Heriot-Watt University: History, Courses, and Rankings

Scotland, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich history, is an increasingly attractive destination for international students seeking quality education and research opportunities. While Scotland may not be as large an education hub as England, it boasts world-ranked universities and welcoming campuses. Across Scotland, universities stand out for their strong teaching, research impact, and graduate employability, offering flexible study options, scholarships, and dedicated career support. This article delves into Heriot-Watt University, exploring its history, courses, rankings, and what makes it a distinguished institution for higher education.

A Brief Overview of Scottish Universities

Scotland combines world-ranked universities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, and St Andrews with smaller cities and campuses that feel easier to navigate and more welcoming for international students. Because each university has a different focus, from research intensity to practical, industry-led teaching, comparing rankings, programs, and student reviews helps you choose the one that fits your goals best.

Top Universities in Scotland

Below is a list of the best universities in Scotland according to the most well-known university rankings in the world: QS Rankings by TopUniversities and World University Ranking by Times Higher Education.

The University of Edinburgh
University of Glasgow
University of St. Andrews
University of Aberdeen
University of Dundee
Heriot-Watt University
University of Strathclyde
University of Stirling
Edinburgh Napier University
Glasgow Caledonian University

Heriot-Watt University: A Historical Perspective

Heriot-Watt University is the eighth-oldest higher education institution in the UK and originated as the School of Arts of Edinburgh, the world’s first mechanics institute, in 1821. In 1966, it became a university by Royal Charter. Heriot-Watt was established as the School of Arts of Edinburgh by Scottish businessman Leonard Horner on 16 October 1821. The school was managed by a board of eighteen directors and primarily funded by sponsors from the middle and upper classes, including Robert Stevenson and Walter Scott.

It first became associated with the inventor and engineer James Watt in 1824, as a means of raising funds to secure permanent accommodation. In 1837, the School of Arts moved to leased accommodation on Adam Square, which it purchased in 1851 with funds raised in Watt's name. In honour of the purchase, the School changed its name to the Watt Institution and School of Arts in 1852.

Read also: The Dominance of T.J. Watt

Evolution and Expansion

Heriot-Watt's time as the Watt Institution marked a transitional period for the organisation, as its curriculum broadened to include several subjects beyond mathematics and the physical sciences. While the School of Arts had catered almost exclusively to working-class artisans and technical workers, the Watt Institution admitted a large number of middle-class students, whom it attracted with new subjects in the sciences, social sciences and humanities. A shifting class make-up was not the only demographic change to affect the student body: in 1869 women were permitted to attend lectures for the first time.

This move put the Watt Institution some way ahead of Scottish universities, who were only permitted to allow women to graduate 20 years later following the Universities (Scotland) Act 1889 (52 & 53 Vict. c. In 1870, the Watt Institution was forced to move when Adam Square was demolished. After a brief period on Roxburgh Place, it relocated to the newly constructed Chambers Street near its former site.

Merger and Recognition

In 1873, the directors turned to George Heriot's Trust for support and agreed to a merger of the Trust's endowment with the institution's own. The proposed merger was provisional to changes in the structure of the Watt Institution, which would see the organisation become a technical college with representatives of the Trust in management positions.

The Watt Club was founded at the Watt Institution on 12 May 1854, and is today the oldest alumni organisation in the UK. Following the unveiling of a statue of James Watt outside the institution, local jeweller J. After the establishment of Heriot-Watt as a technical college, the new management committee set about extending the institution's buildings and strengthening its academic reputation.

Independence and University Status

Expansion meant that the college made increasing demands on George Heriot's Trust throughout the first part of the 20th century, which ultimately led to the independence of the two bodies by the Heriot-Watt College and George Heriot's Trust Order Confirmation Act 1927 (17 & 18 Geo. 5. c. cxxi). Both World Wars impacted on the speed of the college's expansion. After the college introduced a postgraduate award in 1951, it offered awards equivalent to university degrees and doctorates in all practical respects. Recognising this, in 1963 the Robbins Report recommended that it should be awarded university status.

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Heriot-Watt University Today

Heriot-Watt University is valued for its pioneering research, informed by the global needs of business and industry. With a rich heritage stretching back to 1821, they are a truly global university bringing together scholars who are leaders in ideas and solutions delivering innovation, educational excellence and ground-breaking research. They are specialists in business, engineering, science, technology and design - subjects which make a real impact on the world and society.

With roots in Scotland, Heriot-Watt’s ambition and reach is truly international. They are a global university with around 27,000 students, five campuses and over 100 learning partners around the world. They are one of Scotland’s most international universities; around a third of Heriot- Watt students in Edinburgh are from outside the UK.

Global Presence

The university has continued to grow after completing its move to Riccarton, constructing additional student halls, a sports centre and a postgraduate centre on the site. In recent years, the university's campus in Edinburgh has benefited from major infrastructural projects worth £60 million, with another £68 million worth investment announced. These include the UK's first purpose-built graduate centre (£6 million), Scotland's elite Oriam Sports Performance Centre facility (£33 million), and the UK's first FlexBIO flexible downstream bioprocessing centre (£2 million).

It is also constructing a 5,000 m2 Watt Innovation Building supporting Global Research, Innovation and Discovery [GRID] to boost 'creativity and ideas generation' on the university's growing Edinburgh campus. Heriot-Watt boasts multiple campuses, with three in Scotland, and one each in Malaysia and Dubai. Heriot-Watt won an award from the Scottish Council of Development and Industry because of its international focus and it also performs well in physical sciences, mathematics, business and management, engineering and the built environment.

Campuses

Heriot-Watt has six campuses overall: the Edinburgh Campus, the Scottish Borders Campus in Galashiels, the Dubai Campus in Dubai Academic City, the Orkney Campus in Stromness in the north of Scotland, a new campus in Putrajaya in Malaysia for MBA students and an association with West London College.

Edinburgh Campus: Heriot-Watt's main campus is located in Riccarton in South West Edinburgh on 380 acres (150 hectares) of parkland.
Scottish Borders Campus: Heriot-Watt's Scottish Borders Campus in Galashiels is home to the university's School of Textiles and Design. The school began life in 1883 when the Galashiels Manufacturer's Corporation began running classes in practical courses for its workers. The institution gradually grew both in terms of student numbers and the number of courses it offered, and it ultimately became known as the Scottish College of Textiles in 1968. The school is one of the few fashion schools in the world which offers a menswear course at bachelor's degree level, and the only school in Scotland to offer a fashion communication course.
Dubai Campus: Heriot-Watt's Dubai campus opened in 2005, offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses similar to those found in Scotland, the campus facilitates student exchanges between Britain and the Gulf Emirates.
Malaysia Campus: Heriot-Watt University Malaysia's purpose-built campus opened in Putrajaya in September 2014, £35 million was invested in the Malaysian campus, which is the first "green campus" in the country.
Orkney Campus: Heriot-Watt's campus in Stromness, Orkney, is home to the International Centre for Island Technology (ICIT), part of the university's School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society.

Academic Excellence and Rankings

Heriot-Watt University (HWU) is recognized as a top-ranking institution. In 2025, the university achieved remarkable rankings across various platforms, reflecting its dedication to academic excellence, research impact, and international outlook. The university is particularly renowned for its Engineering, Technology, Business, and Petroleum Engineering programs, which consistently rank among the best in the UK and worldwide.

Heriot-Watt University is committed to driving innovation in society while offering programmes that answer the needs of the business market. That’s why it employs the help of industry experts through strategic partnerships. Its international focus has been awarded in 2018 by The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide. Its courses focus on Business, Engineering and Computer Science studies.

Recognition and Awards

Heriot-Watt University was named International University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018. Heriot-Watt also placed as Scottish University of the Year runner-up in The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026. Recently, Heriot-Watt has been shortlisted for University of the Year 2025 in the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Awards - often described as the ‘Oscars of higher education’ - and is the only Scottish university to make the list.

Rankings Overview

In 2020, Heriot-Watt was ranked at 314 by QS World University Rankings and at 251-300 by Times Higher Education World University Rankings in the world. In the Table of Tables 2015, Heriot-Watt was placed 27th in the UK and 3rd in Scotland.

QS World University Rankings: 301
Times Higher Education: Top 400

Nationally, the university is ranked highly for Planning and Building education. 97% of Heriot-Watt University's physics research is classed as world-leading and internationally excellent, whilst 96% of its Engineering research, in a joint submission with the University of Edinburgh, is classed as world-leading and internationally excellent following the REF2021.

Courses and Programs

Heriot-Watt University (HW) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

Admission Criteria

Heriot-Watt University (HWU) has an acceptance rate of approximately 60% which means a moderately selective admission process, ensuring that students admitted are academically prepared and motivated to excel. For most programs, applicants can expect a response within three weeks. International students applying for postgraduate programs are advised to submit their applications at least six months before the program start date. For students applying from the United States, a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) is required for admission.

Eligibility Criteria

B.E./B.Tech: Completion of Class XII with at least 70% for first-year entry; 80% for second-year entry (not applicable for Computing programs). IELTS: 6.0 overall (no component below 5.5) PTE Academic: Minimum score of 50
B.Sc.: Completion of Class XII with a minimum of 70% for first-year entry; 80% for second-year entry. IELTS: 6.0 overall (no component below 5.5) PTE Academic: Minimum score of 50
BBA: Completion of Class XII with a minimum of 70% for first-year entry. IELTS: 6.0 overall (no component below 5.5) PTE Academic: Minimum score of 50
M.Sc.: A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with at least 55% marks. IELTS: 6.5 overall (no component below 6.0) PTE Academic: Minimum score of 58
MBA/PGDM: A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline; some programs may require work experience. IELTS: 6.5 overall (no component below 6.0) PTE Academic: Minimum score of 58
M.Arch: A Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or a related field. IELTS: 6.5 overall (no component below 6.0) PTE Academic: Minimum score of 58

Tuition Fees

B.E./B.Tech: £17,000 - £26,000 (Approx. INR 17.0 Lakh - INR 26.0 Lakh / AUD 31,000 - AUD 47,500)
B.Sc.: £17,000 - £26,000 (Approx. INR 17.0 Lakh - INR 26.0 Lakh / AUD 31,000 - AUD 47,500)
BBA: £17,000 - £21,000 (Approx. INR 17.0 Lakh - INR 21.0 Lakh / AUD 31,000 - AUD 38,500)
M.Sc.: £16,000 - £32,000 (Approx. INR 16.0 Lakh - INR 32.0 Lakh / AUD 29,000 - AUD 58,500)
MBA/PGDM: £16,000 - £66,000 (Approx. INR 16.0 Lakh - INR 66.0 Lakh / AUD 29,000 - AUD 120,500)
M.Arch: £21,000 (Approx.

Scholarship and Financial Aid

Heriot-Watt University (HWU) is dedicated to providing financial support to talented and deserving students through a wide range of scholarships and bursaries. The university offers over £6 million in scholarships annually, benefiting more than 400 students across its UK, Dubai, and Malaysia campuses. HWU scholarships cater to undergraduate, postgraduate, and research students, with awards based on academic merit, financial need, and specific subject areas. Some scholarships provide full tuition fee coverage, while others offer partial tuition fee discounts or living stipends.

Facilities and Services

At Heriot-Watt, students can expect high quality, technology-enabled study spaces. The on-campus library is open 24/7 during semester and exam times to fully support you during this time. The English Gym is available to all Heriot-Watt University students and provides free academic English language and study skills support via drop-in sessions and workshops at the Edinburgh, Dubai and Malaysia campuses, as well as online materials.

The Campbell Maths Gym offers additional expertise and encouragement to all Heriot-Watt students in achieving your maths-based goals, no matter what you are studying. You can book one-to-one support appointments or attend drop-in sessions and workshops.

Accommodation

Heriot-Watt University (HWU) provides a variety of accommodation options tailored to meet the needs of students from different backgrounds. Whether students prefer the convenience of on-campus housing or the flexibility of off-campus private rentals, the university ensures that all students have access to safe, affordable, and well-equipped housing options. HWU’s Edinburgh campus offers approximately 2,000 self-catered, single-occupancy rooms, ensuring students have a comfortable and independent living space.

Applications for on-campus accommodation open on 3 March 2025, with priority given to first-year students holding Conditional Firm or Unconditional Firm offers. While the university guarantees housing for eligible first-year students, returning students are not guaranteed on-campus accommodation due to high demand. For students looking for off-campus housing, Heriot-Watt University offers guidance through its Accommodation Office, helping students secure private rental options.

Sports and Recreation

The Edinburgh Campus is 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 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, and in 2024 they opened a new indoor tennis centre with six indoor courts. There are also physiotherapy, podiatry, sports massage, and sports science testing services. The Sports Union is responsible for the university's 35 sports clubs and runs annual social events for students involved in sport.

Global Research Institutes

Heriot Watt’s Global Research Institutes are centres of excellence and collaboration created to translate their world-leading research into practical solutions. The National Robotarium, the UK’s leading centre for robotics and Artificial Intelligence, is a hub for robotic innovation and enterprise, improving efficiencies in areas such as offshore automation, human-robot interaction, soft robotics, assistive living, and health and social care. iNetZ+, the Global Research Institute for Net Zero and Beyond, is dedicated to pioneering solutions for a carbon-neutral future, while the Lyell Centre leads in Earth and marine sciences and combines expertise in geology, ecology and marine biology.

Career Prospects and Employability

Heriot-Watt is ranked 1st in Scotland and joint 2nd in the UK for graduate prospects (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025). This is thanks to the career-focused degrees and the lifetime support that you receive from the Careers Service. The University has strong links to industry and an award-winning careers service who provide lifelong support to students, which is why its graduates are highly employable.

95% of Heriot-Watt first degree graduates were in employment or further study within six months of graduating, and it is the number 1 university in Scotland for the highest paid salaries (Times Higher Education). The award-winning Careers Service provides lifelong support to students and graduates, including looking for job or placement opportunities, writing CVs and job applications, preparing for interviews as well as general career advice. They also host one of the largest Careers Fairs in the whole of Scotland, where students get to meet potential future employers.

Student Life and Support

Set in 380 acres of beautiful parkland, opt to study at the Edinburgh Campus and you'll find a wide variety of programmes and specialist facilities designed to help you reach your full potential. Around 10,000 students are based on the 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.

The Student Union is run by students, for students. It hosts a packed calendar of daytime and evening events open to all students. It offers over 60 free student societies that give you a chance to meet people outside your programme through shared interests. At the Edinburgh Campus, the Student Union has a café, bar, and event space for students to relax and socialise.

There are excellent services to ensure you feel fully supported while studying at Heriot-Watt, including the Student Wellbeing Centre (including counselling and disability services), Global Student Office (international student advice, student funding and visa information), a 24/7 SafeGuarding service, an award-winning Careers Service, a Health Centre, dentist and the Chaplaincy.

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