Heriot-Watt University is a public research university based in Edinburgh, Scotland. It was established in 1821 as the School of Arts of Edinburgh, the world's first mechanics' institute, and was subsequently granted university status by royal charter in 1966.
| Acronym | HWU |
| Nickname | The Clever Cow |
| Motto / Slogan | Inspire, Collaborate, Belong, Celebrate |
| Colour | Heriot Blue, Castle Stone, and White. |
| Mascot | Watt Wolf |
| Founded | 1821 |
| Undergraduate Programmes | |
| Postgraduate Programmes | 130 |
| Location | Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom |
| Address | Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Campus, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS |
Heriot-Watt University's mission is to create and exchange knowledge that benefits society.
Heriot-Watt University's vision is to be a world-leading institution in its areas of specialization, fostering a global presence and impact through its campuses and partnerships, with a focus on learning, teaching, and research.
Heriot-Watt University's core objectives focus on creating and exchanging knowledge that benefits society, with a particular emphasis on education, research, and enterprise.
Heriot-Watt is ranked 1st in Scotland and joint 2nd in the UK for graduate prospects (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024). This is thanks to the career-focused degrees and the lifetime support that you receive from our Careers Service.
The learning environment seeks to offer you the very best in terms of study programmes, which apply knowledge to real world challenges. They are ranked 287th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2026) and 34th in the UK and 5th in Scotland.
They have five campuses around the world and many of their students get the chance to transfer their study to their campuses in Dubai and Malaysia through their Go Global inter-campus exchange programme. They are also one of Scotland's most international universities, with around a third of their students coming from outside the UK.
They offer flexible options for your studies, including completing an undergraduate honours degree in three years instead of four. Joining them in year two means you can enter the job market at the same time as if you studied in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, all while enjoying the same perks as those joining in first year.
By choosing Heriot-Watt you will join a community of over 27,000 students and an alumni network of over 173,000 worldwide. The Watt Club was founded in 1854 and is the oldest graduate club in the UK. Lifetime membership is automatic upon graduation from Heriot-Watt, and is free to all graduates of the University.
Please refer to the entry requirements for your country and course page for more details.
In some cases, after your application is reviewed you may be requested to provide additional documents such as:
Please refer to the entry requirements for your country and course page for more details.
FOR UNDERGRADUATE: Applications are made via UCAS or directly via the online application form.
FOR POSTGRADUATE: Applications for all postgraduate programmes are made via the online application form.
Email: [email protected]
Anitha Devadoss is currently an Associate Professor at Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering (IB3) at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK.
Leonard Horner, a linen merchant and social reformer met his friend Robert Bryson, one of Scotland's finest clock makers, in his shop on Edinburgh's South Bridge. Bryson complained that his apprentices needed a mathematical education. But the only classes available were too expensive and held while they were at work. Horner came up with the idea to provide evening classes at fees that working men could afford. With financ... read more
In October 1821 the School held its first lecture at St Cecilia's Concert Hall in Niddry Street, Edinburgh. The subject: chemistry. Over 300 people packed the venue. Several hundred were turned away. Within a month over 450 students had enrolled. Thirty years later over 700 Mechanics Institutes had been established across Britain. Emigrants took the movement as far as Australia and America.