Heriot-Watt University Overview
Heriot-Watt University is a leading UK university known for its strong academic reputation and focus on practical, applied research. With campuses in Edinburgh, Dubai, and Malaysia, the university offers a global perspective and diverse learning environment for students.
Faculty and Programs
The university boasts a team of highly qualified and experienced faculty members who are experts in their fields. Heriot-Watt is renowned for its programs in engineering, business, and science, with a strong emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship. Specific programs such as Petroleum Engineering, Brewing and Distilling, and Actuarial Science stand out for their unique offerings and industry relevance.
Research Achievements
Heriot-Watt University is recognized for its impactful research in areas such as energy, sustainability, and robotics. The university's research centers and institutes collaborate with industry partners to address real-world challenges and drive innovation. Notable research projects have led to significant developments in renewable energy technologies and advanced manufacturing processes.
Talent Development and Reputation
Heriot-Watt University is known for producing highly skilled graduates who are sought after by employers worldwide. The university's strong emphasis on experiential learning and industry placements ensures that students are well-equipped for the workforce. The reputation of Heriot-Watt graduates is exemplified by alumni success stories such as entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry leaders making a positive impact in their respective fields.
Programmes
Bachelor(103) / UG(103)
Arts and Humanities(11)
- •BA (Hons) Communication Design
- •BA (Hons) Design for Textiles (Fashion, Interior, Art)
- •BA (Hons) Fashion
- •BA (Hons) Fashion Branding and Promotion
- •BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design
- •BSc (Hons) Construction and the Built Environment
- •MA (Hons) Applied Modern Languages and Translating
- •MA (Hons) British Sign Language (Interpreting, Translating and Applied Language Studies)
- •MA BSL and Applied Languages
- •MA Modern Languages (Interpreting and Translating)
- •MA Modern Languages, Communication and Culture
Business and Management(19)
- •BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance with accelerator
- •BA (Hons) Business with accelerator
- •BBA (Hons) Bachelor of Business Administration
- •BSc Business Management (online)
- •MA (Hons) Business and Finance
- •MA Accountancy
- •MA Accountancy (Accelerated)
- •MA Accountancy and Finance
- •MA Accountancy and Finance (Accelerated)
- •MA Economics
- •MA Economics (Accelerated)
- •MA Economics and Business Management
- •MA Economics and Finance
- •MA Finance
- •MA International Business Management
- •MA International Business Management (Accelerated)
- •MA International Business Management with Year Abroad
- •MA Marketing
- •MA Marketing (Accelerated)
Engineering and Technology(37)
- •BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering
- •BEng (Hons) Architectural Engineering
- •BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering
- •BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering (Graduate Apprenticeship)
- •BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- •BEng (Hons) Engineering
- •BEng (Hons) Engineering Design and Manufacture (Electronic)
- •BEng (Hons) Engineering Design and Manufacture (Mechanical)
- •BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering
- •BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering and Energy Engineering
- •BEng (Hons) Robotics, Autonomous and Interactive Systems
- •BEng (Hons) Structural Engineering
- •BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering
- •BSc (Hons) Computer Science
- •BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence)
- •BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Cyber Security)
- •BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Data Science)
- •BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Software Engineering)
- •BSc (Hons) Computer Science and Diploma in Industrial Training
- •BSc (Hons) Computer Systems
- •BSc (Hons) Construction Project Management
- •BSc (Hons) Data Science GA
- •BSc (Hons) Data Sciences
- •BSc (Hons) Engineering with accelerator
- •BSc (Hons) Games Development and Production
- •BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying
- •BSc (Hons) Software Development for Business (Graduate Apprenticeship)
- •MEng Aerospace Engineering
- •MEng Architectural Engineering
- •MEng Civil Engineering
- •MEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- •MEng Mechanical Engineering
- •MEng Mechanical Engineering and Energy Engineering
- •MEng Robotics, Autonomous and Interactive Systems
- •MEng Software Engineering
- •MEng Structural Engineering
- •MEng Chemical Engineering
Life Sciences and Medicine(8)
- •BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences
- •BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences (Cell and Molecular Biology)
- •BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences (Human Health)
- •BSc (Hons) Psychology
- •BSc (Hons) Psychology and Marketing
- •BSc (Hons) Psychology with Management
- •BSc (Hons) Psychology with accelerator
- •MBiol Biology
Natural Sciences(25)
- •BSc (Hons) Actuarial Science
- •BSc (Hons) Actuarial Science and Diploma in Industrial Training
- •BSc (Hons) Brewing and Distilling
- •BSc (Hons) Brewing and Distilling and Diploma in Industrial Training
- •BSc (Hons) Chemistry
- •BSc (Hons) Geography
- •BSc (Hons) Marine Biology
- •BSc (Hons) Mathematical Physics
- •BSc (Hons) Mathematical, Statistical and Actuarial Sciences
- •BSc (Hons) Mathematical, Statistical and Actuarial Sciences and Diploma in Industrial Training
- •BSc (Hons) Mathematics
- •BSc (Hons) Mathematics with Computer Science
- •BSc (Hons) Mathematics with Finance
- •BSc (Hons) Mathematics with Finance and Diploma in Industrial Training
- •BSc (Hons) Mathematics with French
- •BSc (Hons) Mathematics with German
- •BSc (Hons) Mathematics with Spanish
- •BSc (Hons) Mathematics with Statistics
- •BSc (Hons) Physics
- •MA (Hons) Geography, Society and Environment
- •MChem Chemistry
- •MMath Mathematics
- •MPhys Physics
- •MPhys Physics with Industrial Placement
- •Master of Chemistry Chemistry with Placement
Social Sciences and Management(3)
- •BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
- •BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science (Accelerated)
- •BSc (Hons) Statistical Data Science
Master(112) / PG(112)
Arts and Humanities(10)
- •MA Fashion and Textiles Design
- •MA Fashion and Textiles Design with Industry Placement
- •MA Interior Architecture and Design
- •MSc Design Management
- •MSc Fashion and Textiles Management
- •MSc Interpreting and Translating
- •MSc Sign Language Interpreting (EUMASLI)
- •MSc Spatial Planning and Real Estate Development
- •MSc Urban Strategies and Design
- •MSc User Experience Design
Business and Management(24)
- •MA Business Management (Graduate Apprenticeship)
- •MA Business Management: Financial Services (Graduate Apprenticeship)
- •MSc Business Analytics (online)
- •MSc Business Analytics and Consultancy
- •MSc Business Strategy, Leadership and Change
- •MSc Business and Organisational Psychology (online)
- •MSc Construction Project Management (online)
- •MSc Digital Marketing
- •MSc Digital Marketing with Advanced Practice
- •MSc Economics, Banking and Finance
- •MSc Engineering Management
- •MSc Finance
- •MSc Finance and Management
- •MSc Financial Management (online)
- •MSc International Accounting and Finance
- •MSc International Business Management
- •MSc International Business Management with Advanced Practice
- •MSc International Marketing
- •MSc International Marketing with Consumer Psychology
- •MSc International Master in Industrial Management (IMIM)
- •MSc Investment Management
- •MSc Strategic Project Management
- •MSc Sustainable Finance with Fintech
- •Pre-Masters Graduate Diploma in Business Studies
Engineering and Technology(39)
- •MArch Architecture
- •MSc Advanced Mechanical Engineering
- •MSc Advanced Mechanical Engineering with Industrial Application
- •MSc Advanced Structural Engineering
- •MSc Applied Data Science
- •MSc Artificial Intelligence
- •MSc Artificial Intelligence (2 years)
- •MSc Biomedical Engineering
- •MSc Building Services Engineering (online)
- •MSc Civil Engineering and Construction Management
- •MSc Civil Engineering and Construction Management (online)
- •MSc Civil Engineering with Industry Placement (2 years)
- •MSc Commercial Management and Quantity Surveying
- •MSc Commercial Management and Quantity Surveying (online)
- •MSc Commercial Management and Quantity Surveying with Industry Placement (2 years)
- •MSc Computer Science for Cyber Security
- •MSc Computing (2 years)
- •MSc Construction Project Management
- •MSc Construction Project Management with Industry Placement (2 years)
- •MSc Data Science
- •MSc Data Science (2 years)
- •MSc Energy
- •MSc Energy (online)
- •MSc Energy with Entrepreneurship
- •MSc Food Process Engineering
- •MSc Global Sustainability Engineering
- •MSc Global Sustainability Engineering with Industrial Application (2 year)
- •MSc Imaging, Vision and High Performance Computing
- •MSc Information Technology (Business)
- •MSc Information Technology (Software Systems)
- •MSc Petroleum Engineering
- •MSc Petroleum Engineering (online)
- •MSc Renewable Energy Engineering
- •MSc Robotics
- •MSc Robotics with Industrial Application
- •MSc Safety, Risk and Reliability Engineering (online)
- •MSc Software Engineering
- •MSc Sustainable Geoenergy
- •Master of Design Games Design and Development
Life Sciences and Medicine(7)
- •MSc Applied Psychology
- •MSc Business Psychology
- •MSc Business Psychology with Coaching
- •MSc Business Psychology with Human Resource Management
- •MSc Sport Psychology
- •MSc Toxicology
- •MScR Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences
Natural Sciences(24)
- •Graduate Certificate in the Mathematical Sciences
- •MSc Actuarial Management
- •MSc Actuarial Management with Data Science
- •MSc Actuarial Science
- •MSc Actuarial Science and Management
- •MSc Applied Cyber Security
- •MSc Applied Mathematical Sciences
- •MSc Applied Mathematical Sciences (2 years)
- •MSc Applied Mathematical Sciences with Climate and Environmental Modelling
- •MSc Brewing and Distilling
- •MSc Brewing and Distilling (online)
- •MSc Brewing and Distilling with Entrepreneurship
- •MSc Climate Change: Managing the Marine Environment
- •MSc Computational Mathematics and Data Analysis
- •MSc Global Environmental Change and Policy
- •MSc International Marine Science (Edinburgh Campus)
- •MSc International Marine Science (Orkney Campus)
- •MSc International Marine Science (online)
- •MSc Marine Renewable Energy
- •MSc Mathematical Biology, Ecology and Medicine
- •MSc Mathematics
- •MSc Quantum Technologies
- •MSc Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transition
- •MSc Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transition (online)
Social Sciences and Management(8)
- •MSc Human Resource Management (HRM)
- •MSc Intercultural Business Communication
- •MSc International Sport Management
- •MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- •MSc Real Estate
- •MSc Safety and Risk Management (online)
- •MSc Social and Behavioural Research Methods
- •MSc Supply Chain Management and Logistics (Online)
MBA (8)
Online/Distance MBA(8)
- •MBA Essentials (online)
- •MBA with a Specialism in Business Analytics (online)
- •MBA with a Specialism in Business Psychology (online)
- •MBA with a Specialism in Finance (online)
- •MBA with a Specialism in Logistics and Supply Chain Management (online)
- •MBA with a Specialism in Professional Practice (online)
- •MBA with a Specialism in Strategy (online)
- •Master of Business Administration (online)
PHD(16)
Arts and Humanities(1)
- •PhD Construction Management and Innovation
Business and Management(6)
- •DBA Doctor of Business Administration
- •PhD Accounting
- •PhD Economics
- •PhD Finance
- •PhD Marketing
- •PhD Strategy, Operations and Leadership
Engineering and Technology(1)
- •PhD Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering
Life Sciences and Medicine(2)
- •PhD Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering
- •PhD Psychology
Natural Sciences(4)
- •PhD Institute of Chemical Sciences
- •PhD Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences
- •PhD Mathematics
- •PhD Sustainability and Carbon Management
Social Sciences and Management(2)
- •PhD Intercultural Research
- •PhD Logistics
University Information
Admission
General
Bachelor
Master
Facilities
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.
GRID is a ground-breaking facility to advance 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.
Other Facilities
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.
Students & Staff
Student life
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.
In between your studies, you can connect to the rest of Scotland and major cities in the UK via train or coach and Edinburgh Airport connects to cities across the UK, Europe and internationally. A frequent bus service runs from the Edinburgh Campus into the city centre, and it's free for those under 22. Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns are a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can spend hours walking the streets of this compact city and find something new at every turn.
Total students
9,214
International students
3,303
Total faculty staff
915
Cost of Living
Accommodation
$9,920
(Approx. amount)
Food
$3,280
(Approx. amount)
Transport
$960
(Approx. amount)
Utilities
$4,620
(Approx. amount)
Employability & Career
Career Services
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.
Media & Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should someone choose Heriot-Watt University?
What opportunities are available with a degree from Heriot-Watt University?
Rankings
Sustainability Rankings
Rank: #158
University Rankings by Region
Rank: #128
World University Rankings
Rank: #287
World University Rankings by Subject
Rank: #15
Campus Locations
Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh Campus
Primary CampusRiccarton
Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus
Dubai Knowledge Park
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia Campus
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, No 1 Jalan Venna P5/2
Heriot-Watt University Orkney Campus
Franklin Road
Heriot-Watt University Scottish Borders Campus Cam
Nether Road