Students collaborate on projects in a bright study space with white walls and large windows.

3 Year honours degree

You may be eligible to begin your degree in year two, meaning you would complete the typical Scottish four-year Bachelor Honours degree in three years.

3rd

Ranked 25th in the UK and 3rd in Scotland (Complete University Guide, 2026)

2nd

2nd in the UK for graduate employability (Graduate Outcomes, 2024)

Advantages of a 3 year Honours Degree option

Degrees in Scotland typically take four years and include a broader range of study, allowing you to choose more elective modules, take time to gain work experience and study abroad.

Advantages of completing your degree in three years include lower overall cost (one less year of tuition fees and accommodation funding) and you get to enter the job market at the same time as if you studied in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Plus, you get to enjoy all of the same perks as those joining Heriot-Watt in first year, including Welcome Week and Freshers events, and introduction to your Personal Tutor.

All new full-time students to Heriot-Watt are eligible for our Accommodation Guarantee. We guarantee an offer of accommodation on or off campus, making it easier to settle in and get ready for your studies.

As a student from Rest of UK (England, Wales, Northern Ireland), you would also get a no-strings-attached Travel Home Bursary of £1,500, which you can spend on visiting family or anything else you need – you decide. It is paid in three instalments throughout your first year with us.

Students from overseas may be eligible for our International Merit Scholarship.

How to apply

To apply for a 3 Year honours degree, select “point of entry 2” on your application to be considered. Don’t worry if you think your qualifications might not gain you entry into year two as we will automatically consider you for first or foundation level entry.

For entry requirements and further information, please see our individual programme pages on our website or contact us at ugadmissions@hw.ac.uk.

What is the 3-year degree option?

The 3-year degree option, sometimes referred to as advanced or direct entry, refers to degrees which may be able to accept students in second year of the degree programme. This means you would complete the typical Bachelor Honours degree in three years instead of four.

How do I know if I’m eligible?

To check if you are eligible, refer to the entry requirements set out in your chosen programme’s page on our website. Should you not meet the requirements, we would automatically consider you for first year and foundation entry levels.

Will I miss out on anything?

As a new student to Heriot-Watt, no matter which entry level you join us at, you will be entitled to all of the same activities, events and benefits as student starting in first year of a degree programme. This includes guaranteed accommodation on our campus in Edinburgh (or Galashiels).

What support will I receive?

You will have access to academic support from your Personal Tutor and a tailored orientation for entrants into year two to help you settle into your chosen degree programme. You can also find helpful advice through our Maths and English Gyms, designed to help hone your skills.