Heriot-Watt University
Edinburgh, United Kingdom • Founded 1821 • QS 2027 #325
Updated Sep 2026 · Source: hw.ac.uk · How we collect data
Overview
Heriot-Watt University is a research university headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, tracing its roots to a mechanics institute founded in the city in 1821.
Alongside its Edinburgh base, it operates UK campuses in the Scottish Borders and Orkney, together with overseas campuses in Dubai and Malaysia; about 27,000 students from 154 different countries study across these locations. Its teaching and research are organised into five academic schools, together with Edinburgh Business School and The Design School, spanning engineering, physical sciences, mathematics and computing, energy and geoscience, social sciences and business education.
In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, 86.8% of the university's submitted research was assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.
Location & Contact
Heriot-Watt University's physical location and contact details are listed below.
Academic Details
Enrolment, faculty headcount, and accreditation data for Heriot-Watt University are listed below.
Academic Structures
The academic units through which Heriot-Watt University delivers teaching are listed below.
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
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
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
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
Engineering and Physical Sciences (School) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physics
Life Sciences (School) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Brewing
- Food Science
- Marine Science and Oceanography
- Psychology
- Sports
Management and Languages (School) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Arabic
- Chinese
- Economics
- Finance
- French
- German
- Management
- Modern Languages
- Spanish
- Translation and Interpretation
Mathematical and Computer Sciences (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Actuarial Science
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Statistics
Textiles and Design (School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Clothing and Sewing
- Fashion Design
- Textile Design
Programs Offered
Below are Heriot-Watt University's active programmes, grouped by degree level, with search.
175 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United Kingdom
Honours Degree 97 programmes
Showing 10 of 97.
Master of Business Administration 6 programmes
Master of Philosophy 3 programmes
Master's Degree 57 programmes
Showing 10 of 57.
Doctorate 8 programmes
Professional Doctorate 1 programme
Postgraduate Certificate 3 programmes
Scholarships in United Kingdom
Funding options available to students studying in the United Kingdom, alongside Heriot-Watt University's costs.
How to apply to Heriot-Watt University
How to apply to Heriot-Watt University — a five-step structure.
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1
Research programmes at Heriot-Watt University
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Heriot-Watt University runs 175 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
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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.
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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.
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4
Lodge your application
Route your application through UCAS (ucas.com) for undergraduate entry to Heriot-Watt University. For postgraduate entry, apply directly through Heriot-Watt University's own admissions portal at www.hw.ac.uk.
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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
Quick answers to common questions about Heriot-Watt University.
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 9,845 students.
Where does Heriot-Watt University stand in university rankings?
Heriot-Watt University holds rank QS 2027 #325.
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
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Members of European University Association (EUA)
These universities are also members of European University Association (EUA).
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Studying in United Kingdom: guides and resources
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