Heriot-Watt University

A truly global perspective

Heriot-Watt University is one of the world’s leading universities with strong links to international business and industry driven by our established reputation as a top research-led institution.

With a rich heritage stretching back to 1821, we are a truly global university bringing together scholars who are leaders in ideas and solutions delivering innovation, educational excellence and ground-breaking research.

Some universities claim to be global, but at Heriot-Watt we have both an international reputation and global campuses – in Edinburgh, Scottish Borders, Orkney, Dubai and Malaysia – that provide opportunities like no other.

Across our five academic schools, five global campuses, and our Edinburgh Business School, those who choose Heriot-Watt join a community of over 27,000 students and an alumni network of over 140,000, who stand shoulder to shoulder with our faulty of leaders in ideas and solutions.

Research with impact

Our research makes a real difference to people and the world we live in. From tackling climate change, to pushing the boundaries in artificial intelligence and the future of global business logistics, we are leading the way.

Spanning engineering and energy, quantum and robotics, marine and social sciences, our multi-disciplinary, award-winning research shapes the future by delivering real results with far-reaching impact.

Find out how award-winning research is shaping the future here

As reported in REF21, 86.8% of the university's research and 88.6% of its research outputs are classed as world-leading and internationally excellent. The REF21 results recognised Heriot-Watt University for world-leading research in Physics; Mathematical Sciences; Engineering; and Architecture, Built Environment and Planning.

Our Physics research came top in Scotland for world-leading (4*) research, top in the UK for world-leading research outputs, and 97% of its research overall was classed as world-leading and internationally excellent.

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 27,000 students studying with us at our 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

We are connected

• The Watt Club is oldest graduate club in the UK
• We have over 170,000 alumni worldwide in over 190 countries
• We are the university of choice for business and industry​ and our graduates are sought by the best organisations worldwide

We are experts and leaders

• The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 ranked 86.8% of Heriot-Watt's research as world-leading and internationally excellent.
• We are 9th in the UK and 1st in Scotland for research impact
• Over 80% of our academic staff are currently engaged in research at internationally recognised levels
• We are ranked 281st in the world in the 2022 QS World University Ranking
• 8th in Scotland in the Guardian University Guide 2022
• 95% of graduates are in employment or further study within six months of graduation