Heriot Watt University

QS Ranking 2024: 235
QS Ranking 2025: 256

THE University Ranking 2023: 501-600
THE University Ranking 2024: 351-400

Established:
1821

Famous for:
Engineering, Business, Architecture, Data Science, Renewable Energy

Distance from London:
400 miles

Fees:
£15,000 - £21,000/Year

Edinburgh, Scotland, UK | Visit Website
Heriot-Watt University, founded in 1821 as the world's first mechanics institute, is the eighth-oldest higher education institution in the UK. It became a university by Royal Charter in 1966 and is renowned for its global outlook. With campuses in Scotland, Dubai, and Malaysia, Heriot-Watt offers a truly international experience. Over a third of the 7,000 students at its Edinburgh campus come from outside the UK, alongside 10,000 students studying in its global programs, representing 150 countries worldwide.

Heriot-Watt excels in fields such as engineering, business, mathematics, physical sciences, and the built environment. The University has won prestigious accolades, including the 'International University of the Year' award from Times Higher Education in 2018. Its graduates are highly employable, with 95% of first-degree graduates securing employment or further studies within six months of graduating. Heriot-Watt is also ranked as the number one university in Scotland for high graduate salaries (Times Higher Education).
Heriot-Watt University offers a comprehensive range of services to support its international students. The International Students Advice Office provides practical guidance on various aspects of student life, including setting up a UK bank account, navigating visa renewals, registering with the police, and local travel arrangements. They also assist with important resources like embassy and consulate contacts in Edinburgh.

The University ensures that international students feel welcomed when they arrive, offering an airport pickup service at the start of each semester. This is followed by welcome and orientation events designed to help students settle into life in the UK, familiarise themselves with the campus, and connect with fellow students. Heriot-Watt's International Student Guide also offers essential information to prepare students before their departure, ensuring a smooth transition to their new environment.
Heriot-Watt University consistently ranks among the top universities globally, with solid performances across various academic disciplines. In the Times University Guide 2024, Heriot-Watt ranks 64th, and in the Guardian University Guide 2024, it holds the 85th position. On the international stage, the University ranks 256th in the QS World University Rankings 2025, showcasing its global reputation for quality education.

Heriot-Watt is particularly renowned for its research output. In the REF 2021, 97% of its physics research was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. Additionally, 96% of its Engineering research, in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh, received similar recognition. These rankings and research accolades underline Heriot-Watt's commitment to academic excellence and cutting-edge innovation across fields such as physics, engineering, and beyond.
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Course Name Fees Duration Qualification Start Date Enquire Now
MSc in International Business Management GBP 23,248/year 12 Months MSc Jan Enquire Now ➤
MSc in Logistics and Supply Chain Management GBP 26,976/year 12 Months MSc Jan, Sep Enquire Now ➤
MEng in Architectural Engineering GBP 18,704/year 60 Months MEng Sep Enquire Now ➤
MEng in Software Engineering GBP 24,048/year 60 Months MEng Sep Enquire Now ➤
MEng in Chemical Engineering GBP 24,048/year 60 Months MEng Sep Enquire Now ➤
MMath in Mathematics GBP 18,704/year 60 Months MMath Sep Enquire Now ➤
MEng in Mechanical Engineering GBP 24,048/year 60 Months MEng Sep Enquire Now ➤
MEng in Mechanical Engineering and Energy Engineering GBP 24,048/year 60 Months MEng Sep Enquire Now ➤
MEng in Robotics, Autonomous and Interactive Systems GBP 24,048/year 60 Months MEng Sep Enquire Now ➤
MSc in Brewing and Distilling GBP 28,056/year 12 Months MSc Sep Enquire Now ➤
MSc in Construction Project Management GBP 23,248/year 12 Months MSc Jan, Sep Enquire Now ➤
MSc in Commercial Management and Quantity Surveying GBP 19,056/year 12 Months MSc Jan, Sep Enquire Now ➤
MSc in Information Technology (Business) GBP 24,496/year 12 Months MSc Jan, Sep Enquire Now ➤
MSc in Information Technology (Software Systems) GBP 24,496/year 12 Months MSc Jan, Sep Enquire Now ➤
MSc in Software Engineering GBP 24,496/year 12 Months MSc Jan, Sep Enquire Now ➤
MSc in Network Security GBP 24,496/year 12 Months MSc Jan, Sep Enquire Now ➤
MSc in Renewable Energy Engineering GBP 24,496/year 12 Months MSc Jan, Sep Enquire Now ➤
MSc in Energy and Economics GBP 20,376/year 12 Months MSc Jan, Sep Enquire Now ➤
MSc in Climate Change: Managing the Marine Environment GBP 26,976/year 12 Months MSc Jan, Sep Enquire Now ➤
MSc in Finance GBP 20,376/year 12 Months MSc Jan Enquire Now ➤
MSc in International Banking and Finance GBP 20,376/year 12 Months MSc Jan, Sep Enquire Now ➤
MSc in Investment Management GBP 20,376/year 12 Months MSc Jan, Sep Enquire Now ➤
MSc in Economics, Banking and Finance GBP 20,376/year 12 Months MSc Jan, Sep Enquire Now ➤
MSc in Mathematics GBP 19,056/year 12 Months MSc Sep Enquire Now ➤
MSc in Business Strategy, Leadership and Change GBP 20,376/year 12 Months MSc Jan, Sep Enquire Now ➤
MSc in Business Psychology GBP 20,376/year 12 Months MSc Jan, Sep Enquire Now ➤
MSc in Advanced Mechanical Engineering GBP 26,976/year 12 Months MSc Jan, Sep Enquire Now ➤
MSc in Strategic Project Management GBP 23,248/year 12 Months MSc Jan, Sep Enquire Now ➤
MSc in Robotics GBP 26,976/year 18 Months MSc Jan, Sep Enquire Now ➤
MSc in Advanced Structural Engineering GBP 24,496/year 12 Months MSc Jan, Sep Enquire Now ➤
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Scholarship Name Enquire Now
International scholarships Enquire Now ➤
Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence Enquire Now ➤
Student life at Heriot-Watt University is vibrant and diverse, offering students the opportunity to engage in a wide range of academic and social activities. With campuses in Edinburgh, Scottish Borders, Malaysia, and Dubai, Heriot-Watt provides a multicultural environment where students from over 150 countries come together to study and experience life in different parts of the world.

The University offers over 50 societies and sports clubs through the Heriot-Watt Students' Union, ensuring students can pursue their interests, make new friends, and enjoy a balanced life alongside their studies. From academic societies that support learning to sports clubs for fitness and fun, there is something for everyone. Heriot-Watt also boasts world-class sports facilities, including a gym, sports hall, and outdoor pitches, catering to students who want to stay active.

In addition to extracurricular activities, the Student Wellbeing Services provide comprehensive support for students' mental, emotional, and physical health. The Global Student Buddy Programme pairs international students with local students, helping newcomers adjust to life in the UK.

With an international campus network and a welcoming student community, Heriot-Watt University ensures that students have an enriching and well-rounded experience during their time there.
Heriot-Watt University offers a range of accommodation options across its campuses, ensuring students have comfortable and convenient living arrangements. On the Edinburgh Campus, there are over 1,600 rooms, including en suite and shared options - these range from catered to self-catered choices, allowing students flexibility in their living preferences.

For those studying at the Scottish Borders Campus, the University provides 200 self-catered rooms and flats, offering a homely and independent living experience. In cases where on-campus accommodation is not available, such as at the Orkney Campus, the accommodation service helps students find private housing in nearby Stromness.

Heriot-Watt's accommodation service also helps students find off-campus options, with the university leasing flats off-campus and within town centres. The wide variety of choices ensures that students can find suitable housing that meets their needs and budget, with support available throughout the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here is some of the frequently asked questions about the Heriot Watt University

Q. What are the top-ranked courses at Heriot-Watt University?

Heriot-Watt University is globally recognized for its engineering, physical sciences, business, and management courses. The University's civil engineering and petroleum engineering programmes are consistently ranked among the best in the world. Additionally, business and finance courses at Heriot-Watt's Edinburgh Business School are highly regarded, with strong industry connections and accreditations.

Q. What research opportunities are available at Heriot-Watt University?

Heriot-Watt University excels in world-leading research, particularly in physics, engineering, mathematics, and computer science. The University's research is known for its real-world impact, especially in areas like renewable energy, robotics, and sustainable development. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 classed 97% of physics and 96% of engineering research as world-leading or internationally excellent. Students can engage in cutting-edge research projects across various disciplines.

Q. What type of visa do I need to study at Heriot-Watt University?

International students applying to study at Heriot-Watt University must apply for a UK Student Visa (formerly Tier 4).

Q. Can I work part-time while studying at Heriot-Watt University?

International students studying on a UK Student Visa at Heriot-Watt University can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacation periods. Heriot-Watt's Careers Service helps students find part-time jobs both on and off campus, providing opportunities to gain work experience and support living costs during their studies.

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