Heriot-Watt University

Heriot-Watt University, established in 1821 as the School of Arts of Edinburgh, is a public research university based in Edinburgh, Scotland. Originally founded as the world's first mechanics institute, it was granted university status by royal charter in 1966. The university takes its name from two influential Scottish figures: James Watt, an inventor, and George Heriot, a philanthropist and goldsmith. As the eighth-oldest higher education institution in the United Kingdom, Heriot-Watt has built a strong reputation for its focus on science and engineering disciplines.

Heriot-Watt University operates five campuses worldwide: in Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders, Orkney, Dubai, and Malaysia. Additionally, the university has 53 Approved Learning Partners (ALPs) and educational collaborative partners in 150 countries, which enables a global reach in delivering education. The institution offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, with a notable strength in subjects such as Chemical Engineering, Hospitality and Leisure Management, Petroleum Engineering, Architecture, Built Environment, and Mathematics. The university also offers a specialised Masters in Strategic Project Management under the Erasmus Mundus programme, in collaboration with Politecnico di Milano (Italy) and Umeå University (Sweden).

In terms of rankings, Heriot-Watt University is well-regarded both nationally and internationally. It was ranked 256th in the world by QS World University Rankings 2025, and 32nd in the UK. The university also holds a strong position in subject-specific rankings, particularly in the fields of engineering, technology, and business. Heriot-Watt was ranked 9th in the UK and 1st in Scotland for research impact by the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, with 86.8% of its research classified as world-leading or internationally excellent. The university is consistently ranked in the top 20 in the UK for several subjects, including Chemical Engineering and Mathematics.

Heriot-Watt University is accredited by various professional bodies relevant to its courses, ensuring that its degrees are recognised and valued globally. The university's strong industry connections and emphasis on employability have made it a preferred choice for students aiming to secure graduate-level positions. According to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024, nearly 90% of its graduates are in employment or further education 15 months after graduation, placing the university 1st in Scotland and 2nd in the UK for graduate outcomes.
With a diverse student body of over 29,000 students, including a significant proportion from outside the UK, Heriot-Watt University is one of the most internationally diverse universities in the UK, reflecting its global orientation and commitment to delivering quality education worldwide.

Heriot-Watt University traces its origins to 16 October 1821, when it was established as the School of Arts of Edinburgh by Scottish businessman Leonard Horner. Inspired by Anderson's College in Glasgow, Horner aimed to provide practical knowledge in science and technology to Edinburgh's working men. Initially, the institution operated with modest resources, offering lectures twice a week in rented rooms and maintaining a small library of around 500 technical works. The school quickly became popular, leading to the closure of admissions due to high demand despite a modest fee of 15 shillings for a year’s access.

The school was governed by a board of directors and supported by sponsors from the middle and upper classes, including notable figures such as Robert Stevenson and Sir Walter Scott. In 1824, the institution associated itself with the inventor and engineer James Watt to raise funds for permanent accommodation. The connection was intended to honour Watt’s contributions to mechanical arts and engineering, aligning with the institution’s mission.

In 1837, the School of Arts moved to Adam Square, which it managed to purchase in 1851 thanks to funds raised in Watt’s name. The institution was renamed the Watt Institution and School of Arts in 1852, and a statue of James Watt was erected in front of the Adam Square premises in 1854. During this period, the curriculum expanded beyond mathematics and physical sciences to include social sciences and humanities. This change in focus led to a significant demographic shift, with middle-class students outnumbering the working-class artisans originally served by the institution.

A notable milestone came in 1869 when the institution began admitting women, ahead of Scottish universities, which only began allowing women to graduate 20 years later. Mary Burton, a prominent campaigner for educational and social reform, was instrumental in this decision and later became the first female director of the institution in 1874.

In 1870, the institution relocated to new premises on Chambers Street due to the demolition of Adam Square. Financial difficulties arose from this move, exacerbated by declining funds and increased operational costs. To address these challenges, the institution merged with George Heriot's Trust in 1873, leading to the creation of Heriot-Watt College in 1885. This merger provided financial stability and allowed the institution to expand its academic offerings further.

In 1966, Heriot-Watt College was granted university status by Queen Elizabeth II, becoming Heriot-Watt University. The university’s growth necessitated a relocation to the Riccarton estate, north of Currie, which began in 1969 and concluded in 1992. The move to Riccarton allowed for the construction of new facilities, including student halls, a sports centre, and a postgraduate centre.

The university has since expanded its presence both nationally and internationally. In 1998, Heriot-Watt merged with the Scottish College of Textiles, establishing a campus in the Scottish Borders. The university continued to extend its reach with the opening of campuses in Dubai in 2006 and Putrajaya, Malaysia, in 2012.

Recent developments include substantial investments in infrastructure, such as the £60 million worth of projects, including Scotland’s Oriam Sports Performance Centre and the UK’s first purpose-built graduate centre. The university also plans to host a major film studio and has entered into academic partnerships with industry leaders.

Heriot-Watt University has been a pioneer in education and research. It established the first University Research Park in Europe in 1971 and launched the world’s first global online MBA programme in 1990. The university also significantly addresses global challenges through research in housing, poverty, and carbon capture.

As of its 200th anniversary in 2021, Heriot-Watt University continues to uphold its founding principles of providing accessible education and fostering innovation. The university remains dedicated to advancing knowledge and supporting global research through its various campuses and partnerships.

Heriot-Watt University offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across various subject areas at its Edinburgh, Scottish Borders, and Orkney campuses.

At the Edinburgh Campus, students can choose from an extensive catalogue that includes both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure, and Society provides courses in Architectural Engineering, Biology, Built Environment, Civil Engineering, Construction Management and Surveying, Petroleum Engineering, and Urban Studies. The School of Engineering and Physical Sciences offers programmes in Biosciences, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Electronic & Computational Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Physics. Additionally, the School of Mathematical and Computer Science presents options in Actuarial Mathematics & Statistics, Computer Science, and Mathematics. Edinburgh Business School and the School of Social Sciences cover Accountancy and Finance, Business Management, Languages, and Psychology.

The Scottish Borders Campus, home to the School of Textiles and Design, provides specialised courses in Textiles and Design, including fashion, digital textiles, and architectural design. This campus also offers programmes in Fashion Branding and Communication, Fashion Technology, Interior Design, and Textiles.

At the Orkney Campus, which focuses on postgraduate studies, the International Centre for Island Technology offers advanced courses in International Marine Science, Marine Renewable Energy, and Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transition.

For visiting students, Heriot-Watt University allows the selection of up to four courses (60 credits) per semester across the Edinburgh or Orkney campuses, and up to three courses (60 credits) at the Scottish Borders Campus. The choice of courses is subject to pre-requisites and availability. Prospective students can request a detailed course list by contacting visitingstudents@hw.ac.uk. Many courses are also available at the university's Dubai and Malaysia campuses. Visiting students are advised to ensure that their chosen courses are approved by their home institution for credit transfer.

Heriot-Watt University holds a strong position in both national and global rankings, reflecting its robust academic profile and reputation.

National Rankings: In the UK, Heriot-Watt University has received notable accolades over the years. According to the Complete University Guide 2025, it is ranked 40th, maintaining a high profile among UK institutions. The Guardian University Guide 2024 places the university at 85th, while the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 ranks it 64th. Historically, the university has achieved significant recognition, including being named Scottish University of the Year for both 2011–2012 and 2012–2013 by The Sunday Times, with a particular emphasis on graduate employability. In the 2012 National Student Survey, Heriot-Watt ranked 1st in Scotland and 4th in the UK. The Times Higher Education’s ‘Table of Tables’ ranked Heriot-Watt 27th in the UK and 3rd in Scotland in 2015, and it has been consistently ranked among the top institutions for specific disciplines such as Town & Country Planning and Building Education.

Global Rankings: Internationally, Heriot-Watt University is positioned well in global league tables. The ARWU (Academic Ranking of World Universities) 2024 places the university in the 801–900 range globally. The QS World University Rankings 2025 ranks Heriot-Watt 256th, and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 positions it between 351–400. The university has also been recognised for its excellence in specific fields; for instance, ARWU ranked it among 51–75 globally for Telecom Engineering and 101–150 for Civil Engineering, Mathematics, and Oceanography in 2018. In 2019, QS Rankings highlighted it at 243rd for engineering and technology, while Business Insider ranked it 3rd in the UK for studying economics. Furthermore, Heriot-Watt was ranked among 201–250 globally for Business and Economics by Times in 2019.

Heriot-Watt University boasts a remarkable job integration rate, with 95% of graduates securing employment or further study within six months of graduation. This high placement rate reflects the university's strong industry connections and the effectiveness of its career support services. The university's industry placement programs are particularly popular, allowing students to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings, which significantly enhances their employability. The dedicated Student Placement coordinators play a crucial role, guiding students through the recruitment process and ensuring they gain valuable practical experience. This comprehensive support helps Heriot-Watt graduates achieve impressive career outcomes.

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