The facade of the Heriot-Watt University Malaysia in Putrajaya.
KUCHING: Leading British institute of higher learning Heriot-Watt University has a legacy of excellence that dates back to 1820.
Renowned for its professionally relevant programmes, the university is ranked 33rd in the UK and fourth in Scotland, in addition to being placed in the Top Ten in the UK for Building, Town and Country Planning and Art and Design by The Complete University Guide.
In a press statement from the university, Heriot-Watt has grown and expanded over the years, and currently has three campuses in the UK, one campus in Dubai, and one in Malaysia.
Following its establishment in Putrajaya in 2012, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia operated out of a temporary campus in Menara PjH before moving into a purpose-built, state-of-the-art green campus, which was officially opened on Feb 12.
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia’s current offerings include programmes at foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
At foundation level, the university’s Foundation in Science and Foundation in Business and Design programmes are preparatory in nature, and have been structured to allow for tailored entry into any of its many undergraduate programmes.
According to Head of the Foundation programme Dr Joanne Rajadurai, the syllabi for these programmes have been designed to equip students, not only with the skills needed in their academic disciplines, but also transferable skills in areas like academic English and study skills, which will help them in transition to degree studies.
The Foundation in Science programme in particular is taught over three semesters via a combination of lectures, seminars and group work. This mixed method of teaching allows students to have a more hands-on experience to the course content.
Given Heriot-Watt’s British background, students will also be able to experience the British university style of teaching and learning, which will give them an edge when they enter the working world.
Upon successful completion of the Foundation in Science programme, students will be eligible for the university’s undergraduate programmes which include actuarial science, chemical engineering, civil engineering, construction project management, quantity surveying and petroleum engineering, among others.
These undergraduate programmes are mostly of three-year duration, which similarly focus on the student’s personal development as well.
This is done via a combination of assignments and group work, which allows students to interact and develop communication and management skills.
It is this winning formula that has seen the university being ranked 15th in the UK for highest starting salary within six months of graduation by the Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2015.