Heriot-Watt University Dubai

Heriot Watt University Dubai is the largest among the most successful foreign universities in the UAE, founded in 1821 and among UK’s top universities for research and graduate employability. The Dubai campus was established in 2005, it was one of the first campuses of an overseas university to open in Dubai International Academic City. In January 2021 (the same year Heriot-Watt celebrated its founding bicentenary), Heriot-Watt moved into a brand-new 218,000 sq. ft campus in Dubai Knowledge Park, thereby building on its commitment to deliver high quality education and research in Dubai.

Our heritage dates back to 1821, since then, 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.

PG subjects available

Our Dubai study programmes range from Masters programmes in disciplines as challenging and diverse as Petroleum Engineering, Construction Project Management, Management, Energy, Information Technology, and the world-renowned Edinburgh Business School MBA.

At our Dubai Campus, you will gain a degree that is taught and examined to the same exacting standards as on our UK campuses, preparing you for success in your chosen career.

Departments information

We have five major schools for Postgraduate programmes at Heriot Watt University Dubai which are:

• Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society
• Engineering and Physical Sciences
• Mathematical and Computer Sciences
• Edinburgh Business School and Department of Psychology Dubai
• Textiles and Design

The School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society (Built Environment) in Dubai offers a wide range of programmes at the undergraduate and postgraduate level to provide opportunities designed to support and strengthen the unprecedented economic boom in the built environment that is expanding in the UAE and the Gulf region. The School has a national and international reputation as the leading research institute in Scotland, UK. Our programmes and disciplines are appropriate for professionals involved in the planning, design, construction, sale and development of the built environment and infrastructure.

Programmes under School of EGIS are:

• MSc Civil Engineering and Construction Management
• MSc Commercial Management and Quantity Surveying
• MSc Construction Project Management
• MSc Petroleum Engineering
• MSc Real Estate
• MSc Facilities Management
• EngD Construction
• PhD Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society

The School of Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS) has an excellent international research reputation and close ties with the professional and industrial world of science, engineering and technology. The programmes offered by School of EPS are:

• MSc Advanced Mechanical Engineering
• MSc Global Sustainability Engineering
• MSc Renewable Energy Engineering
• MSc Energy
• MSc Robotics
• EngD Energy

The School of Mathematics and Computer Science comprises of three Departments: Mathematics, Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics, and Computer Science, with an academic staff of 122, and over 1,500 students studying at undergraduate, postgraduate taught, and postgraduate research levels across our Edinburgh, Dubai and Malaysia campuses. The programmes offered are:

• MSc Artificial Intelligence
• MSc Data Science
• MSc Information Technology (Business)
• MSc Information Technology (Software Systems)
• PhD Mathematical and Computer Sciences
• MSc Network Security
• MSc Software Engineering

The Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University Dubai offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate business management, accountancy and finance degrees including its internationally recognised MBA programme. The school is known for its cutting-edge programmes and dedicated support to student entrepreneurship and innovation. Our Psychology degrees use the scientific method to explore various themes in psychology, such as the influence of biology on behaviour; how we perceive, think, and make decisions, and how we interact with each other.

The programmes offered are:

• MA (Hons) Accountancy and Finance
• MA (Hons) Business and Finance
• MA (Hons) International Business Management
• MA (Hons) Marketing
• MSc Business Analytics and Consultancy
• MSc Business Psychology
• MSc Business Psychology with Coaching
• MSc Business Strategy, Leadership and Change
• MSc Digital Marketing
• MSc Finance
• MSc Finance and Management
• MSc International Accounting and Finance
• MSc International Business Management with HRM, Finance or Marketing
• MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• Master of Business Administration
• PhD Accounting
• PgCert Business Research Method
• PhD Management
• PhD Finance
• MSc Operations Management
• PhD Logistics and Operations
• MSc Strategic Project Management
• PhD Strategy and Enterprise
• MSc Human Resource Management
• PhD Human Resource Management
• PhD Psychology

The School of Textiles and Design is a centre of excellence in design, bringing together talented students from across the globe to study collaboratively in Fashion, Design and Textiles. The programmes offered by the school are:

• MSc Design Management
• MA Interior Architecture and Design

Visit our website for more details on our postgraduate programmes.

Future career prospects

Heriot-Watt graduates are highly sought after by employers worldwide, and our 77,000 alumni working in key positions around the globe are testament to our success. Heriot-Watt boasts extensive links with business and industry. We are known for our excellent industrial connections and companies often approach us directly seeking students for work placements or employment. Careers service staff are available throughout your studies, ensuring that you have the skills you need to successfully market yourself to future employers. The University’s award-winning Careers Advisory Services provides one of the most extensive and comprehensive careers education and professional development programmes of any higher education institution in the UK.

English language support

As our programmes are taught and assessed in English, applicants must be able to prove their level of English language ability as part of the application process. Please visit our website for find out more about English language support.

Facilities and support arrangements

Heriot Watt’s State-of-the-art facilities include classrooms that have been designed to be interactive. Rather than traditional lecture theatres, the new campus houses collaborative lecture theatres which offer booth-style seating to encourage small-group discussions and group challenges at appropriate points; pod rooms which are designed to offer group-based learning and the sharing of learning between teachers and peers via interconnected PCs and screens; and teaching and seminar rooms which have been designed as flexible spaces for a range of classroom learning and teaching activities.

The many laboratories and workshops cover automotive, chemical, civil, mechanical, electrical, energy, robotic and structural engineering, and offer facilities for students to learn through practical application as well as through formal timetabled classes. The campus has a psychology laboratory that supports psychological experimentation and a very large IT laboratory for computer scientists as well as others. Design studies are also supported with studios and a design hub catering to the current and future needs of those preparing for a career in fashion, architecture, and interior design. All spaces come furnished with modern technology and equipment.

Fees, funding and costs

As a student you will find there is a lot to think about financially. You will find a range of information to help you here, including how to access advice if you should experience financial difficulties.

Location

Dubai is one of the most sophisticated, futuristic, connected and cosmopolitan cities in the world. Its residents come from more than 180 different countries and 105 different nationalities study with us at our Dubai campus.

Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world and the UAE is ranked the world’s 2nd safest country. Dubai is virtually crime-free as the Dubai police ensure maximum safety. Dubai is a centre of trade and commerce for the Middle East and the wider world corporations and holds many global business events.

Dubai is an international knowledge hub giving students from around the world the opportunity to gain internationally recognised qualifications.

Accommodation

Dubai is one of the most vibrant, forward-looking cities in the world, and our accommodation offerings will allow you to experience life here to its fullest. Our accommodation options cater to every individual. Whether it’s a stylish hotel, a self-contained community or a more classic student residence, students will be able to live and study in both safety and comfort. Depending on your choice, amenities include fully-equipped kitchens, restaurants and cafes, WiFi and a housekeeping service, as well as numerous facilities to enjoy such as fitness centres, swimming pools and recreational rooms.

Visit our website to learn more about the various options and pricing.

Culture

Dubai is a booming tourist destination with an array of options for shopping, eating, socialising and entertainment. Whether you prefer hiking, biking, swimming, desert safaris, jet skiing, skydiving or theme parks, there will be something for you.

The University requires all students on our University Student Residence Visa to have medical insurance for the duration of their study. A copy of the insurance documents must be submitted with the application. Alternatively, students may purchase the University’s medical insurance at an additional cost.

How to apply

Heriot-Watt University Dubai accepts applications all year round. Please follow the application routes below.

Apply online

Log on to our online application form and complete the relevant sections (not available for the MBA programme)

Complete an application form

Please remember to include all of the supporting documents that we need to process your application. This will generally include proof of previous educational attainment in the form of exam certificates, two reference letters from teachers and/or employers, and in some cases your CV to demonstrate work experience. Please see the checklist on the application form or contact the Recruitment and Admissions Office for more information.

All applicants are charged an application processing fee. Visit our website for further details.