Rankings of Heriot-Watt University

Heriot-Watt University is a prominent research education institution located in the Scottish capital, Edinburgh. Recognised globally for their research contributions in Engineering and Science in particular, this university enjoys a formidable reputation among education ranking listings such as Times Higher Education and QS World University Rankings. Despite the university’s campus not being centrally located in the city, students almost unanimously agree that there is more than enough fun to be had on-site, thanks to a proactive Student Union that is constantly working to create spaces and resources for clubs.

Latest ranking updates for Heriot-Watt University
  • 27 Sep, 2023: Heriot-Watt University ranks 351 in the latest THE World University Rankings from THE Times Higher Education, UK.
  • 09 Sep, 2023: Publication of The Guardian University League Tables by Subject (Business and Management). Ranking position #59.
  • 09 Sep, 2023: Heriot-Watt University ranks 85 in the latest The Guardian League Table from The Guardian News and Media Limited.
  • 15 Aug, 2023: Heriot-Watt University ranks 901 in the latest ARWU Academic Ranking of World Universities - ShanghaiRanking from ShanghaiRanking Consultancy.
Admission advice for international students

University rankings

    • #9 
    • #57 
    The Times Good University Guide
    [Published 16 September, 2022]
    • #11 
    • #85 
    The Guardian League Table
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #6 
    • #44 
    CUG The Complete University Guide
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #7 
    • #351 
    THE World University Rankings
    [Published 27 September, 2023]
    • #9 
    • #235 
    QS World University Rankings
    [Published 27 June, 2023]
    • #6 
    • #301 
    QS Employability Rankings
    [Published 23 September, 2021]
    • #9 
    • #725 
    US News: Best Global Universities
    [Published 24 October, 2022]
    • #8 
    • #901 
    ARWU Academic Ranking of World Universities - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 15 August, 2023]
    • #7 
    • #946 
    CWTS Leiden Ranking
    [Published 22 June, 2022]
    • #7 
    • #596 
    Scimago Institutions Rankings
    [Published 06 March, 2023]
    • #8 
    • #608 
    Scimago Institutions Rankings
    [Published 06 March, 2023]
    • #7 
    • #706 
    CWUR Center for World University Rankings
    [Published 25 April, 2022]
    • #7 
    • #851 
    NTU Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers
    [Published 11 July, 2023]
    • #7 
    • #688 
    URAP World Ranking - University Ranking by Academic Performance
    [Published 28 November, 2022]
    • #5 
    • #325 
    RUR World University Rankings
    [Published 25 May, 2023]
    • #8 
    • #541 
    RUR Reputation Ranking
    [Published 25 May, 2023]
    • #6 
    • #385 
    RUR Academic Rankings
    [Published 25 May, 2023]
    • #8 
    • #131 
    StuDocu World University Ranking - EMEA - Europe, the Middle East and Africa
    [Published 06 September, 2021]
    • #7 
    • #401 
    QS World University Rankings: Sustainability
    [Published 26 October, 2022]
    • #7 
    • #516 
    Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
    [Published 31 July, 2023]
    • #9 
    • #709 
    THE China Subject Ratings Overall
    [Published 11 May, 2022]

Historic rankings in TOP global university rankings

Chart Data

Subject rankings

Agriculture

    • # 
    • #655 
    Agriculture
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #6 
    • #401 
    Agriculture & Forestry
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 22 March, 2023]

Architecture, Building & Planning

    • #1 
    • #6 
    Building
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]

Arts Visual & Performing

    • #7 
    • #69 
    Art & Design
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #4 
    • #176 
    Arts and Humanities
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 26 October, 2022]

Business

    • #6 
    • #251 
    Accounting & Finance
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 22 March, 2023]
    • #4 
    • #23 
    Accounting and Finance
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #6 
    • #59 
    Accounting and Finance
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #6 
    • #41 
    Business & Management Studies
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #4 
    • #201 
    Business & Management Studies
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 22 March, 2023]
    • #7 
    • #251 
    Business and Economics
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 26 October, 2022]
    • #4 
    • #401 
    Management
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 19 July, 2022]
    • #4 
    • #33 
    Marketing
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]

Computer Science

    • #6 
    • #33 
    Computer Science
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #4 
    • #301 
    Computer Science
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 26 October, 2022]
    • #3 
    • #401 
    Computer Science
    NTU Rankings by Subject
    [Published 11 July, 2023]
    • #3 
    • #351 
    Computer Science & Information Systems
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 22 March, 2023]

Design

    • #3 
    • #31 
    Interior Design
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]

Engineering

    • #3 
    • #15 
    Chemical Engineering
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #3 
    • #16 
    Chemical Engineering
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #2 
    • #277 
    Chemical Engineering
    NTU Rankings by Subject
    [Published 11 July, 2023]
    • #2 
    • #301 
    Chemical Engineering
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 19 July, 2022]
    • # 
    • #466 
    Chemical Engineering
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #4 
    • #20 
    Civil Engineering
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #4 
    • #22 
    Civil Engineering
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #3 
    • #201 
    Civil Engineering
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 19 July, 2022]
    • #4 
    • #278 
    Civil Engineering
    NTU Rankings by Subject
    [Published 11 July, 2023]
    • # 
    • #336 
    Civil Engineering
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #5 
    • #39 
    Electrical & Electronic Engineering
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #3 
    • #201 
    Electrical & Electronic Engineering
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 19 July, 2022]
    • #4 
    • #401 
    Electrical Engineering
    NTU Rankings by Subject
    [Published 11 July, 2023]
    • #4 
    • #251 
    Engineering
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 26 October, 2022]
    • #4 
    • #355 
    Engineering
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #2 
    • #151 
    Engineering - Chemical
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 22 March, 2023]
    • #3 
    • #151 
    Engineering - Civil & Structural
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 22 March, 2023]
    • #4 
    • #201 
    Engineering - Electrical & Electronic
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 22 March, 2023]
    • # 
    • #490 
    Environmental Engineering
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #4 
    • #30 
    Mechanical Engineering
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #6 
    • #45 
    Mechanical Engineering
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #3 
    • #201 
    Mechanical Engineering
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 19 July, 2022]
    • #4 
    • #300 
    Mechanical Engineering
    NTU Rankings by Subject
    [Published 11 July, 2023]
    • # 
    • #384 
    Mechanical Engineering
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #4 
    • #466 
    Technology
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]

Languages & Literature

    • #4 
    • #24 
    French
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #3 
    • #21 
    German
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #5 
    • #28 
    Iberian Languages
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #3 
    • #201 
    Linguistics
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 22 March, 2023]

Mathematics

    • #4 
    • #16 
    Mathematics
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #4 
    • #18 
    Mathematics
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #3 
    • #151 
    Mathematics
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 19 July, 2022]
    • #3 
    • #201 
    Mathematics
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 22 March, 2023]
    • #2 
    • #301 
    Mathematics
    NTU Rankings by Subject
    [Published 11 July, 2023]
    • # 
    • #243 
    Statistics
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]

Natural Sciences

    • #8 
    • #49 
    Biological Sciences
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #7 
    • #401 
    Biological Sciences
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 19 July, 2022]
    • #7 
    • #451 
    Biological Sciences
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 22 March, 2023]
    • # 
    • #928 
    Biological Sciences
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #10 
    • #52 
    Biology
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #6 
    • #35 
    Chemistry
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #6 
    • #41 
    Chemistry
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #5 
    • #401 
    Chemistry
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 19 July, 2022]
    • #6 
    • #451 
    Chemistry
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 22 March, 2023]
    • #5 
    • #201 
    Earth & Marine Sciences
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 22 March, 2023]
    • #5 
    • #251 
    Environmental Sciences
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 22 March, 2023]
    • # 
    • #613 
    Environmental Sciences
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #7 
    • #69 
    Geography & Environmental Science
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #5 
    • #436 
    Geology
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #5 
    • #398 
    Physical Sciences
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #7 
    • #401 
    Physical Sciences
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 26 October, 2022]
    • #4 
    • #18 
    Physics
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #6 
    • #32 
    Physics & Astronomy
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #5 
    • #301 
    Physics & Astronomy
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 22 March, 2023]

Social Studies & Humanities

    • #3 
    • #14 
    Economics
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • # 
    • #32 
    Economics
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • # 
    • #453 
    Economics
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #4 
    • #301 
    Economics & Econometrics
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 22 March, 2023]
    • #10 
    • #62 
    Psychology
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #12 
    • #82 
    Psychology
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]

Highest subject rankings for Heriot-Watt University

Building CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
#6 
Architecture, Building & Planning
Economics The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
#14 
Social Studies & Humanities
Chemical Engineering The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
#15 
Engineering
Mathematics The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
#16 
Mathematics
Physics The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
#18 
Natural Sciences
German CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
#21 
Languages & Literature
Accounting and Finance CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
#23 
Business
Interior Design The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
#31 
Design
Computer Science CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
#33 
Computer Science
Art & Design CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
#69 
Arts Visual & Performing

Student Reviews for Heriot-Watt University

Student satisfaction:
4.4 (based on 819 student reviews)

“I’m studying a Master’s degree in Translation, and I’ve been given excellent advice and guidance from this university’s career services team. Apart from the academic side, there’s also plenty to enjoy in terms of clubs and societies on campus, and it’s even close to the city centre.”

“I found it easy to make friends here, partly because the Scottish are friendly and welcoming, but also because the university hosts a lot of different sports activities and clubs. This gave me the perfect excuse to get out and meet people.”

About Heriot-Watt University

PROS

  • Current and former students report that the residential halls are well furbished, complete with kitchen appliances and en -suite bathrooms.
  • A huge variety of clubs and societies on -campus, including sports activities, study groups, and special interest clubs. Additionally, many users report fair and accessible prices for membership.
  • According to QS University Rankings, Heriot -Watt University is consistently ranked among the Top 300 in the world. This ensures both students and future employers that this institution is a worthwhile investment.

CONS

  • A recurring criticism from students is that there is poor communication between departments. This can cause issues where classrooms, computer suites, or seminar halls are unexpectedly occupied.
  • The number of hours spent in the classroom is limited for most courses, according to general opinion from current and former students. Applicants for this university should expect to conduct a lot of individual study.

Key facts

Foundation year:
1821
Telephone:
+44 131 449 5111
Address:
Heriot-Watt University
EH14 4AS, Edinburgh
Scotland
Website:
Social:

NSS Aggregate Student reviews

Below you see the results of Heriot-Watt University for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK universities.

Overall student satisfaction
69 /100
685 total respondents
Chart Data
Source: National Student Survey NSS 2022
The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

THE Student Experience Survey by Times Higher Education

Times Higher Education has surveyed 20251 undergraduate students in the UK about their study experience. 106 students of Heriot-Watt University participated in the survey.

Below you'll find the results for each of the survey questions for Heriot-Watt University in comparison to the average for all UK universities.

Overall score: 76.1

Chart Data
Source: Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey 2018
Data is from 2018 which was the last year for which the survey was published. Survey was discontinued after 2018. Details of Methodology

Campuses of Heriot-Watt University

EdinburghCampus
map marker Show on map
ScottishBorders
map marker Show on map
Other universities in Edinburgh:

FAQ

Heriot-Watt University ranks #8 in Scotland in our meta ranking of 112 university rankings. See rankings of all 20 universities in Scotland.

Heriot-Watt University ranks #2 in Edinburgh in our meta ranking. See rankings of all 5 universities in Edinburgh.

Heriot-Watt University is listed in The Times Good University Guide, The Guardian League Table, CUG The Complete University Guide, THE World University Rankings, QS World University Rankings, QS Employability Rankings and more. See all 27 rankings of Heriot-Watt University.

Heriot-Watt University achieved #44 in CUG The Complete University Guide. This is the university’s highest ranking in the 112 rankings tracked on our website. See all rankings for Heriot-Watt University.

Heriot-Watt University achieved the highest ranking for Architecture, Building & Planning. It is ranked #6 in CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject (Building). See all subject rankings for Heriot-Watt University.

A large number of university rankings include surveys among academics on reputation. In our meta ranking of 112 university rankings Heriot-Watt University ranks #2 among universities in Edinburgh and #8 among universities in Scotland. See all rankings of Heriot-Watt University.

In our meta ranking Heriot-Watt University ranks #8 among all universities in Scotland and The University of Edinburgh ranks #1. See all rankings of universities in Edinburgh. Apart from rankings you may also want to see the ratings from students who attended the universities.