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Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh Campus
Edinburgh, Scotland | Estd in 1966 | Government University
QS Rank : 235
About Heriot Watt University
Heriot Watt University was established in 1821 and is one of the oldest universities in the United Kingdom. Heriot-Watt is known for its strengths in science, engineering, business, and design. The university is ranked 34th in the UK for graduate prospects in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.
Heriot Watt University acceptance rate is above 60%, and it varies depending on the programme of study. International tuition fees for undergraduate programmes range from £18,704 (INR 16,78,945) to £24,048 (INR 21,58,644) per year, whereas for postgraduate courses, the tuition fees for overseas students are between £13,500 (INR 12,11,814) and £29,960 (INR 26,89,329) per year.
Heriot-Watt University offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the fields of science, technology, engineering, business, and design. The admissions are offered for full-time and part-time courses. Heriot-Watt University also offers several online courses. Admission to Heriot-Watt University is available through the official website or UCAS. For most of the universities, candidates are required to apply through UCAS to study in UK.
All international candidates are required to provide proof of English language proficiency for which they can take the IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, or PTE Academic test. They must also have a high GPA along with reference letters and essays. Before applying for Heriot-Watt University admissions, candidates must check the eligibility criteria and other entry requirements.
The Edinburgh campus of Heriot-Watt University has over 10,500 faculty and students. One-third of the total student population is from outside the UK, and the university has a community of over 27,000 students and a worldwide network of 147,000 alumni. 95% of the Heriot-Watt students get employment within a few months of graduation.
Heriot-Watt university has great industrial placements. The programmes offered at the university are career-focused and relevant to the current industrial requirements. The university also offers career advisory services and conducts group workshops to make their students ready for the real world. The university also has a Go Global inter-campus exchange programme and students at Heriot-Watt get the opportunity to transfer their studies to Dubai and Malaysia campuses.
Heriot-Watt University has five campuses across the world, among them three campuses are located in the UK in Edinburgh, Scottish Borders, and Orkney. The other two campuses are situated in Dubai and Malaysia. The university also has 53 Approved Learning Partners (ALPs) and educational collaborative partners in 150 countries. Other than this, Heriot-Watt University also has 53 Approved Learning Partners (ALPs) and educational collaborative partners in 150 countries.
Latest deadline at Heriot Watt University
Application deadline for undergraduate programmes in September 2024 at Heriot-Watt University is closed for UCAS applications. The admission decisions for undergraduate courses will be released by mid-May. Heriot-Watt application deadline for the graduate programmes varies based on the course of study. However, all overseas students are required to submit their application form at least 6 weeks before the commencement of the course.
Also read: Benefits of studying in UK
Heriot Watt University Highlights
Heriot Watt University Ranking and Stats
Heriot-Watt University is a well-respected university and is ranked 44th in the UK and 235th in the world by QS World University Rankings 2024. According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024, the university is placed in the bandwidth of 351-400th in the world. According to The Complete University Guide 2024, The Complete University Guide 2024 is ranked 44th in the UK. US News & World Report Best Global Universities 2023 has placed the university at 725th position in the world.
Apart from national and international rankings, Heriot Watt University is also ranked for its subjects by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024, the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024, and the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023 as mentioned below:
Heriot Watt University rankings by subject
QS Subject Rankings 2023 | THE Subject Rankings 2024 | The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024 |
26th in the UK for Computer Science and 37th in the UK for Engineering & Technology | Ranked in the top 200 universities worldwide (151-175) for Arts and Humanities | Sixth in UK and second in Scotland for Mathematics |
35th in the UK for Social Sciences & Management and 12th in the world and 3rd in the UK for Petroleum Engineering | Ranked in the top 200 universities worldwide (176-200) for Engineering | Seventh in UK and first in Scotland for Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering |
Ranked in the top 200 worldwide for 3 subjects: Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Petroleum Engineering | Ranked in the top 300 universities worldwide (251-300) for Computer Science | Eighth in UK and second in Scotland for Chemical Engineering |
Ranked in the top 10 in the UK for employer reputation for three subjects: 1st in the UK for Petroleum Engineering, 6th for Civil & Structural Engineering, and 9th for Agriculture & Forestry | Ranked in the top 20 UK universities for Engineering Ranked 26th in the UK for Computer Science | Third in Scotland for Civil Engineering; Physics & Astronomy |
Parametric Score and Ranking 2024
| Domain | Year | Score | Rank | Rank Band |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 2019 | NA | NA | 44.0–46.3 |
| Overall | 2020 | NA | NA | 46.9–50.0 |
| Overall | 2021 | NA | NA | 43.6–45.5 |
| Overall | 2022 | NA | NA | 38.1–40.8 |
| Overall | 2023 | NA | NA | 39.3–42.0 |
| Overall | 2024 | NA | NA | 49.1-51.0 |
Heriot Watt University Courses
Heriot-Watt University offers a wide range of courses across five academic schools including Edinburgh Business School, School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, and School of Textiles and Design. The university is known for its programmes in business, finance, accounting, marketing, and management. Some of the popular courses include the B.Sc. (Hons) Business Management, M.Sc. Finance, and MBA.
Also read: Top courses to study in the UK
Heriot Watt University Fees
| Courses | Duration | International Student | Local Student |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.Sc.(81 courses) | 1 year-5 years | ₹18.35 L - ₹35.27 L/yr | ₹8.81 L - ₹26.19 L/yr |
| B.Sc.(Hons)(42 courses) | 4 years-5 years | ₹18.35 L - ₹23.58 L/yr | ₹9.80 L/yr |
| M.A.(26 courses) | 1 year-4 years | ₹18.35 L - ₹19.36 L/yr | ₹8.81 L - ₹9.80 L/yr |
| B.E /B.Tech(11 courses) | 4 years | ₹18.35 L - ₹23.58 L/yr | ₹9.80 L/yr |
| M.E /M.Tech.(10 courses) | 5 years | ₹18.35 L - ₹23.58 L/yr | ₹3.28 L - ₹9.80 L/yr |
Heriot Watt University Cost Of Living
Heriot-Watt University's tuition fees vary depending on your program, level of study (undergraduate or postgraduate), and whether you are a domestic or international student. Undergraduate tuition fees for international students range from £18,704 to £24,048 (INR 16,78,945) to £24,048 (INR 21,58,644) per year. The postgraduate tuition fees for overseas students are between £13,500 and £29,960 (INR 12,11,814) and £29,960 (INR 26,89,329) per year.
Candidates are required to pay some additional fees, such as application fees, registration fees, and examination fees. They can find more information about tuition fees and other fees on the Heriot-Watt University website
Is it expensive to study at Heriot Watt University?
Living expenses at Heriot-Watt University can vary depending on an individual’s lifestyle and accommodation choices. The estimated living expenses for undergraduate students are £8,500 (INR 7,62,509) per year on average, whereas for postgraduate students, the average cost of living in UK for a year is £11,900 (INR 10,67,513). The breakdown of the monthly expenses is mentioned in the table below.
Heriot Watt University living expenses
Expense list | Costs |
Accommodation | On-campus accommodation: £4,760 per year (includes rent, bills, and other amenities) Private rented accommodation: £500-£650 per month for a room one-bedroom flat: £700-£900 per month |
Food | £240 per month |
Transportation | £30 per month |
Books and other course materials | £300-£500 per year |
Personal expenses | £150 per month |
Read more: Student loan for UK
Heriot Watt University Admission and Application
Heriot Watt University acceptance rate is approximately 60-85%, which shows that numerous students are admitted to the university every year. Applicants looking for admission to Heriot Watt University are required to apply online through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). A step-by-step procedure is mentioned below.
How to apply to Heriot-Watt University?
Visit the official website - hw.ac.uk.
On the home page, check the header section and click on ‘Study’.
Now, click on ‘Apply’ followed by the Undergraduate Programme or Postgraduate Programme.
Click on ‘Apply through UCAS’.
Search the university name, and the list of courses will appear on the screen. Click on the course name.
Carefully read the details mentioned in the course, entry requirements, fees, and other details.
Click on the ‘Apply’ button. Now, register to the UCAS portal by providing the necessary details such - as name, address, date of birth, contact details, nationality, residential status, and an outline of any disabilities.
Fill out any additional information (UK applicants only)about any non-examination-based activities.
Select the ‘Register’ button.
Now, log in using the email address and password.
Fill out educational details, and previous work experience (if any).
Add the personal statement, reference, and declaration.
Now, pay the application fee using a credit or debit card.
Save the application form and take a printout of it for future reference.
Documents required to apply to Heriot-Watt University
Official academic transcript
Copy of passport
Two references or LORs using the referees' report form
Copy of degree certificate
Curriculum Vitae
Evidence of English language requirement
Reference letters
Heriot Watt University Admission Dates 2024
For undergraduate programs starting in 2024, Heriot-Watt University application deadlines for September 2024 are closed for UCAS applications. The admission decisions will be released by mid-May. Heriot-Watt application deadline for the graduate programmes varies based on the course of study. However, all international students are required to fill in the application form at least 6 weeks before the commencement of the course.
Read more: Admission Cycle in UK
Heriot Watt University Scholarship
Heriot-Watt University offers a variety of scholarships to help students finance their studies. These scholarships are available to both undergraduate and postgraduate students and can be based on academic merit, financial need, or other criteria. Heriot-Watt University provided support by awarding over £500,000 in merit scholarships to overseas students enrolled in September 2023 or January 2024. In most instances, scholarships awarded to international students will be £1,500. Here are some of the scholarships available for Indian students:
Heriot Watt University Scholarships for Indians
Scholarship name | Scholarship amount | Eligibility |
First tier merit scholarship | 3,000 GBP | All programmes where the tuition fee is above GBP 26,000 and for students who have scored 60% and more. |
Second tier merit scholarship | 2,500 GBP | All programmes where the tuition fee is above GBP 23,000 and for students who have scored 60% and more. |
Third tier merit scholarship | 1,500 GBP | All programmes where the tuition fee is less than GBP 23,000 and for students who have scored 60% and more. |
In addition to the scholarships listed above, there are also a number of other scholarships available to overseas students. For more information about these scholarships on the official website of Heriot-Watt University.
Read more: Scholarships in UK
Heriot Watt University Eligibility
Candidates applying for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses at Heriot Watt University must meet the following entry requirements as set by the university:
For Undergraduates
Year 1
For most subjects, applicants must have 70% overall in year 12 state board high school examinations and at least 70% in the relevant subjects.
For Computer Science programmes, candidates must have 65% overall in year 12 state board high school examinations, with 65% for Maths.
For Mathematics, applicants must have 70% overall in year 12 state board high school examinations, with 70% for Maths.
For Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics, candidates must have 75% overall in year 12 state board high school examinations, with 80% for Maths.
For students taking the West Bengal State board examinations, the required score is 65%.
Year 2
Students who have scored highly in year 12 (80%+) may be admitted directly into year 2 of our degree programmes. Those looking to take Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics will also require 85% for Maths.
Students looking to study Mathematics may be able to gain 2nd year entry with 75% overall average, with Maths at 75%.
For Postgraduates
For most of our Masters level programmes, applicants must have a good first degree in a relevant subject. From most Indian Universities, this means an overall score of 55% or above.
The university will consider students whose grades are slightly lower than this (52% or above) in the Universities of Delhi/ Mumbai/ Calcutta/ Madras/ Pune/ Bangalore/ Rajasthan.
Admission also depends on other factors, such as any relevant work experience, the quality of the references you can provide etc.
English Language Requirements
Candidates seeking admission to Heriot Watt University must complete the English language requirements for their selected course if English is not their first language. To fulfil these criteria, one can take multiple types of English language examinations, a detailed table for required scores is mentioned below.
Heriot Watt University undergraduate requirements
Test (passed within last two years of enrolment date) | Foundation (One-Year) | Foundation (Four-Year) | Undergraduate (Direct) |
IELTS Academic | 5.0 with no score lower than 4.5 | 5.5 with no score lower than 5.5 | 6.0 with no score lower than 5.5 |
PTE Academic | 55 (minimum 50) | 60 (minimum 59) | 65 (min 59) |
TOEFL iBT | Not accepted/SELT required | 72 (Reading 18, Listening 17, Speaking 20, Writing 17) | 79 (including reading 18, listening 17, speaking 20, and writing 21) |
Cambridge (new) | Not accepted/SELT required | Not applicable | 169-175 |
Trinity ISE II | Not applicable | Not applicable | Pass in all components |
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT | B2: minimum of 25 in each of the 4 components | B2: minimum of 28 in each of the 4 components | B2: minimum of 33 in each of the 4 components |
CEFR | B1 - B2 | B2 | B2 |
SELT Required? | Yes | No | No |
Test (passed within last two years of enrolment date) | Pre-Masters | Pre-Masters (Accelerated) | Postgraduate (Direct) | Interpreting/ Translating Programmes |
IELTS Academic | 5.5 with no score lower than 5.5 | 6.0 with no score lower than 5.5 | 6.5 with no score lower than 6.0 | 7 with no score lower than 6.5 |
PTE Academic | 60 (minimum 59) | 65 (min 59) | 68 (min 63) | 73 (min 67) |
TOEFL iBT | 72 (R18, L17, S20, W17) | 79 (including reading 18, listening 17, speaking 20, and writing 21) | 85 (including reading 20, listening 19, speaking 20 and writing 21) | 90 (including reading 22, listening 21, speaking 23 and writing 23) |
Cambridge (new) | Not Applicable | 169-175 | 176-184 | Not applicable |
Trinity ISE II | Not applicable | Pass in all components | Pass in all components | Not applicable |
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT | B2: minimum of 28 in each of the 4 components | B2: minimum of 33 in each of the 4 components | B2: minimum of 36 in each of the 4 components | C1: minimum of 25 in each of the 4 components |
CEFR | B2 | B2 | mid - high B2 | high B2/low C1 |
SELT Required? | No | No | No | No |
Heriot Watt University Campus Facilities
Classrooms
The University has Classroom facilities. Hearing loops in reception areas, lecture theatres, and some classrooms as well as portable loops.
Library
Heriot-Watt University's on-campus library is open 24 hours during the semester and exam. Students can access books, journals and any other study material both online and offline. The library has 700 individual and group study places, 200 in learning commons 1 and another 100 in learning commons 2.
Sports
The Edinburg campus of Heriot-Watt University is home to Oriam, Scotland's National Sports Performance Centre. Orion offers student flexi membership, which is priced at £6 per week. The membership includes access to the Technogym, fitness suite, and over 30 group exercise classes, etc.
Transport Facility
The university encourages students for sustainable transportation. The university is well connected with major public transport routes including buses. Heriot-Watt University also offers a number of cycling facilities. The university campus has a free car parking facility as well.
Heriot-Watt University has a Liftshare facility which allows students to share a car with other students. Through Liftshare, students can login to the portal and enter their journey details, the database will now show other students going through the same route. Students can then connect and travel to the university together. This will cut the cost of transportation and is a great way to network with other students.
I.T Infrastructure
The University has an excellent IT Infrastructure facility for the students.
Cafeteria
The university has a number of food outlet options within the premises. Central, Dewey's, The Piece, Elements. Da Vinci's and the EBS Bistro are some of the food outlets operating in the university. Most outlets are open from Monday to Friday, but some are open 7 days a week. Operating hours may change depending on the time of year. The food outlets serve all types of vegetarian, non-vegetarian and vegan food.
Auditorium
The University has an auditorium facility for events and seminars.
Heriot Watt University International Office Details
Heriot Watt University has over 29,000 students studying at their campuses and online through distance learning. One-third of our on-campus students studying in Scotland are from outside the UK, making Heriot-Watt one of the most internationally diversified of any UK university. All overseas students can contact Heriot Watt University on the following details:
Address: Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK EH14 4AS
Contact: +44 131 449 5111
Is it hard to get into Heriot Watt University?
Heriot Watt University acceptance rate is between 60% and 85% depending on the programme of study. The university doesn't officially publish its acceptance rate, however, based on various sources and estimations, the university is moderately selective. In addition to your academics, Heriot Watt takes into account your personal statement, relevant experience, and letters of recommendation.
Heriot Watt University Gallery
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