Master of Science in Energy and Economics

at Heriot-Watt University - Edinburgh Campus United Kingdom

This Physics degree covers subjects including dynamics, electromagnetic fields and optics. These areas lead onto the quantum world of subatomic particles, the unique nature of laser light, and the philosophically challenging ideas of quantum physics and astrophysics. Mathematics also plays an important part in understand physical concepts in more depth. In later years, the course will offer you various topics, including Laser Physics, Photonics, Semiconductor Physics, Instrumentation, Nuclear Physics and Elementary Particles.

Through research projects, you’ll be able to develop skills in experimental design or computational modelling. The course will also help with your practical abilities, initiative and teamwork. The Physics degree is mathematically rigorous and suitable if you’re interested in a career in research.

Our BSc Computer Science degree focuses on constructing robust and usable systems. As well as looking at cutting edge tools and techniques, it’s designed to help you build the next generation of software tools that other system constructors will use. The course aims to give a well integrated balance of theoretical underpinnings and practical experience, strongly informed by the research expertise of our academic staff.

All Year 3 students take part in a year-long group project, where they co-operate in tackling a large, realistic problem. Year 4 students conduct a major, year-long, individual dissertation project.

You can take advantage of our international campuses by taking part in an Inter-Campus Transfer. This gives you the opportunity to study Computer Science at our Dubai campus for a semester or a year.

The MSc International Management and Business Communication programme concentrates on developing professional communication skills in business contexts, as well as an understanding of intercultural and international business issues.

While students on this programme are not required to work in any language other than English, the skills you develop can of course be applied in any professional communication context, regardless of language. There is a broad range of optional courses in professionally relevant subjects so that students can choose exactly which areas they would like to specialise in and can therefore tailor the programme to their interests and their professional needs.

If you would like to pursue study of another language in addition to English, you may prefer to take the MSc Translating for Business degree, which allows you to develop language, communication and translation skills specific to a business context in English plus your choice of one or two other languages from French, German and Spanish.

This course combines the rigorous studies of the BSc (Hons) Computer Systems with a year of work placement in level 4. Good performance means 12 months experience of working in an organisation in the computing sector. The Diploma in Industrial Training is gained through successful completion of the work placement. The work placement helps you to develop specific work-related skills, giving you the opportunity to apply and build upon the theory you’ve learned. This course is well suited for students looking for a sound foundation in contemporary computing, complemented by the professional skills needed to design, deploy and manage robust systems in diverse organisations, from SMEs to large corporations as well as undertaking a year in industry.

Gain specialist skills to tackle global environmental challenges in human and physical geography. We are ranked 5th in the UK for Town and Country Planning in the Complete University Guide 2021.

Studying geography at Heriot-Watt covers human geography, physical geography, social policy, economics and modern studies. It combines theory and practical work drawn from these main subject areas to create an inherently interesting and broadly defined university degree.

Our Geography BSc focuses on physical geography, studying the processes that shape the natural environment including hydrology, geology and geomorphology. You will develop field work skills in surveying, mapping and site assessment with field work and site visits as a key strand in your learning.

You will develop important research skills through core modules in statistics, data analysis and research methods which you will apply to your final year research dissertation. Throughout your degree cross-disciplinary and problem-based working helps students acquire the skills needed to work in multi-disciplinary teams and solve real-world problems.

Highlights:

• You can participate in residential field trips in years 1, 2 and 3 – visiting locations in Scotland, the UK and beyond, plus shorter one-day trips and site visits. These trips provide important opportunities to deepen practical skills in field survey, site observation, data collection and analysis.
• You can experience links to practice and industry – hearing from visiting speakers and professionals working as chartered geographers, surveyors and planners.
• In year 3, all students are given the opportunity for mentoring by a practitioner, someone working in industry who can discuss career choices, graduate job opportunities and professional membership routes.

Our BSc Biological Sciences degree is a broad-based course with a diverse range of topics. In Levels three and four you’ll be able to select from courses ranging from molecular biology and genomics, to marine and environmental topics. Which means you can choose your courses based on your particular interests. Overall, this biology degree aims to provide a flexible package of knowledge and practical skills in the biological sciences. Giving you the chance to maximise your potential and enjoy a successful career – whether it’s in academia, industry or commerce.

Our Masters in International Business Management with Finance (MSc) programme is aimed at graduates who have little or no business or management background in their first degree and who wish to gain a broad based business qualification to enhance their future career prospects, or at those looking to develop business management knowledge and skills to allow them to change or further their careers.

This is a conversion MSc

MSc International Business Management with Finance is a conversion degree programme led by academics from Edinburgh Business School. It introduces the study of business to graduates and professionals from non-management backgrounds who wish to enhance their careers.

This degree introduces vital business and management knowledge to those with limited academic experience of the subject. It provides an opportunity to develop a set of versatile management skills in just one year of study. The modern management skills gained, coupled with specialist learning in the area of finance, will complement existing knowledge and prepare graduates for a career shift or management role.

Climate change is recognised as having potentially huge impacts on the environment and on human society. This programme is designed to give students an understanding of climate change causes, impacts, mitigation and adaptation measures from a life science perspective. Students will also develop a wide variety of mathematical modelling skills that can be used to investigate the impacts of climate change.

The programme closely follows the structure of our Applied Mathematical Sciences MSc. Two of the mandatory courses will specifically focus on the issues related to climate change and are taught by expert staff from the University's School of Life Sciences.

This programme of study responds to the global demand for graduates with science or engineering backgrounds who can provide technical consultation and deliver specialist solutions to improve sustainability. 

Graduates from MSc Global Sustainability Engineering will work at the forefront of sustainable development. They will be able to call on engineering knowledge to identify existing unsustainable processes and practices and implement strategies for improvement. 

Programme aims

In developing this degree, Heriot-Watt University has built on over 30 years of experience in researching and teaching sustainable engineering. We have taken inspiration from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and want our graduates to be advocates of change; to understand how both incremental and disruptive approaches can be harnessed for effective sustainable development.

Courses will break down the barriers between disciplines and promote synergy between different branches of learning so that a holistic view of problems and solutions can be developed.

Our Masters in Actuarial Science has been accredited by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFOA).

This MSc has been designed as the perfect starting point to a career as an actuary, preparing you for a leading role managing risk in financial institutions worldwide. Many of our staff are qualified actuaries that have worked for some of the biggest names in the Acturial world; You will be able to benefit from their extensive business knowledge, many years of experience working in industry and their research expertise.

The course offers hands-on experience solving real-life financial problems through interactive lectures, tutorials and practical coursework. What’s more, our close links to industry means you’ll have the chance of a summer placement within Edinburgh's financial sector.