How to apply for undergraduate programmes

All applications to undergraduate degree programmes at Heriot-Watt University, whether from the UK or overseas, should be made online through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

You can get in touch with us before you apply to get advice on the offer you are likely to receive.

When to apply

For entry in 2011, UCAS accepts applications from 1 September 2010. The first closing date for applications to be guaranteed consideration is 15 January 2011. Some degree programmes may receive applications after the deadline, however, we cannot guarantee this, especially for areas of high demand. You should contact the admissions tutor for the degree programme you are applying to for more information about the application deadline.

Your application

Your UCAS application is completed in 10 steps:

Registration: registering to use the UCAS Apply service
Personal details: your name, address, date of birth, contact details, nationality, residential status and an outline of any disabilities
Additional information (UK applicants only): additional details about any non-examination-based activities you have taken in preparation for higher education
Choices: a list of the programmes, and the universities and colleges that you are applying to
Education: details of where you have studied and which qualifications you are taking/have taken
Employment: details of your work history and employers
Personal statement: a statement that tells us why you are applying for the programme(s) you’ve chosen and why we should want you as a student
Reference: a reference from a tutor, careers adviser or other professional who knows you
Declaration: confirming that the information you’ve given is correct and agreeing to use the UCAS Apply service
Pay and send: paying the application fee online using a credit or debit card

If you need help with your application you should contact UCAS Customer Services on +44 (0)871 468 0468.

UCAS codes

The UCAS institution code for Heriot-Watt is H24.
The programme codes you will need for your application are listed against each programme.
Programmes based at our Edinburgh Campus do not have a Campus Code.
Programmes based at our Scottish Borders Campus have the Campus Code S.

Tracking your application

Once you’ve completed your application you can use the tracking service on the UCAS website called UCAS Track to keep up-to-date with your progress and reply to your offers.

Provided that you submitted your application to UCAS by 15 January, you should expect to receive all offers of study by 31 March (but it can sometimes take longer than this). UCAS will email you to advise if there has been a change to your application and ask you to check UCAS Track. If you haven't provided a valid email address UCAS will send you a letter asking you to reply to the offers.

Our response to your application

All applications to Heriot-Watt University are carefully considered by an admissions tutor (an academic member of staff from the relevant programme area), whose job is to view applications. They will make one of the following offers or responses to you through UCAS:

an Unconditional offer, (you have achieved the entry requirements)
a Conditional offer (you need to achieve specified entry requirements before you are accepted)
regretfully Reject your application (this does not prevent you from applying again in a subsequent year)

Responding to our offers

Advice on how to respond to the offers you receive will be provided to you by UCAS when you apply. We advise that you read this carefully, responding by the deadline stated.
Many candidates will receive dual offers for both first and second year entry. Although one of these will be the main offer, candidates who accept this may easily change their main offer to the alternative year once their results are known.

Interviews and visits to the University

Some subject areas may invite applicants to interview before an offer is made. In others, applicants who hold offers are invited to join a group applicant visit day to help you decide if you would like to accept your offer of a place at Heriot-Watt. The Education Liaison Service is pleased to arrange informal visits to the University for applicants and potential applicants on request.

All successful applicants are invited to visit the University (usually between January and April), in order to find out about their chosen programme and about the University more generally. It is also possible to visit us outside of the dates offered, or you can attend one of our open days.