Key Information
Programme Duration & Mode of Study
The mode of delivery of programmes on offer in the Institute of Housing, Urban and Real Estate Research is varied and most programmes are offered via full time (one year) or part time (two years) study. Most programmes are also offered via distance learning.
Many of our part time and distance learning students are in highly demanding employment and these students can opt to reduce the level of study per year and increase the study period up to a maximum of six years. This allows them to gain a respected postgraduate qualification whilst contributing to the CPD requirements of the relevant professional bodies.
Full and part time students start in early September. For distance learning study the main start date is in early September but there is an additional start date in early January.
Students typically complete a coursework assignment for each course studied; sit examinations in April of year of study; and work on their dissertation or project report from May to September. Arrangements can be made for distance learning students to sit exams at a number of centres throughout the world.
Distance learning students receive comprehensive course study packs online. A PC with e-mail and Internet access is necessary for those students to gain the fullest learning experience from the course through the University’s supported on-line virtual learning system: VISION.
For the MSc, students undertake seven or eight courses (depending on the programme) plus the research dissertation. For a Postgraduate Diploma, students must complete eight courses only. Students can opt to complete a total of four courses and graduate with the Heriot-Watt University Postgraduate Certificate. Each taught course requires 150 hours and the dissertation requires 600 hours of effort.
Transfer between Diploma and MSc is possible. The minimum pass mark for the MSc is 50%. The minimum pass mark for the Diploma/Certificate is 40%. Diploma students who achieve 50% or more in the taught courses are eligible to transfer to the MSc. MSc students who achieve between 40 and 49% in their overall course marks are required to transfer to the Diploma stream.
Entry Requirements
For MSc level entry students must hold a good (second class) honours degree in a relevant discipline; full membership of a relevant professional institution; or equivalent UK/overseas qualifications.
Applicants without the above qualifications but who have significant industry experience will be considered on an individual basis. Potential applicants are advised to contact the programme leader in the first instance. Students admitted onto the Diploma programme who perform well have the option of transferring to the MSc.
If you have any enquiries about the requirements for entry please contact the programme leader for further advice on applying.
Fees & Funding
The cost of studying any of the programmes varies according to the chosen mode of study and the nationality of the student. For applicants who are resident in Scotland on the relevant dates, there may be support for tuition fees and maintenance for certain programmes supported by the Students Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS).
Please note that the costs for distance learning are different from the above. For more information about fees, registration and payments please visit http://www.postgraduate.hw.ac.uk/admissions/fees-and-registration.htm
Grants & Scholarships
There are a range of scholarship schemes available for potential postgraduate students. For more information about other scholarship opportunities offered by the university please visit http://www.scholarships.hw.ac.uk/
How to Apply
If you would like to apply for any of these programmes please download an application form from http://www.postgraduate.hw.ac.uk/admissions/
This webpage also has information and guidance about completing your application, the required supporting information and the application procedures and process. Once you have completed your application form you will need to send it to the Postgraduate Recruitment Office who will register the application and issue you with a reference number. The application will then be forwarded on to the School for a decision
