The Heriot-Watt University Transcript: A Comprehensive Record of Academic Achievement

For students and graduates of Heriot-Watt University, the academic transcript is far more than a simple list of grades—it is an official, authoritative document that chronicles their entire academic journey. As a formal record issued by the Academic Registry, the transcript serves as a vital credential for employment, postgraduate study, and professional registration worldwide. Understanding what this document contains, how it is structured, and how to obtain it is essential for every member of the university community.

What the Transcript Contains

Heriot-Watt University endeavours to provide a full academic transcript that includes confirmation of all module and course results, details of the award attained, and the date of conferment. For each course undertaken, the transcript records the grade awarded, the semester in which the course was studied and assessed, the credit points achieved (typically 15 SCQF points for undergraduate and postgraduate taught courses), and the number of times the course has been studied and assessed. Importantly, while students may view numerical marks online during their studies, formal printed academic transcripts issued by the University contain only letter grades. Buy fake transcript online.

The Heriot-Watt Assessment and Progression System (HAPS)

At the heart of Heriot-Watt’s academic recording is the Heriot-Watt Assessment and Progression System (HAPS), which applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes across all modes and locations of study. This system provides a clear, structured framework for assessment and progression, promoting consistency, fairness, and academic integrity across the University.

Course assessments are recorded on the transcript in the form of Grades A to F. The grade descriptors are based on the quality of response in course assessment, determined with reference to the extent to which the learner has satisfied the specified criteria. Grade A denotes an “Excellent” response, Grade B “Very Good”, Grade C “Good”, Grade D “Satisfactory”, Grade E “Adequate”, and Grade F “Inadequate”. Students must receive a minimum grade of D to pass a course, while Grade E is sufficient for gaining credit points. Grade D represents the minimum requirement for passing a core course or for progressing in a continuing subject. A Grade E means that the learner is awarded credit points but cannot continue study in the subject and a re-assessment is required for core and continuing courses.

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Supplementary Information and Special Notations

Beyond the alphabetical grades, Heriot-Watt transcripts may include a range of supplementary notations that provide additional context to a student’s academic record. These include “ABS” for absence from the entire course assessment, “MC” where a medical certificate has been submitted, “EX” for exemption due to accreditation of prior learning, “IG” where a grade has been made invalid by a disciplinary committee decision, “IA” for ineligibility due to unsatisfactory attendance or performance, and “DC” for discretionary credits awarded when performance has been insufficient to gain credit points but the learner has satisfied the overall award or progression criteria. Additionally, “EC” denotes exceptional credits awarded at the discretion of the Exam Board due to exceptional circumstances affecting an entire cohort.

The Enhanced Transcript

In July 2019, Heriot-Watt University launched the Enhanced Transcript, a formal University document that includes not only details of the student’s award and grades, but also a comprehensive range of academic and extra-curricular activities undertaken during their time at the University. This innovative document is designed to help graduates maximise their employability by recording University achievements in a single document that can be shared with prospective employers and postgraduate recruiters. The Enhanced Transcript does not replace the degree certificate or CV; rather, it serves as a supplementary document. All graduates who have undertaken recognised extra-curricular activities will receive an Enhanced Transcript, which accompanies their Academic Transcript.

Requesting a Transcript

All requests for an academic transcript or certification must be made in writing by the student or an interested third party, with the appropriate application form submitted to the Student Service Centre. Current students can request transcripts through their myHWU student portal. The University prepares transcripts based on when a student studied: for current students and those who left or graduated from 2011 onwards, transcripts are prepared by the Student Service Centre; for undergraduates from 1996 to 2010, transcripts are prepared by the relevant School; and for students who graduated before 1996 (or postgraduates before 2004), transcripts are prepared by the Academic Registry from archival records. It should be noted that module and course records created prior to 2004 may no longer be held by the University.

Official Endorsement

All academic transcripts and certifications must be endorsed by the official stamp provided by the Academic Registry. Two stamps stating “Issued on behalf of the Academic Registry, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh” are applied to each document, ensuring their authenticity and acceptance by employers, educational institutions, and professional bodies worldwide.

Conclusion

The Heriot-Watt University transcript is a meticulously maintained record that captures the full scope of a student’s academic life. From the structured grades of the HAPS system to the supplementary notations and the innovative Enhanced Transcript, this document reflects the University’s commitment to academic rigour, transparency, and student success. For graduates, it serves as a lasting testament to their hard work, achievement, and the world-class education they have received at one of the United Kingdom’s most distinguished institutions.