Heriot-Watt University, in partnership with Oriam, Scotland’s Sports Performance Centre, has launched an ambitious new Coaching Scholarship Programme designed to attract talented and motivated coaches who can help elevate the university’s growing community of student-athletes. The initiative creates fresh opportunities for postgraduate students to advance both their academic and sporting careers while playing a central role in developing club sport across the university.

Excellence Across Sport

Over the past decade, sport at Heriot-Watt has undergone significant transformation, driven initially by the establishment of Oriam and, more recently, by the expansion of its academic sport portfolio. The return of the Sport & Exercise Science undergraduate programme, alongside new postgraduate courses in Sports Management and Sport Psychology, has further strengthened the university’s commitment to sport-related education. Additionally, increased investment in performance sport has seen the introduction of enhanced scholarship pathways, including the expansion of Football and Squash scholarships.

The new Coaching Scholarships build on this momentum by offering high-quality coaches an opportunity to refine their coaching practice while undertaking postgraduate study. Scholarships are available to applicants enrolling in eligible programmes at the Edinburgh campus, with tuition fee reductions ranging from approximately 20% up to a full 100%, depending on the applicant’s coaching and/or playing experience, qualifications, and their potential to attract fee-paying student-athletes to Heriot-Watt.

Fostering a New Generation

Scholarship recipients will work closely with staff across Oriam and the Heriot-Watt Sports Union to deliver tailored coaching support to individual sports clubs. Depending on experience, scholars may be responsible for leading sessions, supporting existing coaching teams, and contributing to athlete recruitment as part of the university’s performance and participation pathways.

While applications are welcomed across the full breadth of Sports Union clubs, several focus sports have been identified to maximise the impact of the programme.

Reflecting on the launch, Ross Campbell, Executive Director of Oriam, said:

“The launch of the Coaching Scholarship reflects Heriot-Watt’s broader commitment to cultivating leadership and excellence in sport. By embedding coaching roles within the academic experience, the university aims to strengthen its sports performance, create a higher-quality student experience, and foster a new generation of professionals equipped with both practical and academic expertise.”

Prospective students interested in applying or learning more about the Coaching Scholarship can contact the sports scholarship team via the Heriot-Watt Sports Union or Oriam performance sport platforms.

Further details on eligible sports, application deadlines, and the application process are available on the Heriot-Watt University and Oriam websites.