Talent Development Programme (TDP) Applications now Open.

The TDP is delivered in partnership by Heriot-Watt University Sports Union and Oriam, on behalf of the University, and applications for scholars for the upcoming academic year (2020/21) are now open.

The TDP provides support for athletes to balance their study and sporting commitments, allowing them the opportunity to achieve in both. Over the years, The TDP has supported a number of notable athletes, most recently with Lisa Aitken (Squash), Seonaid McIntosh (Shooting), David Cumberlidge (Swimming) as well as Lisa Kearney & Steph Inglis (Judo), to name but a few. Many of the aforementioned athletes have national and international honours to their name competing in European, World, Commonwealth & Olympic levels. While the programme helps athletes such as this through academic flexibility and funding, it also supports developing athletes aspiring to reach that level with strength and conditioning and nutrition support.

Seonaid McIntosh. 2 times bronze medalist at Gold Coast Common Wealth Games.
Seonaid McIntosh. 2 time bronze medallist at the Gold Coast Common Wealth Games.

Support while you study

We work in line with national governing bodies to create a competitive and challenging training environment for the development of our scholars.

Successful applicants can benefit from a wide range of support & development services available during their time at Heriot-Watt. These include:

-Academic flexibility

– Funding

– Facility membership

– Access to key sport science staff & services.

Criteria for entry

The following criteria should be met during the initial application:

– Athletes who have been competing at a national age grade level (or above) are encouraged to apply.

– Applications from athletes whose sport is represented by a club at Heriot-Watt are preferred.

– Athletes will be nominated by their respective national governing body performance coach (or equivalent), having already shown the necessary commitment to developing their talent.

Support is also available to athletes who are competing at Commonwealth, World and Olympic standard to balance their training and study. Individuals who meet this criteria will already be involved in a performance programme within their respective national governing body.

Athletes who are currently supported by the SportScotland Institute of Sport are also encouraged to apply.

Application Process

Application are open and made through the following online form: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/NKYSPX5

Applications will close on 31 May, for entry into the following September (Semester 1 of the academic year).

If you have any queries about the programme please contact Chris Sellar on c.sellar@hw.ac.uk