- Home /
- Built Environment /
- Distance learning /
- Independent distance learning
Independent distance learning
- Distance learning with Heriot-Watt
- Programmes available
- Entry requirements
- Fees
- Time requirement
- How to apply
Distance learning with Heriot-Watt
Distance learning students do not attend any classes or residential schools. Instead you will receive access to the online Virtual Learning Environment, which contains comprehensive programme materials, including written guidance on completion of coursework and dissertations. You will, therefore, require access to email and internet. You will be in regular contact with your tutors via email, telephone and letter.
Programmes available
Postgraduate programmes available to independent distance learners:
- Architectural Engineering
- Architectural Project Management
- Building Conservation (Technology & Management)
- Carbon Management in the Built Environment
- Civil Engineering
- Civil Engineering & Construction Management
- Construction Project Management
- Housing and Real Estate
- Quantity Surveying
- Real Estate and Planning
- Real Estate Investment & Finance
- Real Estate Management & Development
- Safety and Risk Management
- Safety, Risk and Reliability Engineering
- Structural and Foundation Engineering
- Sustainable Community Design
- Sustainable Urban Management
- Urban and Regional Planning
- Water Resources
Entry requirements
For MSc level entry, students must have:
- a good (minimum 2:2) relevant honours degree
and/or - full membership of a relevant professional institution
and/or - equivalent qualifications that will be considered on an individual basis
For Postgraduate Diploma level entry, students must have:
- a good (minimum 2:2) relevant honours degree
and/or - full membership of a relevant professional institution
and/or - equivalent qualifications that will be considered on an individual basis
and/or - a relevant ordinary degree plus a suitable period of relevant industrial experience
Other relevant qualifications and relevant industrial experience will be considered on an individual basis.
Fees
You should check the exact tuition fees for your programme, however, as a rough guide, Independent Distance Learning programmes will cost £3,800–7,500.
As programmes are structured in a modular fashion, it is possible to purchase modules in stages, thus spreading the cost of your programme.
Time requirement
Our distance learning programmes are structured in such a way that they can be completed in a two year period if desired. However, one of the main benefits of our modular programme system is that it can be completed over a longer time if personal or work commitments so dictate. For example:
- A Postgraduate Diploma may be completed in up to 4 years
- A MSc may be completed in up to 7 years
Based on the time you have available, the following guide may help you make a realistic judgement of the timeframe in which you can expect to complete your programme:
| Hours per week | Equivalent study blocks per week | Time taken to complete your programme |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | 3 evenings and 1 weekend day per week | 2 years |
| 15 | 1 evening and 1 weekend day per week; or 3 evenings per week |
3 years |
| 10 | 2–3 evenings per week; or 1 weekend day per week |
4 years |
How to apply
Please apply using the online application form and ensure that you also supply your Referee's Report Form.
