With a history dating back to 1821, Heriot-Watt University has established a reputation for world-class teaching and practical, leading-edge research, which has made us one of the top UK universities for business and industry.
We shape tomorrow’s work-ready, industry-fit graduates and postgraduates. We connect with industry at every level and develop programmes to match their needs. Real issues, real projects, real research – so our students get practical, real-life experience and the employer gets work- ready industry-fit graduates.
Heriot-Watt University is a public research university based in Edinburgh, Scotland. It was Established in 1821 as the School of Arts Edinburgh, World's first mechanic institute and subsequently was granted university.
Heriot-Watt is an integrated global university with strong links across Europe and the rest of the world. Since our foundation as the School of Arts, the world’s first Mechanics Institute, we have been outward-looking pioneers of education, in pursuit of knowledge for the benefit of society and the world.
Our campuses across the globe and international community create a distinct university experience and a springboard for an international career. Specialist, creative and expert, our people set the gold standard and are sought by the best organisations in the world. We build inventive, entrepreneurial and resilient minds within a nurturing environment of leaders in ideas and solutions.
Heriot-Watt is a specialist, pioneering University, with a global presence, world-renowned, Innovative, research and highly employable graduates. 82% of the University research to be world-leading on internationally excellent.
Potential for Job Opportunities - 95% of Graduates from this University are in employment within 6 months of graduation. The University boasts extensive links with business and industry, the university is known for the excellent industrial placements and companies often approach us directly seeking students for work placements or employment.
Faculty Reputation/Quality of Faculty/Top Courses:
- School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society
- School of Energy and physical Science
2000 Residential places available at our Edinburgh Campus
In the beginning, the School taught only chemistry, mechanics or natural philosophy, architecture and farriery. Two of the ablest students gave informal lessons in mathematics. Working men travelled from far and wide eager for knowledge and self-improvement.
One student walked 10 miles to attend evening classes at the end of a hard day’s work. This revolution in education was creating a bridge between the cultural classes with plumbers, printers and smiths attending lectures alongside students from wealthier backgrounds including the son of eminent artist Alexander Nasmyth. He was James Nasmyth, the inventor of the steam hammer.
To survive the economic depression of the period, the School halved its fees and expanded its syllabus introducing taught classes in mathematics, English, French, drawing and ornamental modelling. By 1837 it had outgrown its first home and leased a larger property in Edinburgh’s Adam Square1. Despite its success, the School relied on donations from wealthy subscribers. This income had dwindled over the years and it now found itself in financial trouble.
The great Scottish engineer, James Watt, hailed as the father of the industrial revolution had long been an inspiration to both students and staff. Now a fund established in his memory was to come to the School’s financial rescue. An appeal launched by Henry Cockburn, to commemorate the great inventor, saw the building of a handsome new property for the Edinburgh School of Arts, which it was able to buy outright through the generosity of the Watt Subscription Fund in 1851. To acknowledge this, the School changed its name in 1852 to the Watt Institution and School of Arts.
We are global.
- We have five campuses across the world: Edinburgh, Scottish Borders, Orkney, Dubai, and Malaysia, as well as 53 Approved Learning Partners (ALPs) and educational collaborative partners in 150 countries
- We have over 29,000 students studying with us at our campuses and online through distance learning (year-end 2017)
- 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
We are connected.
- The Watt Club is the oldest graduate club in the UK
- We have over 116,000 alumni worldwide in over 190 countries
- We are the university of choice for business and industry? and our graduates are sought by the best organizations worldwide.
- The University is the eights oldest higher education institution in the UK and originated as the School of Arts of Edinburgh, the world’s first mechanics institute, in 1821.
- The University boasts multiple campuses, with three in Scotland, and one each in Malaysia and Dubai. Heriot-Watt won an award from the Scottish Council of Development and Industry because of its international focus and it also performs well in physical sciences, mathematics, business and management, engineering and the built environment. It won the 'International University of the Year' 2018 award from Times Higher Education.
- Guidance and support for international students is provided by Heriot-Watt University International Students Advice Office. They can help with practical advice such as setting up a UK bank account, driving in the UK, registering with the police for visa renewal, local travel arrangements, the details of embassies and consulates in Edinburgh and much more. The International Student Guide also provides useful information before departure.
- We are ranked 302nd worldwide (QS World University Rankings 2018/19) and 35th in the UK (The Complete University Guide 2020).
- We are top 10 in the UK and 1st in Scotland for research impact (REF 2014).
- The University ranks Top 10 universities in the UK. Ranked Top 60 of Golden Age Universities in the world.
Ranked
- 29th in the UK by Complete University Guide 2021.
- 35th in the UK by Guardian 2021
- 35th in the UK by Sunday Times 2021
- Top 2% in QS World University Rankings 2017/18
- 35th in UK and 6th in Scotland in Complete University Guide 2019
Top 30 in the UK and 4th in Scotland in the Guardian University Guide 2018.
9th in UK as per Research Excellence Framework (REF)
