Heriot-Watt University
Edinburgh, United Kingdom • Founded 1821 • World Rank #792
Overview
Established in 1966, the Heriot-Watt University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the medium city of Edinburgh (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), Scotland.
This institution also has branch campuses in Dubai, Putrajaya, Galashiels and Orkney. Officially recognized/chartered by the Privy Council, Heriot-Watt University (HW) is a medium-sized coeducational UK higher education institution.
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. This 58-year-old UK higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
HW also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Below are Heriot-Watt University's address, location data, and primary contact channels. These are the basics you'll want before scheduling a campus visit or sending a formal admissions enquiry.
Academic Details
Enrolment scale, staff balance, and accreditation context for Heriot-Watt University are below. Female student percentage signals admissions reach and shapes the student-life environment.
Academic Structures
To understand where programmes live within Heriot-Watt University, the academic structure is mapped below. Some institutions run joint faculties with external bodies — credentialing in those cases is shared.
Unit 8 items
- Edinburgh Business School
- Institute of Petroleum Engineering
- School of Engineering and Physical Sciences
- School of Life Sciences
- School of Management and Languages
- School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences
- School of Textiles and Design
- School of the Built Environment
Degrees
Degrees offered at Heriot-Watt University, organised by academic level for easy browsing. Levels generally follow international qualification frameworks and inform how credits transfer to other systems.
Bachelor's 4 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Architecture
- Engineering
- Fine Arts
- Natural Sciences
Master's 13 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Architecture
- Business Administration
- Chemistry
- Design
- Fine Arts
- Management
- Modern Languages
- Natural Sciences
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Regional Planning
- Technology
- Town Planning
Doctoral 13 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Accountancy
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Energy Engineering
- Engineering
- Finance
- Health Sciences
- Mathematics
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
- Psychology
- Statistics
- Textile Design
- Translation and Interpretation
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Privy Council.
Dubai (Campus Abroad) 15 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architecture
- Automotive Engineering
- Business Administration
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Energy Engineering
- Engineering Management
- Fashion Design
- Finance
- Information Technology
- Interior Design
- Management
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
- Real Estate
Malaysia (Campus Abroad) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Energy Engineering
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
- Surveying and Mapping
Petroleum Engineering (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Geology
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Built Environment (School) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architecture
- Civil Engineering
- Structural Architecture
- Surveying and Mapping
- Urban Studies
Business (School) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Management
- Marketing
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society (School) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architecture
- Civil Engineering
- Construction Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Geography
- Social Studies
- Surveying and Mapping
- Urban Studies
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering and Physical Sciences (School) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Life Sciences (School) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Brewing
- Food Science
- Marine Science and Oceanography
- Psychology
- Sports
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Management and Languages (School) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Arabic
- Chinese
- Economics
- Finance
- French
- German
- Management
- Modern Languages
- Spanish
- Translation and Interpretation
Common Career Paths
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- HR Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Mathematical and Computer Sciences (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Actuarial Science
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Statistics
Common Career Paths
- Software Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Systems Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Textiles and Design (School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Clothing and Sewing
- Fashion Design
- Textile Design
Common Career Paths
- Designer
- Creative Director
- UX Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Heriot-Watt University's programme catalogue is grouped by level below — use the filter to narrow your shortlist. Programme entry windows and admissions criteria typically appear on each programme's dedicated page.
Master's Degree
55 programmes
Heriot-Watt University lists 55 programmes awarding a master's — the tier where graduates build the specialist credentials many senior and technical roles now expect.
MSc Applied Psychology Psychology
MSc Business Analytics and Consultancy Data Science & Analytics
MSc Business Analytics and Consultancy with Advanced Practice Data Science & Analytics
MSc Business Psychology Psychology
MSc Business Psychology with Coaching Psychology
MSc Business Strategy, Leadership and Change Business & Management
MSc Civil Engineering and Construction Management Civil Engineering & Construction
MSc Commercial Management and Quantity Surveying Civil Engineering & Construction
MSc Computer Science for Cyber Security Cyber Security
MSc Construction Project Management Civil Engineering & Construction
MSc Data Science Data Science & Analytics
MSc Data Science (2 years) Data Science & Analytics
MSc Digital Marketing Marketing
MSc Advanced Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
MSc Advanced Mechanical Engineering with Industrial Application Mechanical Engineering
MSc Applied Cyber Security Cyber Security
MSc Applied Data Science Data Science & Analytics
MSc Applied Mathematical Sciences Mathematics
MSc Applied Mathematical Sciences (2 years) Mathematics
MSc Applied Mathematical Sciences with Climate and Environmental Modelling Environmental Sciences
MSc Artificial Intelligence AI & Machine Learning
MSc Artificial Intelligence (2 years) AI & Machine Learning
MSc Actuarial Science Natural Sciences
MSc Actuarial Science and Management Business & Management
MSc Actuarial Management Business & Management
MSc Energy General Engineering
MSc Finance and Management Finance, Banking & Insurance
MSc Global Environmental Change and Policy Environmental Sciences
MSc Information Technology (Business) Information Systems & Technology
MSc Information Technology (Software Systems) Software Engineering
MSc International Accounting and Finance Finance, Banking & Insurance
MSc International Business Management International Business
MSc International Business Management with Advanced Practice International Business
MSc International Fashion Marketing Marketing
MSc International Marketing Marketing
MSc International Marketing with Consumer Psychology Marketing
MSc Intercultural Business Communication Communication Studies
MSc Investment Management Business & Management
MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management Supply Chain & Logistics
MSc Petroleum Engineering Earth Sciences & Geology
MSc Renewable Energy Engineering Energy Engineering
MSc Robotics with Industrial Application Robotics & Automation
MSc Social and Behavioural Research Methods
MSc Spatial Planning and Real Estate Development Aerospace & Automotive Engineering
MSc Fashion and Textiles Management Business & Management
MSc Brewing and Distilling
MA Fashion and Textiles Design Applied Design
MA Fashion and Textiles Design with Industry Placement Applied Design
MA Interior Architecture and Design Applied Design
MArch Architecture Architecture
MSc Business Analytics Data Science & Analytics
MSc Business and Organisational Psychology Psychology
MSc Supply Chain Management and Logistics Supply Chain & Logistics
MSc Building Services Engineering General Engineering
MSc Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transition General Engineering
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master of Business Administration
6 programmes
Heriot-Watt University lists 6 programmes awarding a master's — the tier where graduates build the specialist credentials many senior and technical roles now expect.
MBA Master of Business Administration Business & Management
MBA Master of Business Administration with a Specialism in Finance Finance, Banking & Insurance
MBA Master of Business Administration with a Specialism in Strategy Business & Management
MBA Master of Business Administration with a Specialism in Business Analytics Business & Management
MBA Master of Business Administration with a Specialism in Business Psychology Business & Management
MBA Master of Business Administration with a Specialism in Professional Practice Business & Management
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master of Philosophy
3 programmes
Heriot-Watt University lists 3 programmes awarding a master's — the tier where graduates build the specialist credentials many senior and technical roles now expect.
MPhil (research degrees across all disciplines)
MPhil Psychology Psychology
MPhil Design Applied Design
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Professional Doctorate
1 programme
There are 1 programme to choose from at Heriot-Watt University for doctoral candidates. A PhD or equivalent typically takes three or more years of supervised, independent research.
DBA Doctor of Business Administration Business Administration
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
8 programmes
There are 8 programmes to choose from at Heriot-Watt University for doctoral candidates. A PhD or equivalent typically takes three or more years of supervised, independent research.
PhD (research degrees across all disciplines)
PhD Psychology Psychology
PhD Design Applied Design
PhD Fashion Design Applied Design
PhD Textile Design and Clothing Manufacture Applied Design
PhD Mathematics Mathematics
PhD Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering Law
PhD Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences Natural Sciences
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
112 programmes
Heriot-Watt University lists 112 programmes outside the standard bachelor-to-doctorate ladder — vocational and pathway awards that often carry credit toward a later full degree.
PGCert Master of Business Administration Essentials Business Administration
PGCert Research Methods (Pre-Doctoral Programme)
GradCert Mathematical Sciences Mathematics
Geography Agriculture & Environmental Sciences 4 years On-campus
Geography, Society and Environment Arts, Design & Architecture 4 years On-campus
Actuarial Science and Diploma in Industrial Training Natural Sciences & Mathematics 5 years On-campus
Biology Natural Sciences & Mathematics 5 years On-campus
Biological Sciences Natural Sciences & Mathematics 4 years On-campus
Marine Biology Natural Sciences & Mathematics 4 years On-campus
Modern Languages for Business Management (Beginner Pathway) Business & Management 4 years On-campus
Modern Languages for Business Management with Chinese Business & Management 4 years On-campus
Modern Languages for Business Management with French Business & Management 4 years On-campus
Modern Languages for Business Management with German Business & Management 4 years On-campus
Modern Languages for Business Management with Spanish Business & Management 4 years On-campus
Modern Languages, Communication and Cultures (Beginner Pathway) Social Sciences & Education 4 years On-campus
Modern Languages, Communication and Cultures with Chinese Social Sciences & Education 4 years On-campus
Modern Languages, Communication and Cultures with French Social Sciences & Education 4 years On-campus
Modern Languages, Communication and Cultures with German Social Sciences & Education 4 years On-campus
Modern Languages, Communication and Cultures with Spanish Social Sciences & Education 4 years On-campus
Sport and Exercise Science Natural Sciences & Mathematics 4 years On-campus
Psychology Social Sciences & Education 4 years On-campus
Psychology and Marketing Social Sciences & Education 4 years On-campus
Psychology with Management Social Sciences & Education 4 years On-campus
Brewing and Distilling Agriculture & Environmental Sciences 4 years On-campus
Brewing and Distilling and Diploma in Industrial Training Agriculture & Environmental Sciences 5 years On-campus
Combined Studies Natural Sciences & Mathematics 4 years On-campus
Chemistry Natural Sciences & Mathematics 4 years On-campus
Chemistry Natural Sciences & Mathematics 5 years On-campus
Chemistry with Placement Natural Sciences & Mathematics 5 years On-campus
Medicinal Chemistry Natural Sciences & Mathematics 4 years On-campus
Medicinal Chemistry Natural Sciences & Mathematics 5 years On-campus
Medicinal Chemistry with Industrial Placement Natural Sciences & Mathematics 5 years On-campus
Physics Natural Sciences & Mathematics 4 years On-campus
Physics Natural Sciences & Mathematics 5 years On-campus
Physics with Industrial Placement Natural Sciences & Mathematics 5 years On-campus
Mathematics Natural Sciences & Mathematics 4 years On-campus
Mathematics Natural Sciences & Mathematics 5 years On-campus
Mathematics with Statistics Natural Sciences & Mathematics 4 years On-campus
Mathematics with Computer Science Natural Sciences & Mathematics 4 years On-campus
Mathematics with Finance Natural Sciences & Mathematics 4 years On-campus
Mathematics with Finance and Diploma in Industrial Training Natural Sciences & Mathematics 5 years On-campus
Mathematical Physics Natural Sciences & Mathematics 4 years On-campus
Mathematics with French Natural Sciences & Mathematics 4 years On-campus
Mathematics with German Natural Sciences & Mathematics 4 years On-campus
Mathematics with Spanish Natural Sciences & Mathematics 4 years On-campus
Statistical Data Science Natural Sciences & Mathematics 4 years On-campus
Data Sciences Natural Sciences & Mathematics 4 years On-campus
Mathematical, Statistical and Actuarial Sciences and Diploma in Industrial Training Natural Sciences & Mathematics 5 years On-campus
Computer Science Computer Science & IT 4 years On-campus
Computer Science (Data Science) Computer Science & IT 4 years On-campus
Computer Science (Cyber Security) Computer Science & IT 4 years On-campus
Games Development and Production Computer Science & IT 4 years On-campus
Computer Science (Software Engineering) Computer Science & IT 4 years On-campus
Software Engineering Computer Science & IT 5 years On-campus
Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) Computer Science & IT 4 years On-campus
Actuarial Science Natural Sciences & Mathematics 4 years On-campus
Mathematical, Statistical and Actuarial Sciences Natural Sciences & Mathematics 4 years On-campus
Engineering Engineering & Technology 4 years On-campus
Civil Engineering Engineering & Technology 4 years On-campus
Civil Engineering Engineering & Technology 5 years On-campus
Structural Engineering Engineering & Technology 4 years On-campus
Structural Engineering Engineering & Technology 5 years On-campus
Mechanical Engineering Engineering & Technology 4 years On-campus
Mechanical Engineering Engineering & Technology 5 years On-campus
Aerospace Engineering Engineering & Technology 4 years On-campus
Aerospace Engineering Engineering & Technology 5 years On-campus
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Engineering & Technology 4 years On-campus
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Engineering & Technology 5 years On-campus
Robotics, Autonomous and Interactive Systems Engineering & Technology 5 years On-campus
Chemical Engineering Engineering & Technology 4 years On-campus
Chemical Engineering Engineering & Technology 5 years On-campus
Mechanical Engineering and Energy Engineering Engineering & Technology 5 years On-campus
Mechanical Engineering and Energy Engineering Engineering & Technology 4 years On-campus
Robotics, Autonomous and Interactive Systems Engineering & Technology 4 years On-campus
Computer Systems Computer Science & IT 4 years On-campus
Architectural Engineering Engineering & Technology 4 years On-campus
Architectural Engineering Engineering & Technology 5 years On-campus
Construction Project Management Arts, Design & Architecture 4 years On-campus
Quantity Surveying Arts, Design & Architecture 4 years On-campus
Economics Social Sciences & Education 4 years On-campus
Economics and Business Management Social Sciences & Education 4 years On-campus
Economics and Finance Social Sciences & Education 4 years On-campus
Marketing Business & Management 4 years On-campus
Business Administration Business & Management 4 years On-campus
International Business Management with Year Abroad Business & Management 4 years On-campus
International Business Management Business & Management 4 years On-campus
International Business Management with a Modern Language Business & Management 4 years On-campus
Finance Business & Management 4 years On-campus
Business and Finance Business & Management 4 years On-campus
Accountancy and Finance Business & Management 4 years On-campus
Accountancy Business & Management 4 years On-campus
Professional Accountancy Business & Management 4 years On-campus
British Sign Language (Interpreting, Translating and Applied Language Studies) Humanities & Cultural Studies 4 years On-campus
BSL and Applied Language Studies Humanities & Cultural Studies 4 years On-campus
Computer Science and Diploma in Industrial Training Computer Science & IT 5 years On-campus
Applied Modern Languages and Translating: Chinese/French Humanities & Cultural Studies 4 years On-campus
Applied Modern Languages and Translating: Chinese/German Humanities & Cultural Studies 4 years On-campus
Applied Modern Languages and Translating: Chinese/Spanish Humanities & Cultural Studies 4 years On-campus
Modern Languages (Interpreting and Translating) Chinese/French Humanities & Cultural Studies 4 years On-campus
Modern Languages (Interpreting and Translating) Chinese/German Humanities & Cultural Studies 4 years On-campus
Modern Languages (Interpreting and Translating) Chinese/Spanish Humanities & Cultural Studies 4 years On-campus
Modern Languages (Interpreting and Translating) French/German Humanities & Cultural Studies 4 years On-campus
Modern Languages (Interpreting and Translating) French/Spanish Humanities & Cultural Studies 4 years On-campus
Modern Languages (Interpreting and Translating) German/Spanish Humanities & Cultural Studies 4 years On-campus
Applied Modern Languages and Translating: French/German Humanities & Cultural Studies 4 years On-campus
Applied Modern Languages and Translating: French/Spanish Humanities & Cultural Studies 4 years On-campus
Applied Modern Languages and Translating: German/Spanish Humanities & Cultural Studies 4 years On-campus
Fashion Arts, Design & Architecture 4 years On-campus
Design for Textiles (Fashion, Interior, Art) Arts, Design & Architecture 4 years On-campus
Interior Architecture and Design Arts, Design & Architecture 4 years On-campus
Communication Design Arts, Design & Architecture 4 years On-campus
Fashion Branding and Promotion Arts, Design & Architecture 4 years On-campus
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Heriot-Watt University
Five steps that capture how most applications to Heriot-Watt University flow, from research through submission to follow-up correspondence.
- 1 Research programmes at Heriot-Watt University
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Heriot-Watt University runs 185 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
- 2 Review admissions criteria
Before applying to Heriot-Watt University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United Kingdom.
- 3 Gather supporting documents
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Heriot-Watt University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
- 4 Lodge your application
Lodge your application through the official website (www.hw.ac.uk). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
- 5 Confirm receipt and track progress
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +44 (131) 449 5111. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Heriot-Watt University
Frequently asked questions about Heriot-Watt University, covering the institutional basics most prospective applicants want to confirm first.
When was Heriot-Watt University founded?
Heriot-Watt University was established in 1821 (approximately 205 years ago).
In which city is Heriot-Watt University?
Heriot-Watt University is based in Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
What is Heriot-Watt University's control type?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How many students study at Heriot-Watt University?
Heriot-Watt University has approximately 9,000-9,999 students.
Where does Heriot-Watt University stand in university rankings?
Heriot-Watt University holds rank #792 globally and #52 in United Kingdom.
What qualification levels does Heriot-Watt University offer?
Programmes at Heriot-Watt University cover bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
How is Heriot-Watt University organised academically?
Heriot-Watt University is organised into 8 academic units across its disciplines.
Is Heriot-Watt University officially recognised?
Heriot-Watt University is accredited by Privy Council.
What is Heriot-Watt University's official website?
Heriot-Watt University's official website is www.hw.ac.uk.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United Kingdom
Top the United Kingdom universities often run international branch campuses. Heriot-Watt University's international footprint compared to this benchmark signals global engagement scale.
Members of European University Association (EUA)
Membership in European University Association (EUA) signals a shared commitment to academic quality and cross-institutional exchange. These other members of the same network sit alongside Heriot-Watt University in that ecosystem, and may offer mobility benefits or programme partnerships.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Universities geographically close to Heriot-Watt University are listed below — useful if commute, campus visits, or regional culture factor into your shortlist. Many students compare nearby options before committing to a final choice.
Where Else to Study Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Accreditation portability differs for Natural Sciences & Mathematics programmes across the United Kingdom. Professional accreditation (where applicable) matters more than institutional accreditation for regulated career paths.
Universities Often Compared with Heriot-Watt University
When students choose Heriot-Watt University, they typically weigh it against institutions of similar standing. These universities sit at a comparable level — useful comparisons before committing to a final choice, especially when programme content is similar across the options.
