Interview with Gillian Hogg, Heriot Watt University

An influential individual to the Education Sector in Edinburgh, Gillian Hogg is Deputy Principal of External Relations at Heriot Watt University. As well as being an expert of Education within Edinburgh, Gillian coordinates international studies across campuses in the Scottish Borders, Dubai and Malaysia. Prior to her current role, Gillian was a Professor of Marketing and Head of the School of Management. The university has a global reach with 5 campuses across the globe, including Dubai & Malaysia and students from 150 nations.

Heriot Watt is a specialist, pioneering university which was founded in 1821. The university’s name was derived from two very influential individuals: James Watt who was the father of the industrial revolution and George Heriot, a goldsmith and business man who funded Heriot-Watt College, the forerunner to today’s university.

How does the modern education system compare to that of previous generations?

When I went to university only about 10% of school leavers went to on to Higher Education and I was the first person in my family to go. Today it’s nearer 50% and the opportunities opened up by a degree are available to all school leavers who meet the entry requirements. This is a fantastic advance and means students from all backgrounds are able to access higher education.

What do you think makes Edinburgh such a popular place to study?

Edinburgh is a fantastic place to study and live not only because the four universities in the city provide such a wide range of higher education opportunities but the cultural and social heart of the city is so strong. Students can live at the heart of the Enlightenment and enjoy such a broad range of activities whilst studying with amazing galleries, museums, arts and theatre which enhances their whole education experience.

Is Edinburgh an inspirational place which promotes invention and discovery?

Invention and discovery is at the heart of the Edinburgh enlightenment and is reflected in the world-leading research in our universities. We have some truly ground-breaking research for example in the area of robotics and autonomous systems. That comes from our incredible infrastructure and long history of innovation.