunity has been recognised by the University through the creation of a new multi-million pound, purpose built Postgraduate Centre to be completed in 2008. This state-of-the-art building will provide a forum for postgraduate students and researchers of all disciplines to meet and share their ideas.

The University's term / session dates for the next academic year have been published. Heriot-Watt introduced a new academic structure in 2008/9. We have changed our academic year from three terms to two semesters, running for 30 weeks from mid-September to the end of May.

The appointment of External and Internal Examiners is a fundamental factor in maintaining standards in research and the procedure for appointment ensures that such standards are upheld. External Examiners for Higher research degrees are appointed by the Postgraduate Studies Committee. For each candidate undertaking research they must be examined by at least two Examiners, of whom at least one must be an External Examiner. You can find the forms and documents for the nomination of external examiners, the appointment approval requirements, examination procedures and more in this section.

Occasionally it is necessary for students to switch from full-time to part-time study, to study off-campus, to extend their postgraduate study period (not exceeding one additional year from date of first registration) or to suspend their studies owing to their personal circumstances. In these cases students should complete an Amendment to Registration From which must be approved by the student's School or Institute. (Dubai Campus students should return the completed form to the Student Services Office)

The Heriot-Watt Research Students Co-ordinators Group (RSCG) addresses the co-ordination of research student matters across the university. The membership consists of the senior academic staff responsible for research students in each School and Postgraduate Institute, representation from the Educational Development Unit, Technology & Research Services, Registry, and from the research students themselves. The group meets seven times a year and is chaired by the University Director of Postgraduate Studies.

Students studying at Heriot-Watt University are reminded that a good attendance record is one of the factors taken into account in reviewing a student's commitment to, and performance in, their academic studies. This policy aims to support and encourage students to achieve their full potential in their studies and in developing lifelong skills and competencies as well as ennhancing the overall learning environment by encouraging active participation through regular attendance in all areas of study.

You may be eligible for intermediate awards such as a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma when you have obtained sufficient credits as you progress through your course. Intermediate Certificates are not issued automatically but are available on application and payment of a fee of £40. Please refer to our guidance for students to see if you are eligible.

If you wish to withdraw permanently from your course at the University, please complete the Withdrawal from University form and return it to your School Office for processing. (Dubai Campus students should return their forms to the Student Services Office). It is important that you inform us of your wish as soon as possible so that we can inform the LEA/Library Board/SAAS or any other sponsor. If you only wish to temporarily withdraw from the University, you should instead apply for a Temporary Suspension of Studies.

A date is set for the submission of all coursework and dissertations, and a penalty shall be awarded for late submission. This policy is intended to ensure equity and fairness for all students and to ensure that feedback to students provided in a timely manner does not benefit students who make late submissions.