Heriot-Watt University

Riccarton, Edinburgh

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  • #=256 QS Global World Ranking
  • PublicStatus
  • Very HighResearch Output
  • 10,223Total Students
  • 812Faculty
  • 4,265Int'l Students

About

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Heriot-Watt is one of the world’s leading universities with strong links to international business and industry driven by our established reputation as a top research-led institution. Heriot-Watt is world-renowned for conducting ground-breaking research which is relevant to business and industry. We aim to find radical innovations and solutions to real world challenges for the benefit of society.

We offer over 180 Postgraduate courses that will provide you with the knowledge to solve real world challenges. There are around 2,400 postgraduate students studying at our Edinburgh Campus. It is a friendly, welcoming place, where you will have the opportunity to meet with students from all over the world.

Heriot-Watt is regarded as a top UK university across a range of subject areas. The QS World’s University Rankings ranked Heriot-Watt 302nd in the world, 39th in the UK and 7th in Scotland. 

The international outlook of our university has been ranked 37th in the world, 13th in the UK and 3rd in Scotland by Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019.  This is based on the percentage of the university's international staff, the level of international co-authorship of academic papers and the percentage of international students studying with the university.  The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide named Heriot-Watt University ‘International University of the Year 2018’.

REF 2014 named Heriot-Watt in the top 25% of UK universities, with 82% of our research ranked as world-leading or internationally excellent. We ranked 9th university in the UK and 1st in Scotland for research impact. View our rankings.

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

Heriot-Watt is one of the world’s leading universities with strong links to international business and industry driven by our established reputation as a top research-led institution. Heriot-Watt is world-renowned for conducting ground-breaking research which is relevant to business and industry. We aim to find radical innovations and solutions to real world challenges for the benefit of society.

We offer over 180 Postgraduate courses that will provide you with the knowledge to solve real world challenges. There are around 2,400 postgraduate students studying at our Edinburgh Campus. It is a friendly, welcoming place, where you will have the opportunity to meet with students from all over the world.

Heriot-Watt is regarded as a top UK university across a range of subject areas. The QS World’s University Rankings ranked Heriot-Watt 302nd in the world, 39th in the UK and 7th in Scotland. 

The international outlook of our university has been ranked 37th in the world, 13th in the UK and 3rd in Scotland by Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019.  This is based on the percentage of the university's international staff, the level of international co-authorship of academic papers and the percentage of international students studying with the university.  The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide named Heriot-Watt University ‘International University of the Year 2018’.

REF 2014 named Heriot-Watt in the top 25% of UK universities, with 82% of our research ranked as world-leading or internationally excellent. We ranked 9th university in the UK and 1st in Scotland for research impact. View our rankings.

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
  • 2025
    #=256

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