The University already enjoys strong business and academic links with China, thanks to our East Asia office. Based in Beijing, its staff:

  • Attend over 100 recruitment events in China every year
  • Dedicate themselves to attracting the best students to Heriot-Watt
  • Work with an extensive agency network throughout China

This developed strategy means that China is already the largest market for our UK campuses at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. Our dedication to strong partnerships also means we also work closely with 20 Chinese universities, offering students the benefits of a Heriot-Watt education.

We also work closely with the Chinese Service Centre for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE), which approves and accredits all degrees earned by students overseas. We recently renewed our agreement with the body, which is part of the Chinese Ministry of Education. We also received their Outstanding International Partner award in 2014 and 2017.

We also enjoy strong and successful relationships with a wide range of Chinese businesses. Plus we’re a key partner of local businesses back here in Scotland. So we can link the best of both worlds.

Collaboration in action

We’re proud of the partnerships we’ve forged together in China. Our recent collaborative degree programme in Telecommunications Engineering saw Xidian University establish a long-term research connection with our own School of Engineering and Physical Sciences. Another example saw the Chinese Ministry of Education approve a collaborative programme in Distilling with Tianjin University of Science and Technology. It was so successful, we’re now establishing a research centre together in this field.

Part of a global story

Heriot-Watt has a distinctive international character. A pioneer in transnational education, today it works on five campuses in the UK, Middle
East and South-East Asia with diverse communities of learners, scholars, professionals and partners from over 160 countries around the world. The relationship with China is an important part of the University’s global reach, and the Assistant Principal (International) chairs a dedicated China Strategy Group which the Confucius Institute plays a key role in. Further information on relationships and partnerships which the University has (including China) can be found in the brochure below.