Heriot-Watt University

Steeped in Scottish heritage, Heriot-Watt’s story can be traced to Robert the Bruce, who in 1315 was recorded as giving the land that is now used for the main Riccarton campus as a dowry for one of his daughters. The university — known for its strength in engineering, science and design — continues to broaden its course offering. A degree in data science has been added for the 2025 entry, and from 2026 physics with an industrial placement. It is Runner-Up for Scottish University of the Year 2026.

A 12-place rise brings the university into our main academic ranking’s top 40 this year, and represents an impressive 25-place jump up across the past two years. Student life benefits from a musical slant — with plenty of opportunities to join choirs, bands and groups such as the Heriot-Watt pipe band. The university’s Go Global programme offers students the chance to move between all of the campuses for a semester, a year or longer.

The populations of four universities converge to create a student-centric vibe in a city renowned for fun, festivals and culture. 

What is Heriot-Watt University’s reputation?

Named for two giants of commerce and industry, George Heriot and James Watt, the university was established in 1821 as the world’s first institute for mechanics, and as a university in 1966. 

It now hosts the UK’s first purpose-built National Robotarium, which opened at its Edinburgh site in 2022. Here, students and academics from Heriot-Watt and the neighbouring University of Edinburgh explore how robotics and autonomous systems can address real-life issues. 

Physics did well in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), with 97 per cent of the subject’s submission rated world-leading or internationally excellent. Joint submissions with the University of Edinburgh in mathematical sciences, architecture, engineering, built environment and planning also excelled. The university is comfortably in the upper half of UK universities in our research quality index.

The university’s improved overall ranking is boosted by the 12th-highest entry standards in the UK and top-25 graduate prospects. However, our analysis of the National Student Survey (NSS) shows student satisfaction rates remain low — the university is outside the top 100 for teaching quality and has dropped to 98th for the wider student experience.

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What degree courses have been discontinued and what new courses are available?

A degree in interior architecture and design replaces the former interior design programme from 2025. Data science is new, and from 2026 physics will include an industrial placement year.

What are Heriot-Watt University’s entry requirements — and my chances of getting in?

Courses demand from BCC to AAA at A-level and in Scottish Highers from BBBC up to AAAB. Contextual offers provide a minimum course requirement or a one- to two-grade reduction. In 2024 nearly 1,700 first-years were accepted, 10 per cent of them through clearing.

What are the graduate prospects?

Many degree programmes include industry placements or projects and carry professional accreditation, which is reflected in buoyant rates of graduate employment. Heriot-Watt is 23rd in our analysis of the Graduate Outcomes survey, fourth in Scotland, based on the proportion of leavers in highly skilled jobs or postgraduate study.

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What is Heriot-Watt University’s campus like?

Riccarton, on 380 acres of parkland, is the academic headquarters where a £6 million library refurbishment increased capacity to more than 1,000 study spaces. The original 1970s buildings are gradually being updated. The Borders campus at Galashiels hosts courses in textiles, fashion and design, while the postgraduate Orkney centre specialises in renewable energy. The university also has undergraduate campuses in Dubai and Malaysia.

When can I visit? 

hw.ac.uk

Everything you need to know about Heriot-Watt University’s student life and wellbeing support

Regular bus services link the campus to the centre of Edinburgh, which is ranked the seventh best student city in Europe by QS Best Student Cities 2026. Six indoor courts have been added to the Oriam Indoor Tennis Centre, which opened in 2024, and the university also has a hydropool and gym facilities. 

Daily drop-ins, workshops and one-to-one counselling are provided by the wellbeing team. 

What do the students say?

“The university’s international outlook and reputation also means you can meet people from all over the world. Class projects have real-world applications and relate well to the world of work, so you know you are learning skills that are useful.”
Thomas Guest, BSc (Hons) biological sciences

What about student accommodation at Heriot-Watt University?

With almost 2,000 university-owned rooms, accommodation is guaranteed to all first-years from outside of the city who apply by the housing deadline.

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How diverse and inclusive is Heriot-Watt University?

Ranking fifth, up three places, in Scotland for social inclusion, Heriot-Watt's Global College is among its efforts to widen participation by providing courses at foundation and pre-master’s levels.

Everything you need to know about scholarships and bursaries at Heriot-Watt University

Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland receive a £1,500 Travel Home Bursary in their first year. Awards of up to £3,100 per year also help towards living costs for students from low-income homes. There is also financial assistance for international students.