Heriot-Watt University Rankings 2024-25
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Cost of Living£ 18,156
- Tuition Fee From£ 19,056
- Country Rank#45
- Batch Strength9,493
- Global Diversity20.6%
- Gender Ratio61:38
Heriot-Watt University has five campuses, with its main campus located in Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city. The Edinburgh campus is particularly well-known for its strong programmes in engineering, business, and actuarial mathematics. As a leading research university, Heriot-Watt is popular among students seeking degrees in STEM fields like computer science, renewable energy, and construction project management.
Heriot-Watt University consistently achieves high global rankings, offering a broad spectrum of courses across various fields. In 2025, Heriot-Watt University achieved its highest global ranking to date, securing the 256th position in the QS World University Rankings. The institution also made significant strides in the UK, reaching 42nd place according to The Complete University Guide. The previous year, 2024, saw the university climb to 121st in Europe in the QS rankings, while also making a notable jump to 351st globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) rankings. Additionally, The Guardian placed Heriot-Watt at 85th in the UK for 2024. Looking back to 2023, the university held the 281st spot in the QS global rankings and was ranked 725th worldwide by US News & World Report. The rankings for both 2023 and 2022 consistently placed Heriot-Watt at 501st globally, highlighting the substantial improvement seen in subsequent years. These diverse results across different ranking systems reflect the dynamic nature of Heriot-Watt University's performance in the global higher education landscape.
Heriot-Watt University - QS Ranking 2025
Heriot-Watt University has shown steady progress in the QS rankings, achieving 256th globally in 2025, up from 235th in 2024 and 281st in 2023. In Europe, the university improved to 121st place in the latest 2024 rankings. These advancements reflect Heriot-Watt University's ongoing efforts to enhance its international standing and academic reputation.
Ranked by |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
Europe |
- |
121 |
- |
World University |
281 |
235 |
256 |
Heriot-Watt University - US News & World Report Ranking
In 2023, Heriot-Watt University was ranked 725th globally by US News & World Report, a decline from 663rd place in 2022 and 580th place in 2021.
Ranked by |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
Global Universities |
580 |
663 |
725 |
Heriot-Watt University - THE (Times Higher Education) Ranking
In the Times Higher Education (THE) ranking, Heriot-Watt University has significantly improved to 351st place in 2024, from a consistent ranking of 501st in both 2023 and 2022. This advancement underscores the university's progress in academic performance and reputation over recent years.
Ranked by |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
University |
501 |
501 |
351 |
Learn More About: Heriot-Watt University’s Admission
Heriot-Watt University - The Guardian Ranking 2024
In The Guardian ranking for 2024, Heriot-Watt University is positioned at 85th place, showing a decline from 45th in 2023 and 36th in 2022. This change reflects fluctuations in the university's performance and reputation over the past three years, indicating varying assessments across different ranking criteria.
Ranked by |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
University |
36 |
45 |
85 |
Heriot-Watt University - The Complete University Guide Ranking 2025
In 2025, Heriot-Watt University is ranked 42nd in the UK according to The Complete University Guide, marking an improvement from 44th place in 2024 and 34th place in 2023.
Ranked by |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
UK University |
34 |
44 |
42 |
Heriot-Watt University - QS Ranking 2024
Ranked by |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
Accounting and Finance |
251-300 |
251-300 |
- |
Biological Sciences |
501-550 |
451-500 |
- |
Engineering and Technology |
231 |
260 |
- |
Mathematics |
151-200 |
201-250 |
- |
Mechanical Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering |
201-250 |
201-250 |
- |
Physics and Astronomy |
301-350 |
301-350 |
- |
Heriot Watt University - THE (Times Higher Education) Ranking
Ranked by |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
Arts and Humanities |
- |
201-250 |
176-200 |
Engineering |
201-250 |
251-300 |
251-300 |
Life Sciences |
201-250 |
301-400 |
301-400 |
PG Business and Economics |
251-300 |
301-400 |
251-300 |
PG Computer Science |
301-400 |
251-300 |
301-400 |
Heriot Watt University - The Guardian Ranking 2024
Ranked by |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
Accounting and Finance |
16 |
33 |
59 |
Business and Management |
56 |
85 |
104 |
Chemical Engineering |
16 |
12 |
- |
Civil Engineering |
10 |
14 |
20 |
Economics |
11 |
9 |
14 |
Electronic and Electrical Engineering |
15 |
21 |
16 |
Mechanical Engineering |
37 |
45 |
45 |
Physics |
27 |
18 |
18 |
Heriot Watt University - The Complete University Guide Ranking 2024
Ranked by |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
Accounting and Finance |
13 |
23 |
23 |
Art and Design |
15 |
62 |
69 |
Biological Sciences |
42 |
55 |
49 |
Business and Management Studies UK |
21 |
30 |
41 |
Chemical Engineering |
8 |
12 |
16 |
Civil Engineering |
4 |
18 |
22 |
Computer Science |
18 |
27 |
33 |
Electrical and Electronic Engineering |
7 |
28 |
39 |
Mechanical Engineering |
15 |
27 |
30 |
Physics and Astronomy |
11 |
29 |
32 |
Psychology |
36 |
72 |
62 |
Course Rankings
B.A.
Ranked by |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
The Complete University Guide - Art and Design |
18 |
28 |
15 |
B.E. / B.Tech
Ranked by |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
The Guardian - Civil Engineering |
30 |
10 |
12 |
The Guardian - Electronic and Electrical Engineering |
39 |
36 |
16 |
The Guardian - Mechanical Engineering |
8 |
8 |
9 |
The Complete University Guide - Electrical and Electronic Engineering |
- |
28 |
15 |
The Complete University Guide - Mechanical Engineering |
- |
15 |
8 |
The Complete University Guide - Chemical Engineering |
- |
16 |
14 |
The Complete University Guide - Civil Engineering |
- |
22 |
20 |
The Complete University Guide - Computer Science |
- |
34 |
32 |
The Guardian - Chemical Engineering |
25 |
22 |
15 |
Learn More About: Heriot Watt University’s Courses
B.Sc.
Ranked by |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
The Complete University Guide - Biological Sciences |
- |
33 |
27 |
The Complete University Guide - Psychology |
- |
53 |
53 |
The Complete University Guide - Physics and Astronomy |
- |
22 |
25 |
The Guardian - Physics |
43 |
41 |
32 |
BBA
Ranked by |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
The Guardian - Business and Management |
46 |
24 |
29 |
The Guardian - Accounting and Finance |
16 |
47 |
25 |
The Complete University Guide - Accounting and Finance |
- |
23 |
15 |
The Complete University Guide - Business and Management Studies UK |
- |
32 |
27 |
The Guardian - Economics |
8 |
24 |
23 |
M.A.
Ranked by |
2022 |
2023 |
THE (Times Higher Education) - Arts and Humanities |
201-250 |
176-200 |
MIM
Ranked by |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
QS - Accounting and Finance |
201-250 |
201-250 |
201-250 |
THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics |
201-250 |
201-250 |
251-300 |
MS
Ranked by |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
QS - Physics and Astronomy |
- |
251-300 |
251-300 |
QS - Mechanical Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering |
- |
151-200 |
151-200 |
QS - Mathematics |
- |
201-250 |
201-250 |
QS - Biological Sciences |
- |
- |
501-550 |
QS - Engineering and Technology |
- |
243 |
237 |
ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Mathematics |
101-150 |
101-150 |
101-150 |
ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Physics |
401-500 |
401-500 |
- |
THE (Times Higher Education) - Life Sciences |
- |
251-300 |
201-250 |
THE (Times Higher Education) - Engineering |
- |
251-300 |
251-300 |
THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science |
- |
301-400 |
301-400 |
Accounting & Commerce
Ranked by |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
QS - Accounting and Finance |
201-250 |
201-250 |
201-250 |
The Guardian - Accounting and Finance |
16 |
47 |
25 |
The Complete University Guide - Accounting and Finance |
- |
23 |
15 |
Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing )
Ranked by |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
THE (Times Higher Education) - Arts and Humanities |
- |
- |
201-250 |
The Complete University Guide - Art and Design |
18 |
28 |
15 |
Business & Management Studies
Ranked by |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
The Guardian - Business and Management |
46 |
24 |
29 |
The Complete University Guide - Business and Management Studies UK |
- |
32 |
27 |
The Guardian - Economics |
8 |
24 |
23 |
THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics |
201-250 |
201-250 |
251-300 |
Engineering
Ranked by |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
QS - Mechanical Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering |
151-200 |
151-200 |
151-200 |
QS - Engineering and Technology |
243 |
237 |
220 |
THE (Times Higher Education) - Engineering |
251-300 |
251-300 |
201-250 |
THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science |
301-400 |
301-400 |
301-400 |
The Guardian - Civil Engineering |
30 |
10 |
12 |
The Guardian - Electronic and Electrical Engineering |
39 |
36 |
16 |
The Guardian - Mechanical Engineering |
8 |
8 |
9 |
The Complete University Guide - Electrical and Electronic Engineering |
- |
28 |
15 |
The Complete University Guide - Mechanical Engineering |
- |
15 |
8 |
The Complete University Guide - Chemical Engineering |
- |
16 |
14 |
The Complete University Guide - Civil Engineering |
- |
22 |
20 |
The Guardian - Chemical Engineering |
25 |
22 |
15 |
Humanities & Social Sciences
Ranked by |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
The Complete University Guide - Psychology |
53 |
53 |
36 |
Science
Ranked by |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
QS - Physics and Astronomy |
- |
251-300 |
251-300 |
QS - Mathematics |
- |
201-250 |
201-250 |
QS - Biological Sciences |
- |
- |
501-550 |
ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Mathematics |
101-150 |
101-150 |
101-150 |
ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Physics |
401-500 |
401-500 |
- |
The Complete University Guide - Biological Sciences |
- |
- |
33 |
The Complete University Guide - Physics and Astronomy |
- |
- |
22 |
The Guardian - Physics |
- |
43 |
41 |
THE (Times Higher Education) - Life Sciences |
- |
251-300 |
201-250 |
The Complete University Guide - Computer Science |
- |
- |
34 |
Biology
Ranked by |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
QS - Biological Sciences |
- |
501-550 |
501-550 |
The Complete University Guide - Biological Sciences |
- |
33 |
27 |
THE (Times Higher Education) - Life Sciences |
251-300 |
201-250 |
201-250 |
Business Economics
Ranked by |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
The Guardian - Economics |
8 |
24 |
23 |
THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics |
201-250 |
201-250 |
251-300 |
Chemical Engineering
Ranked by |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
The Complete University Guide - Chemical Engineering |
- |
16 |
14 |
The Guardian - Chemical Engineering |
25 |
22 |
15 |
Civil Engineering
Ranked by |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
The Guardian - Civil Engineering |
30 |
10 |
12 |
The Complete University Guide - Civil Engineering |
- |
22 |
20 |
Computer Science
Ranked by |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
The Complete University Guide - Computer Science |
34 |
32 |
18 |
Computer Science Engineering
Ranked by |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science |
301-400 |
301-400 |
301-400 |
Electrical Engineering
Ranked by |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
The Complete University Guide - Electrical and Electronic Engineering |
28 |
15 |
7 |
Electronics Engineering
Ranked by |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
The Guardian - Electronic and Electrical Engineering |
39 |
36 |
16 |
Mathematics
Ranked by |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
QS - Mathematics |
- |
201-250 |
201-250 |
ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Mathematics |
101-150 |
101-150 |
101-150 |
Mechanical Engineering
Ranked by |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
QS - Mechanical Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering |
151-200 |
151-200 |
151-200 |
The Guardian - Mechanical Engineering |
8 |
8 |
9 |
The Complete University Guide - Mechanical Engineering |
- |
15 |
8 |
Physics
Ranked by |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
QS - Physics and Astronomy |
- |
251-300 |
251-300 |
ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Physics |
401-500 |
401-500 |
- |
The Complete University Guide - Physics and Astronomy |
- |
- |
22 |
The Guardian - Physics |
- |
43 |
41 |
Accounting
Ranked by |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
QS - Accounting and Finance |
201-250 |
201-250 |
201-250 |
The Guardian - Accounting and Finance |
16 |
47 |
25 |
The Complete University Guide - Accounting and Finance |
- |
23 |
15 |
Psychology
Ranked by |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
The Complete University Guide - Psychology |
53 |
53 |
36 |
Year
QS Ranks
US News Ranks
2024
#256
#832
2023
#281
#725
2022
#270
#725
2021
#270
#663