Heriot-Watt University

Riccarton, Edinburgh

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  • #235 QS Global World Ranking
  • PublicStatus
  • Very HighResearch Output
  • 10,223Total Students
  • 812Faculty
  • 4,265Int'l Students

About

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From top 10 rankings to opportunities to study abroad, there are many reasons to choose Heriot-Watt.  Here are just a few of them.

A rich heritage
We are proud that since our foundation in 1821 we have been outward-looking pioneers of education, in pursuit of knowledge to the benefit of society and the world.

Become a global student
Heriot-Watt provides you with the opportunity to become a global student both at our UK campuses and internationally. On our Edinburgh Campus you’ll find that about one-third of our students are from countries outside the UK, bringing a real international flavour to our community. This mix of people provides a great opportunity to learn about other cultures and build friendships that stretch across the globe.

We also encourage students to take part in our global student programme, Go Global, by participating in an Inter-Campus Transfer, Exchange or Erasmus+ for a semester or year of their degree.

A world-class reputation
We are world-renowned for excellence in teaching and research. We are ranked 302nd in the world and 39th in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2019) in the top 10 in the UK and first in Scotland for research impact (REF 2014).  View our rankings.

Strong links to business and industry
Our taught programmes and research are informed by the needs of business and industry. We actively facilitate collaborations and partnerships, building strategic alliances and promoting knowledge transfer.

Globally employable graduates
Global companies actively seek out our graduates as they are work-ready. Our programmes are designed to ensure that students receive a relevant, careerorientated education. As a result, more than 95% are in employment or further study six months after completing their programme.

Worldwide network
When you join Heriot-Watt you become part of a global family. We have around 123,000 alumni worldwide. The Watt Club was founded in 1854 and is the oldest graduate club in the UK. Lifetime membership is automatic upon graduation from Heriot-Watt and is free to all graduates of the University.

At Heriot-Watt University, we offer a wide range of services to help you deal with all aspects of your life with us, whether these be academic, personal, technical, financial or social.

Library and Learning Commons

With over £9 million being invested in refurbishing the Library and Learning Commons areas, Edinburgh students can expect high quality, technology-enabled study spaces. The recurrent resources budget ensures easy and plentiful access to textbooks and journals, both online and in paper format. The on-campus library is open 24/7 during semester and exam times, giving you plenty of time to find and use the books, journals and other material.

Oriam

In 2016, our Edinburgh Campus became home to Oriam, Scotland's National Sports Performance Centre. Whether it's an occasional visit to the gym or a daily squash game, Heriot-Watt can accommodate and help develop all levels of sporting ambition.

Oriam, Scotland's Sports Performance Centre at the Edinburgh Campus is recognised as one of the best university sports centres in the UK. Facilities include sports halls, playing pitches, squash courts, gyms and fitness classes. There are also physiotherapy, podiatry, sports massage, and sports science testing services.

GRID

GRID is a new ground-breaking facility to advance our global research, innovation and discovery. It has been designed to create cohesion between academic disciplines, industry partners and the global community, providing an innovative teaching and learning environment for mathematics, engineering, physical sciences and computer science students and staff.

Around 10,500 students are based on our Edinburgh Campus creating a lively environment for studying and socialising. It is designed to help you work and play and is full of high quality facilities to accommodate your needs, be they academic, social, sporting, cultural, religious, transport or health related.

There are excellent services to ensure you feel fully supported while studying here, including our Student Wellbeing Centre (including counselling and disability services), Global Student Office (international student advice, student funding and Go Global) and Accommodation Office, an award-winning Careers Service, a Health Centre and the Chaplaincy.

In between studying you’ll find the Campus a great place to unwind and relax with so much to do. You can wander the peaceful parkland or access some of Scotland’s state-of-the-art sports facilities at ORIAM, or socialise in our vibrant Student Union, or join one of our many student clubs and societies.

Visit our website to find out what you need to apply for undergraduate or postgraduate programmes at our Edinburgh, Scottish Borders or Orkney campuses and how to complete your online application. You can also apply for Academic English programmes at our Edinburgh Campus.

The Careers Service aims to assist Heriot-Watt University students and graduates to make informed career choices by providing a professional, high quality careers guidance and information service for students and recent graduates of Heriot-Watt. We work closely with employers and academic Schools to support students by developing the skills they need to maximise their employability.

About

From top 10 rankings to opportunities to study abroad, there are many reasons to choose Heriot-Watt.  Here are just a few of them.

A rich heritage
We are proud that since our foundation in 1821 we have been outward-looking pioneers of education, in pursuit of knowledge to the benefit of society and the world.

Become a global student
Heriot-Watt provides you with the opportunity to become a global student both at our UK campuses and internationally. On our Edinburgh Campus you’ll find that about one-third of our students are from countries outside the UK, bringing a real international flavour to our community. This mix of people provides a great opportunity to learn about other cultures and build friendships that stretch across the globe.

We also encourage students to take part in our global student programme, Go Global, by participating in an Inter-Campus Transfer, Exchange or Erasmus+ for a semester or year of their degree.

A world-class reputation
We are world-renowned for excellence in teaching and research. We are ranked 302nd in the world and 39th in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2019) in the top 10 in the UK and first in Scotland for research impact (REF 2014).  View our rankings.

Strong links to business and industry
Our taught programmes and research are informed by the needs of business and industry. We actively facilitate collaborations and partnerships, building strategic alliances and promoting knowledge transfer.

Globally employable graduates
Global companies actively seek out our graduates as they are work-ready. Our programmes are designed to ensure that students receive a relevant, careerorientated education. As a result, more than 95% are in employment or further study six months after completing their programme.

Worldwide network
When you join Heriot-Watt you become part of a global family. We have around 123,000 alumni worldwide. The Watt Club was founded in 1854 and is the oldest graduate club in the UK. Lifetime membership is automatic upon graduation from Heriot-Watt and is free to all graduates of the University.

At Heriot-Watt University, we offer a wide range of services to help you deal with all aspects of your life with us, whether these be academic, personal, technical, financial or social.

Library and Learning Commons

With over £9 million being invested in refurbishing the Library and Learning Commons areas, Edinburgh students can expect high quality, technology-enabled study spaces. The recurrent resources budget ensures easy and plentiful access to textbooks and journals, both online and in paper format. The on-campus library is open 24/7 during semester and exam times, giving you plenty of time to find and use the books, journals and other material.

Oriam

In 2016, our Edinburgh Campus became home to Oriam, Scotland's National Sports Performance Centre. Whether it's an occasional visit to the gym or a daily squash game, Heriot-Watt can accommodate and help develop all levels of sporting ambition.

Oriam, Scotland's Sports Performance Centre at the Edinburgh Campus is recognised as one of the best university sports centres in the UK. Facilities include sports halls, playing pitches, squash courts, gyms and fitness classes. There are also physiotherapy, podiatry, sports massage, and sports science testing services.

GRID

GRID is a new ground-breaking facility to advance our global research, innovation and discovery. It has been designed to create cohesion between academic disciplines, industry partners and the global community, providing an innovative teaching and learning environment for mathematics, engineering, physical sciences and computer science students and staff.

Around 10,500 students are based on our Edinburgh Campus creating a lively environment for studying and socialising. It is designed to help you work and play and is full of high quality facilities to accommodate your needs, be they academic, social, sporting, cultural, religious, transport or health related.

There are excellent services to ensure you feel fully supported while studying here, including our Student Wellbeing Centre (including counselling and disability services), Global Student Office (international student advice, student funding and Go Global) and Accommodation Office, an award-winning Careers Service, a Health Centre and the Chaplaincy.

In between studying you’ll find the Campus a great place to unwind and relax with so much to do. You can wander the peaceful parkland or access some of Scotland’s state-of-the-art sports facilities at ORIAM, or socialise in our vibrant Student Union, or join one of our many student clubs and societies.

Visit our website to find out what you need to apply for undergraduate or postgraduate programmes at our Edinburgh, Scottish Borders or Orkney campuses and how to complete your online application. You can also apply for Academic English programmes at our Edinburgh Campus.

The Careers Service aims to assist Heriot-Watt University students and graduates to make informed career choices by providing a professional, high quality careers guidance and information service for students and recent graduates of Heriot-Watt. We work closely with employers and academic Schools to support students by developing the skills they need to maximise their employability.

Available programs

University highlights

QS World University Ranking

  • 2012
    #388
  • 2014
    #369
  • 2015
    #=352
  • 2016
    #318
  • 2017
    #=327
  • 2018
    #312
  • 2019
    #=302
  • 2020
    #=314
  • 2021
    #=301
  • 2022
    #=270
  • 2023
    #=281
  • 2024
    #235

Student & Staff

Total students
10,223

31%
69%

International students
4,265

58%
42%

Total faculty staff
812

413
399

Total students
10,223

31%
69%

International students
4,265

58%
42%

Total faculty staff
812

399
413
QS Stars is a rating system that helps you select the right university based on your interests. It provides a detailed look at an institution, identifying which universities rate highest in the specific topics that matter to you, like facilities, graduate employability, social responsibility, inclusiveness, and more.

Scholarships

Yes
The Scholarships above offer some form of financial aid to prospective students. Please always check the specific requirements and restrictions on scholarship availability.

Campus locations

Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh,

Riccarton , Edinburgh , United Kingdom , EH14 4AS

Heriot-Watt University Dubai,

Heriot-Watt University, Dubai Campus , Dubai , United Arab Emirates ,

Heriot-Watt University Malaysia,

Heriot-Watt University Malaysia , Putrajaya , Malaysia , 62200 Putrajaya

Heriot-Watt University Orkney,

Franklin Road , Stromness , United Kingdom , KW16 3AN

Heriot-Watt University Scottish Borders Campus,

Nether Road , Galashiels , United Kingdom , TD1 3HF

+ 2 More Locations

English language requirements

Heriot-Watt University EN