Programs

MBA

MBA Master of Business Administration

The Heriot-Watt University online MBA is designed for ambitious professionals seeking to advance their careers into senior leadership roles. This flexible, self-paced program allows you to learn from anywhere in the world and apply new skills immediately. You can start with a single course to build your confidence and progress towards a full MBA, a Postgraduate Certificate, or an MBA with a specialism. The curriculum focuses on developing essential leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills, with optional specialisms in areas like finance, big data, and marketing. With over 200 years of academic excellence and a commitment to flexible learning, Heriot-Watt Online aims to provide a practical and resilient MBA experience tailored to your career aspirations and life commitments. The program leverages industry-aligned courses and offers access to a global community of learners and alumni, preparing you for complex business challenges and leadership opportunities.

MBA Master of Business Administration with a Specialism in Business Analytics

This online MBA with a Specialism in Business Analytics is designed by Edinburgh Business School to equip you with fundamental business knowledge alongside advanced skills in data analysis. You will learn about finance, organizational behaviour, strategy, leadership, marketing, and project management, with a specific focus on how to leverage business data for strategic decision-making. The programme aims to make you a valuable asset to employers by enhancing your ability to apply analytical insights to real-world business challenges and drive success.

MBA Master of Business Administration with a Specialism in Business Psychology

This online MBA with a Specialism in Business Psychology is designed for aspiring leaders who want to combine management expertise with psychological insight. It focuses on building more effective, engaged, and high-performing teams by enhancing your understanding of both business principles and human behaviour. The programme aims to equip you with skills for leadership, HR, executive coaching, and consultancy roles, preparing you for the demands of a people-driven economy. You will learn to influence, motivate, and build high-performing cultures, resolve complex management problems using psychological tools, and drive sustainable organisational change.

MBA Master of Business Administration with a Specialism in Finance

This online MBA with a Specialism in Finance from Edinburgh Business School is designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior financial leadership roles. It equips you with expertise in financial analysis, risk management, and mergers and acquisitions, preparing you to make critical decisions for business stability and sustainability. The flexible, self-paced online delivery allows you to study from anywhere in the world, integrating your learning with your career. You will develop a strong leadership and management toolkit, enhance your problem-solving skills for complex financial challenges, and learn to evaluate investment decisions and align financial strategies with organizational goals.

MBA Master of Business Administration with a Specialism in Professional Practice

This career-focused MBA is designed for working professionals looking to advance into senior leadership roles. Delivered 100% online, it offers the flexibility to learn at your own pace and apply new knowledge directly to your workplace. The programme combines academic excellence with practical, real-world impact, focusing on developing skills in leadership, strategy, decision-making, and business transformation. Edinburgh Business School, part of Heriot-Watt University, is a global hub for business knowledge with over 200 years of academic excellence. This MBA aligns with the top five most in-demand skills globally, including analytical thinking, resilience, leadership, creative thinking, and motivation. Graduates are prepared for roles such as Strategy Consultant, Operations Director, Finance Manager, and Chief Executive Officer. The programme structure allows for flexible study, with students typically completing the MBA in two years, though faster or longer study periods are possible. You will complete seven core courses and a Business Project, totalling 190 credits. Each course requires approximately 200 hours of study. The curriculum is designed to deliver measurable impact through a Business Project that addresses real-world challenges like sustainability, supply chain resilience, or digital transformation.

MBA with a Specialism in Logistics and Supply Chain Management

This flexible, online MBA with a Specialism in Logistics and Supply Chain Management is designed to equip you with strategic and operational expertise in managing vital business functions. In today's world, the efficiency and resilience of supply chains are more critical than ever, and this program will prepare you to excel in this field. You will develop the ability to critically apply management and logistics principles, analyze and resolve complex business challenges with innovative and sustainable solutions, and build resilience and adaptability in the face of rapid external change. The program aims to drive efficiency, innovation, and sustainability while developing the systems thinking and problem-solving skills needed for strategic and operational challenges.

MBA with a Specialism in Strategy (Online)

The online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a Specialism in Strategy from Edinburgh Business School is designed for professionals looking to advance into senior leadership roles. This flexible, self-paced program focuses on developing strategic thinking, leadership skills, and the ability to make informed, high-impact decisions. You will gain expertise in areas such as leadership, strategy formulation and execution, change management, and financial decision-making. The curriculum is aligned with globally in-demand skills, preparing you to tackle complex business challenges and drive long-term success in a rapidly changing world.

MBA with Specialism in Sustainable Logistics

MSc Applied Cyber Security

The MSc in Applied Cyber Security program equips you with the theoretical knowledge, practical methods, and essential tools to protect computer networks from evolving threats and attacks. You will learn to develop robust security policies, implement effective network security solutions, and assess their performance. This course is designed for both recent graduates and industry professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in cyber security and address global concerns about network safety. Heriot-Watt offers a flexible curriculum with mandatory and elective courses, allowing you to tailor your learning to your specific career aspirations and goals.

MSc Applied Mathematical Sciences

The MSc Applied Mathematical Sciences program at Heriot-Watt University is designed to equip students with advanced analytical and statistical skills essential for navigating a data-driven world. Building on over 40 years of expertise in applied mathematics research and education, this master's program offers a flexible curriculum focused on both theoretical foundations and practical application. Students will gain hands-on experience using mathematical concepts to solve complex problems across various industries, preparing them for impactful careers in fields such as mathematical modelling, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics.

MSc Artificial Intelligence

The MSc in Artificial Intelligence at Heriot-Watt University equips you with advanced technical skills and practical experience in a field with high global demand. Taught by leading AI researchers and utilizing facilities like the National Robotarium, this program prepares you to innovate in intelligent systems. Graduates are well-prepared for diverse, high-growth careers and are at the forefront of AI advancements.

MSc Computing (2 years)

This two-year Master of Science (MSc) in Computing is designed for graduates from any academic background, providing a comprehensive foundation in computing principles and practices. The first year focuses on essential software engineering skills, core computing topics, and developing technical English proficiency, preparing students for advanced study. Upon successful completion of the first year, students can choose to graduate with a Graduate Diploma in Computer Science or progress to the second year of the MSc. The second year allows students to specialize further and pursue any of the university's single-year Computer Science master's programs, or to continue with this two-year MSc pathway.

MSc Data Science (2 years)

The two-year MSc Data Science program is designed for graduates from non-computing backgrounds who wish to transition into a career in data science. It provides a comprehensive foundation in programming, data engineering, statistics, machine learning, and data visualization, enabling you to extract and interpret insights from complex data. The first year focuses on building core skills in software engineering and information systems, while the second year delves into advanced techniques for handling, processing, and modelling large datasets using modern algorithms. The curriculum blends theory with practical application, allowing you to work with real-world data and apply analysis tools. Optional modules enable specialization in areas like Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, or Software Engineering, aligning your studies with your career aspirations.

MSc Robotics

The MSc Robotics program at Heriot-Watt University offers advanced training in robot programming and major project work. You will gain expertise in areas such as autonomous vehicles, underwater robots, humanoid and social robots, and advanced manipulators. This degree is designed for graduates who want to deepen their knowledge and skills to work in industries that utilize robotics to enhance productivity, transform transportation, operate in extreme environments, and improve quality of life. Heriot-Watt is home to the National Robotarium, a significant innovation hub for robotics and autonomous systems, fostering leading research and supporting business development.

MSc Software Engineering

The MSc Software Engineering program equips you with advanced technical knowledge and practical skills to design, develop, and maintain high-quality software systems. It applies best practices from computer science, engineering, and project management, preparing you for roles in IT, R&D, finance, defence, and government agencies. The curriculum is industry-relevant, focusing on areas like dependable systems, big data, interactive systems (including games), and biologically inspired computing. You will gain mastery of essential tools such as Python, R, SQL, and data visualization, with opportunities for hands-on experience through facilities like the National Robotarium, which focuses on robotics, AI, and automation.

PGCert Master of Business Administration Essentials

The MBA Essentials (PGCert) is an online postgraduate certificate designed to equip you with fundamental business, management, and leadership skills. It provides practical expertise in areas such as leadership, strategy, and project management. This program serves as an excellent first step towards a full MBA, allowing you to earn credits that can be transferred to the Edinburgh Business School MBA. Founded in 1821, Heriot-Watt University has over 200 years of academic excellence. This flexible, self-paced program allows you to learn core MBA concepts at your own pace, applying new knowledge to real-world challenges immediately.