Heriot-Watt University

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Heriot-Watt University
Established: 1821
Type: Public university
Chancellor: Baroness Greenfield
Principal: Professor Anton Muscatelli
Chairman of Court: Gavin J Gemmell
Staff: 717
Students: 10,225 [1]
Undergraduates: 5,605 [1]
Postgraduates: 4,620 [1]
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
Other campuses: Galashiels
Stromness
Dubai
Website: http://www.hw.ac.uk/

Coordinates: 55°54′33″N, 3°19′12″W

The entrance to main reception at the Edinburgh campus.
The entrance to main reception at the Edinburgh campus.

Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland, is the eighth-oldest higher education institution in the United Kingdom [1], although it only received its university charter in 1966. The name commemorates George Heriot – the 16th century financier to King James, and James Watt – the great 18th century inventor and engineer. The University originated as the School of Arts of Edinburgh in 1821. Women were welcomed as early as 1869 — 20 years ahead of other institutions.

Originally based in the centre of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University now has four campuses. The main campus is now located in Riccarton in the Currie area on the outskirts of the city. Satellite campuses are located in the Scottish Borders Campus in Galashiels in the Borders (formerly the Scottish College of Textiles); Stromness in Orkney; and most recently a new campus in Academic City, Dubai. Moreover, the Orkney Campus in Stromness is home to The International Centre for Island Technology (ICIT) which is part of Heriot-Watt University's prestigious Institute of Petroleum Engineering.

The Annual Statistics publication (2006/07) shows that the University has a total population of 17,700 students, full-time, part-time and distance and supported learning around the world. Of these 10,700 are on international programmes, including the MBA programme and those studying through one of 53 Approved Learning Partners world-wide. Heriot-Watt has around 7,000 on-campus students in Scotland, more than a quarter of whom are from outside the UK. This international focus creates a very cosmopolitan environment; approximately 10,000 students from 150 countries world-wide are currently studying on international programmes.

Contents

[edit] History

The institution that became Heriot-Watt University began with a conversation between the Edinburgh businessmen Leonard Horner and Robert Bryson about the lack of technical education for the working classes. This led to the opening of the School of Arts of Edinburgh "for the Education of Mechanics in Such Branches of Physical Science as are of Practical Application in their several trades", in October 1821.

In 1852 the name of the school was changed to the Watt Institution and School of Arts, in memory of the engineer and inventor James Watt. In 1869 women were permitted to attend classes, mainly due to the campaigning of Mary Burton, making Heriot-Watt a pioneer in equal opportunities in education.

During the 1870s a new building on Chambers Street was constructed, causing the institution severe financial difficulties that were resolved by an association with George Heriot's Hospital for needy orphans. At this point the name was changed to Heriot-Watt College; the name Heriot being ultimately derived from the jeweller, financier and philanthropist George Heriot.

A view of the loch in the Edinburgh campus.
A view of the loch in the Edinburgh campus.

The college continued to expand throughout the 20th century, developing a reputation in the fields of science and engineering, and became a university in 1966, following the recommendations of the Robbins Report.

In 1969 the former Gibson-Craig estate at Riccarton, 7 miles (11 km) to the south-west of Edinburgh, was gifted to the University and was purchased for one penny. Between 1971 and 1992 the University moved to a purpose-built campus on this site, however situated within a city green-belt, buildings on the campus cannot be greater than 4 floors in height. The Campus occupies 380 acres (1.5 km²) of mature meadow and woodland to the west of Edinburgh, just six minutes from Edinburgh airport, and some 20 minutes from the city centre by car.

The Edinburgh Business School, a component of Heriot-Watt, boasts one of the world's largest Masters of Business Administration programs [2], offered on-campus or around the world by distance education, and assessed by rigorous subject exams. A Doctor of Business Administration program, along similar lines but also containing a major research component, has recently been introduced.

In 2005, the university announced plans to open a campus in Dubai. In 2006 (end of 2005), the new 40,000 sq ft (3,700 m²). campus opened in Academic City, Dubai. Heriot-Watt University Dubai offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in Business, Accounting, Finance and Management as well as a Master's degree in Information Technology. Engineering degrees (especially Petroleum Engineering) are likely to be introduced in the near future.

Heriot-Watt University's Dubai Campus is a purpose-built modern campus of over 40,000 square feet (3,700 m²) in Dubai Academic City formally opened in March 2006. The campus offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses which reflect the University's Scottish Schools and Institutes as well as student exchanges and campus transfers.

On February 1st 2006, the neuroscientist Baroness Susan Greenfield became Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University [3].

The Watt Club recently celebrated its 150th Anniversary, making it the oldest alumni association in the UK.

[edit] Students Association

The University’s Student Association (HWUSA), also part of the National Union of Students (NUS), represents almost 8000 students through the Executive Committee which is currently led by President Liam Burns and Vice President Talat Yaqoob, there is also an executive leader of the Scottish Borders Campus, Craig Smith. The purpose of a students association is to represent the rights and needs of students and campaign on their behalf. Recent successful campaigns include obtaining academic feedback on exams and coursework and organising an accommodation fair. HWUSA also takes an active role in national events such as the demonstrations against the introduction of top up fees, increasing the current costs of education in England, which took place in London, and campaigning to end the graduate endowment fee in Scotland. Also part of HWUSA are the Advice and Support Centre, which provides financial, academic and personal support and recently created International Committee, to represent the 30% international population at Heriot-Watt.

[edit] Sports Union

Heriot-Watt University Sports Union has its 30 year anniversary in 2006–2007. It has 32 clubs that compete in the British Universities Sports Association (BUSA) leagues on a Wednesday and in many Scottish National leagues on Saturdays and Sundays. There have been many athletes that have progressed through the ranks to represent their country at the Scottish Universities level and on the National and International Stage.

In recent years, many of the sports clubs have enjoyed success in the BUSA leagues, including the Hockey Club after both the Men's and Women's 1st XI reached the knock out stages of the competition. The rugby club is one of the sports unions most well supported clubs with many many members. The annual varsity match against Edinburgh is the highlight fixture of the year, with The Watt coming out on top more often than not.

[edit] Media

[edit] Schools

Statue of James Watt outside the main entrance
Statue of James Watt outside the main entrance
  • School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences
    • Actuarial Mathematics & Statistics
    • Computer Science
    • Mathematics
  • School of the Built Environment
    • Architectural Engineering
    • Civil Engineering
    • Construction Management & Surveying
    • Urban Studies
  • School of Engineering and Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
    • Physics
    • Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering
    • Chemical Engineering
    • Mechanical Engineering
    • Centre for Occupational Health & Safety
    • Combined Studies
  • School of Life Sciences
    • Applied Psychology
    • Biological Science
    • Brewing and Distilling
    • Food Science
    • Sport and Exercise Science
  • School of Management and Languages
    • Accountancy & Finance
    • Economics
    • Languages
    • Law
    • Management
  • School of Textiles and Design
  • Edinburgh Business School
  • Institute of Petroleum Engineering

[edit] Notable alumni

See also Category:Alumni of Heriot-Watt University

"Watt a Clever Cow" Heriot-Watt's contribution to the Edinburgh CowParade. The cow no longer stands in the grounds but now lives in one of the Electrical Engineering labs.
"Watt a Clever Cow" Heriot-Watt's contribution to the Edinburgh CowParade. The cow no longer stands in the grounds but now lives in one of the Electrical Engineering labs.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c Table 0a - All students by institution, mode of study, level of study, gender and domicile 2005/06. Higher Education Statistics Agency online statistics. Retrieved on 2007-04-05.
  2. ^ "Boy achieves top grade MBA degree BBC News Online" 27 January, 2005 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/northamptonshire/4212683.stm

[edit] External links

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