Students with caring responsibilities
Heriot-Watt is committed to giving access and opportunities to student carers. We use the definition of carer developed by the Carers Trust, which is: “anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support”.
Please note this definition does not apply where a student has a work placement or paid employment as a carer.
In March 2020 the University received the Going Higher for Student Carers Recognition Award from Carers Trust Scotland. This recognises our commitment and success in how we identify, support and celebrate our students with caring responsibilities from the pre-enrolment stages of their student journey all the way to graduation.
We are happy to work with young and adult carers, and their supporters and advisers at any stage and any time, including advice on the best route for you to get into university and working with those who might not think university is for them.
Pre-enrolment support
We are happy to work with young and adult carers, and their supporters and advisers at any time, including providing advice on the best route for you to get into university and working with those who might not think university is for them. Get in touch with our Widening Access Team if you have any questions.
Tracey Kerr, our Widening Participation Manager, is the named point of contact for young and adult carers up to and including the transition to university – wp@hw.ac.uk
Applying to the University
We realise that it can be difficult for carers to get the entry qualifications needed for university, which is why we include young and adult carers in our Fair Access Policy during the admissions process. Make sure you tick the relevant box on your UCAS application form highlighting that you have caring responsibilities. This will allow us to make you an adjusted offer of entry and contact you about the support you’re entitled to. Anything you tell us will be held in the strictest confidence.
We’ve put together guidance to help you complete your UCAS application. If you’re not sure if you’re studying the right courses, or wondering what courses to choose, we can help you figure out the right route for you.
Other support we offer
We can also help you find out about what financial support is available to you, such as our Heriot-Watt Access Bursary and our Expenses Bursary.
Advice for advisers of carers
If you think we can help you with your work with young and adult carers, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
After you enrol as a new student
Once you are a student with us, you’ll have access to a wide range of support services, including our wellbeing team.
As a new student or if you are supporting a new or current University student, Anna Skatun in our Wellbeing team can help you – a.skatun@hw.ac.uk. There is more information on our support pages for students with caring responsibilities.