Heriot Watt University Edinburgh Campus

Our heritage dates back to 1821 since when our community of scholars has been developing transformational solutions to specific global problems. We are specialists in engineering, business and science and leaders in innovative global education for a future world.

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 oldest graduate club in the UK.
• We have over 130,000 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) 2014 ranked Heriot-Watt 22nd in the UK, with 82% of our research as world-leading or 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 302nd in the world in the 2019 QS World University Ranking.
• At least 90% of students were satisfied overall with their course in 10 of our 22 subject areas in the National Student Survey 2019.
• We are 37th in the world, 13th in the UK and 3rd in Scotland for our international outlook based on THE World University Rankings 2019.
• 8th in Scotland in the Guardian University Guide 2021.
• 95% of graduates are in employment or further study within six months of graduation.

Our History:

Where it All Started
From a pioneering institute born out of the Scottish Enlightenment, today we are shaping the world, a global university, a leader in transnational education. Echoing our founding principles of tailoring our curriculum to the needs of modern society, we are a powerful driver of the economy wherever we are in the world. In all of our communities we create a distinct university experience, a springboard for an international career.

Our story
We are proud that since our foundation in 1821, we have been outward-looking pioneers of education, in pursuit of knowledge to the benefit of society and the world. Read the story of Heriot-Watt University:

• Our Heritage
• Pioneering Education Since 1821
• Opportunities For Women
• Origins Of Our Name
• International Outlook
• Leaders In Ideas And Solutions

Edinburgh Campus
Set in 380 acres of beautiful parkland, opt to study at our Edinburgh Campus and you'll find a wide variety of programmes and specialist facilities designed to help you reach your full potential.

• Space to learn
  • Green and peaceful with ample space to think, play and enjoy, our Edinburgh campus is an exceptional environment within easy reach of one of Europe's most exciting cities.
• A place to discover
  • Exceptional teaching facilities and our close links with industry make our Heriot-Watt Edinburgh Campus a fulfilling and stimulating environment for study. Our new GRID facility will be a globally networked space where students can learn, tackle and immerse their curiosity and intellectual passions, while our £7m purpose-built Postgraduate Centre is a hub for advanced learning and research. Take a virtual tour and discover more about our Edinburgh campus.
• International outlook
  • Our Edinburgh Campus is truly international. Over 10,500 staff and students are based here, with around a third of them coming from outside the UK.  Our international students find a warm and friendly welcome and all the support they might need.
• Work and play
  • Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh is home to Scotland's new £33m national Sports Performance Centre, Oriam. With exceptional sporting facilities and access to a wide range of clubs and societies, you will be sure to find like-minded people to share your hobbies or interests with.
• A festival city
  • Living in Edinburgh is exciting and fulfilling. Home to the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, it is a focal point for art, culture, comedy and drama. From medieval lanes to modern architecture, museums to nightlife, there is plenty to do when you choose to study at Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh.

Living on our beautiful Edinburgh campus is a great way to meet others from all over the world and make lifelong friends. Our student accommodation is conveniently located within easy reach of the teaching buildings, sports facilities, catering venues and the Student Union.

We have 2,000 residential places available at our Edinburgh campus with a range of room types and prices. Please note all of our accommodation is self-catered and single occupancy.

Undergraduate accommodation
Studying as an undergraduate student at our Edinburgh campus you will be placed in accommodation with other new 1st years or direct entrants into 2nd, 3rd or 4th year. All our undergraduate halls are conveniently located near to the Student Union, sports facilities and academic buildings allowing you to make the most of living on campus.

• Traditional En Suite Rooms
  • Single rooms with private en suite shower rooms. Kitchens shared by 5 students.
• Contemporary En Suite Standard Room
  • Large single rooms with 3/4 sized beds, private en-suite shower rooms. Kitchens shared by 10-12 students.
• Contemporary En Suite Room in Flat
  • Large single rooms with 3/4 sized beds, private en-suite shower rooms. Large kitchen/lounge shared by 5 students.

Postgraduate accommodation
Studying as a postgraduate student at our Edinburgh campus you will be placed in accommodation which is conveniently located just a short walk from your academic buildings and the library.  We have a range of accommodation that is only for postgraduate students, allowing you to focus on your studies and make the most of your time at Heriot-Watt University. All accommodation is self-catered – There are a number of catering facilities on campus:

• Contemporary En Suite Room in Flat
• Traditional En Suite Rooms
• Contemporary Studio Flats

Scholarships and bursaries
A scholarship or bursary can help finance your student journey. Discover how to approach various bodies for support.

UK campuses
Each year, hundreds of students enhance their educational experience through a variety of Heriot-Watt and externally funded scholarships, including opportunities funded by the University's generous alumni community, based all over the globe.

The University supports scholarship provision with:

• £10m to support fees scholarships (including £3m for rest of UK (RUK) students)
• £1.5m to support maintenance (living cost) bursaries for RUK students.
• £7.5m to support scholarships and bursary payments to home/EU/overseas students.

International Merit Awards
Heriot-Watt University welcomes students from all over the world.  Our International Undergraduate and Postgraduate Merit Awards are designed to help you fund your studies with us on any of our Edinburgh-based undergraduate or taught postgraduate programs at our UK campuses.

• Undergraduate Merit Awards
• Postgraduate Merit Awards