Heriot-Watt Sport

Sport at Heriot-Watt has been transformed in the last 10 years, thanks mainly to the development of Oriam, Scotland’s Sports Performance Centre. More recently, Heriot-Watt has launched a number of sports degrees. The Sport & Exercise Science undergraduate course returned, while postgraduate courses in Sports Management and Sport Psychology were introduced. Additional investment has also been directed into enhancing sport scholarships with the introduction of Squash and Football scholarship programmes. The introduction of coaching scholarships continues to enhance sport at Heriot-Watt by attracting quality coaches wishing to further develop their coaching while undertaking postgraduate study.

Coaching Scholarship Programme

APPLICATION FORM
ENQUIRY FORM

Our Coaching Scholarships are designed to attract individuals who are passionate about coaching and developing the sports programme and performance of student athletes. Anyone studying at postgraduate level at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Campus, is eligible to apply for a Coaching Scholarship.  

Coaching Scholarships will receive a Tuition Fee Reduction on postgraduate fees. Typically, the discount will start at 20% but could reach as high as 100% for exceptional candidates. Candidates will be assessed on the following criteria:

  1. Whether the applicant’s sport is a focus sport
  2. The applicant’s coaching and/or playing experience
  3. The applicant’s potential to recruit fee-paying student athletes

The tuition fee reduction will then be determined based on a combination of candidate assessment, volume of coaching/recruitment work, and the applicant’s total tuition fee.

In return, the coaching scholar will be expected to deliver coaching to one of the constituted clubs of Heriot-Watt University Sports Union.

Applications will be considered for any club with the Sports Union, however there are several focus sports that we are encouraging applications for:

  • American Football
  • Basketball
  • Football
  • Gaelic Football
  • Handball
  • Netball
  • Rowing (Boat)
  • Rugby
  • Tennis
  • Volleyball

For a full list of sports clubs in Heriot-Watt University Sports Union click here: Clubs – Heriot-Watt University Sports Union.

Overview

Specific responsibilities of the coaching scholarship recipient will vary depending on the requirements of the Sports Union club. The recipient will undergo a full induction within both the Sports Union and Oriam, and will be expected to start their coaching scholarship in August to allow for a full induction, training, and planning for the academic year starting in September. The recipient will work primarily within the Oriam Performance Department and will work closely with the Sports Union to deliver coaching and recruitment for one of the Sports Clubs.

The scholarship will last for the duration of their studies – one year for full-time study, two years for part-time study. The recipient will be expected to complete a handover process at the end of the scholarship, in the August of their final year.

A January start for a coaching scholarship may also be possible depending on the sport.

Responsibilities

The coaching scholarship recipient will be responsible for leading or supporting the coaching of the Sports Union club, depending on experience and the current coaching staff in place within the club. The number of hours will be annualised, with higher coaching commitments between September and April, and reduced coaching hours between June and August.

The recipient will also be responsible for promoting Heriot-Watt University to prospective students to be part of their Sports Union club. This could involve recruitment-focused activities such as attending University Open Days, networking, and attending competitions. They will also have the opportunity to work closely with the Marketing and Communications teams to produce marketing and social media materials aimed at new students looking to study at Heriot-Watt University and join a Sports Union club.

Tuition Fee Reduction

The percentage of fee reduction offered to the recipient will depend on: 

  • Coaching qualification 
  • Previous coaching experience (or significant playing experience) 
  • Commitment and quantity of coaching hours across the duration of the scholarship 
  • The applicant’s potential to recruit fee-paying student athletes 

Percentage fee reduction will be agreed before the scholarship is approved and will be based on the commitment of the recipient to meet the coaching requirements throughout the year. The recipient will be removed from the scholarship and required to pay any outstanding fee’s to complete their studies should they fail to meet the agreed requirements at any point during the scholarship.

Eligibility

All Coaching Scholarship recipients are required to meet the following criteria:  

  • Study at Heriot-Watt University on a postgraduate degree 
  • Hold a Level 2 Coaching qualification or equivalent (significant playing experience at a performance level will be considered) 
  • English Language requirements – IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) 

Application Process

  1. Submit UCAS application to apply for your desired Heriot-Watt University degree programme.
  2. Apply to Sport Scholarship Programme within 7 days of university course application (if contextualised admissions are required), otherwise it may not be possible to amend offer status.
  3. References contacted to confirm applicant’s coaching and/ or playing experience. 
  4. Oriam’s Performance Sport Panel review applications.  
  5. Outcomes communicated to applicants following the below timeline  

Application Timeline

Application Window: Open for applications with deadline of 30th April.

Review of Applications: Outcomes announced within 4-6 weeks after application submitted.

Offer Acceptance: If a scholarship offer has been sent to the candidate, acceptance of the scholarship offer must have been received no later than May to allow enough time to provide suitable onboarding.

*Please email Sports Scholarships if you are applying for a January start course.

  Apply Now For a Heriot-Watt Coaching Scholarship

To apply to be considered for a coaching scholarship please use the following form:

Heriot-Watt Sport Coaching Scholarship Application

Should you wish to speak to a member of staff before applying or have any further queries, contact our Athlete Lifestyle & Advocacy Coordinator, Emma Cartmill (sportscholarships@hw.ac.uk).