Heriot-Watt University has launched a new Professional Academy, offering more than 50 online, university-credited courses designed to help professionals upskill quickly in fast-changing industries. The initiative is aimed at meeting growing demand for flexible and accessible professional development worldwide.
The academy builds on Heriot-Watt’s three decades of distance and online learning expertise. Its courses are stackable, meaning learners can complete them at their own pace and apply credits towards future qualifications, including postgraduate degrees. No undergraduate degree is required to enrol, widening access to advanced professional education.
The launch follows industry research indicating a clear demand for modular, career-relevant learning. According to the CPD Standards Office’s “CPD Research Project 2023–2024,” nine in ten respondents reported career development as a direct result of continuing professional development activities.
The new platform will launch with courses across three broad areas. The Edinburgh Business School MBA modules include financial decision making, strategic marketing, and big data analytics. Business and organisational psychology courses cover leadership development, organisational change, and workplace design. Specialist areas include real estate development, sustainable investment, and a pioneering carbon dioxide removal programme.
The curriculum has been developed in collaboration with industry partners to ensure relevance. The real estate programme was created with one of the world’s largest property services companies, sustainable investment with finance firm Arkadiko, and supply chain management with the Kühne Foundation, which is linked to logistics company Kühne+Nagel.
Russell Brooks, CEO of Heriot-Watt Online, said: “Our Professional Academy bridges the gap between academic rigour and practical application. These aren’t just courses — they’re smart career investments. Learners can choose courses that meet immediate professional needs, while also building credit towards a future MSc or MBA. It’s a flexible, stackable approach that delivers real-time impact and long-term value.”
Brooks added that accessibility had been a core priority: “Students from all over the world can now access the platform and this transformative approach to continuous professional development.”
The academy offers a tiered structure for both individuals and businesses, allowing learners to choose between single courses, certificates, and degree pathways. Corporate clients can access bespoke packages, including group rates, account management, and tailored content delivery from Heriot-Watt academics.
The Professional Academy is available at professionalacademy.hw.ac.uk.
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