Heriot-Watt University: Rankings, Courses & Admissions

Infrastructure

The university has multiple campuses all over the globe- three campuses in Scotland and one each in Dubai and Malaysia. Additionally, the three campuses of Heriot-Watt University UK with their unique educational environment and bespoke facilities are situated in:

1. Edinburgh

2. Scottish Borders

3. Orkney

According to Research Excellence Framework- (REF) 2014, the university ranks in the top 10 universities in the UK and stands at 1st position in Scotland for its research capabilities. The university pursues award-winning research in the following verticals:

1. Engineering

2. Mathematical Sciences

3. Life Sciences

4. Computer Science

5. Physical Sciences

6. Social Sciences and Business

7. Art and Design

8. Languages and Culture

The language of instruction at the university is English. It offers a whomping 112 master’s degree in the English language.

Academic

Heriot-Watt University UK has three admission cycles or intakes, the September intake with a 15 August deadline, the January intake with a 15 November deadline, and a May intake with a 15 April as the application deadline.

In terms of Heriot-Watt University’s admission process, it is relatively simple. If you wish to study at the university as visiting student, you should necessarily receive authorization from the home institution.

For full-time programs, you need to select the course of your interest for undergraduate or postgraduate programs. You will have to submit your application through the university’s online application form for the same.

The program page will ask you to upload a course selection form, the academic transcript, and a passport copy.

You can also apply to the university through third-party providers, but ensure that the same is mentioned in the application form.

Post reviewing the student's application, the admissions team will get in touch with you for an appropriate response. If the application volume is high, the processing time might be two weeks.

The university’s response could be either of the following:

1. An unconditional offer

2. A conditional offer where some documentation will be needed, for instance, the degree certificate if you applied to the program while you were still in the middle of the course

3. A rejection of your application

You can view the admissions committee’s response by logging into your application account. If you receive an offer, it’s best to respond to it as soon as possible.

After accepting your application, the university shall send you a confirmation letter which will be used to obtain an entry visa to the United Kingdom or to obtain a loan to fund your studies.

Heriot-Watt University admission requirements include a list of documents needed for successful application and consideration in the programs. We would recommend you get the paperwork ready to avoid any last-minute delays.

The requirements are as follows:

1. Student’s academic qualifications: Official transcripts and college certificates with a GPA of 3.0 or more on a US 4.0 academic scale

2. Personal statement encompassing details like the reason behind choosing the program and the prospects of a degree in your future career path.

3. A reference letter, preferably academic

4. English language proficiency: You need to demonstrate your English language proficiency through an exam like IELTS or equivalent. The minimum score required is a 6.0 overall band in the IELTS exam with no section scoring less than 6 or equivalent, TOEFL score of 78 to 90, PTE Academic of 50 to 64 are acceptable.

5. Passport copy: You will need to attach the passport copy, which will be uploaded along with the application package

Heriot-Watt University’s acceptance rate stands at 60%, making the admission policy moderately selective for its programs– 112 master’s degrees, 114 pre-bachelor programs, 56 online courses, and 17 doctoral degrees.

The main course areas for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees are:

1. Accountancy

2. Actuarial Science and Management

3. Advanced Structural Engineering

4. Advanced Mechanical Engineering

5. Applied Petroleum Geoscience

6. Artificial Intelligence

7. Brewing and Distilling

8. Building Services Engineering

9. Business Analytics and Consulting

10. Business Psychology

11. Civil Engineering

12. Computer Science

13. Data Science

14. Digital Design and Innovation

15. Digital Marketing

16. Economics, Banking, and Finance

17. Energy

18. Fashion and Textiles

19. Financial Management

20. Games Design and Development

21. Human Resource Management

22. Information Technology (Business or Software Systems)

23. Interior Architecture

24. Marine Science

25. Marketing

26. Investment Management

27. Logistics and Supply Management

28. Network Security

29. Operations Management

30. Petroleum Engineering

31. Renewable Energy Engineering

32. Reservoir Evaluation and Management

33. Robotics

34. Software Engineering

35. Subsurface Energy Systems

36. Urban Strategies and Design

Every coursework, either undergraduate or postgraduate degree at Heriot-Watt University, consists of core modules and optional modules, with each module being worth 15 credits.

Top programs at the university are in Mathematics, Business and Management, Physical Sciences, Engineering, and the Built Environment.

Lastly, you should take note of the college calendar as a prospective student. Here are the UK campus session dates 2022–23:

Date	Name of the Event
5-9 September 2022	Welcome Week
12 September- 2 December 2022	Commencement of the first semester
5 December- 16 December 2022	First Semester Exam
19 December 2022 to 6 January 2023	First Semester Break
9 January to 31 March 2023	Commencement of the second semester
24 April to 19 May 2023	Second Semester break
16 June 2023	Scottish Borders
19- 23 June 2023	(Edinburgh) Graduations (TBC)
3- 11 August 2023	Re-exams
2-5th December 2023	Graduations (TBC)

 

Extra-curriculars and diversity

Heriot-Watt University has an efficient student union that provides excellent opportunities such as coaching programs and more. Additionally, students can join clubs and even compete in their favorite sport.

The students running the sports clubs at the university strive to build a community spirit amongst freshers. Students can play recreationally or compete nationally and internationally in various sports such as mountaineering, volleyball, squash, archery, and fencing.

Students can also join student-run clubs and societies in numerous disciplines such as Ocean Conservation Society, Dance Club, or Computer Games Society.

Heriot-Watt University organizes several music events as well, such as free lunchtime concert series with the student union. There are also many music groups like classical music ensembles, traditional Scottish pipe bank, and junk and jazz music bands. Both music scholars and other students can participate in these clubs.

Moreover, Heriot-Watt University has received an award from the Scottish Council of Development and industry due to its strong international focus. It also won the International University of the Year in 2018 from Times Higher Education.

In terms of diversity, one-third of students belong to over 150 foreign countries, making the university a cultural melting pot. As such, the university offers support and organizes cultural and social events for out-of-state students.

The Heriot-Watt University international students advice office provides guidance and support for state students. They aid students with practical advice through setting up British bank accounts, registering with the police for visa renewal, driving in the UK, and even the consulates in Edinburgh.

Furthermore, the international student guide gives the correct information to international students before departure. They also provide airport pickups at the beginning of the semester, a series of welcomes, and orientation events.

Lastly, the Caribbean, Indian, Chinese, Malaysian, Spanish, Pakistani, African, and Muslim groups support students from their respective countries.

Career/professional

The Careers and Graduate Futures Service helps students make the right career choice through the help of high-quality, professional career guidance and information service for recent graduates and students.

The service team works in close connection with academic schools and employers to develop job-ready skills in students and elevate employability. They support the student’s careers by

1. helping you market yourself to employers

2. figuring out potential career options

3. hone their employability skills

4. and help them find work experience

Additionally, students can find information on careers, job vacancies, skills development workshops, and careers resources on the GRADfutures career platform.

The present students of the university and alumni for up to two years after graduation can book one on one appointments with the university’s careers consultants. You also get access to Graduate apprenticeships which is an excellent initiative that creates degree-qualified employees with the right skills needed to run the business.

Moreover, the university has solid links with an array of industry professionals from over 30 companies that attend the Industrial Advisory Board.

Lastly, some famous alumni of Heriot-Watt University UK are:

Adam Crozier– CEO ITV, BA in Business Organisation

Richard Tait– Founder of Cranium, BSc in Computer Science

Irvine Welsh– Author, MBA

Tammy Kane– Co-Founder of fashion label: Christopher Kane, BSc in Textile Science

Financial

The Heriot-Watt University fee varies according to your course, level of education, and whether or not you are an international student. The average tuition fees is approximately around GBP 17,300 to GBP 20,800 (INR 17,31,800 to INR 20,82,200)

Students can also receive a range of scholarships to ease their financial burdens, such as

1. Undergraduate merit awards

2. Postgraduate merit awards up to GBP 3,000 (INR 3,00,000)

3. Several scholarships and bursaries for an array of courses and nationality group

4. Scotland’s Saltire Scholarship is worth GBP 8,000 (INR 8,00,000)

As far as the living costs are concerned, according to the university website, the living on campus expenses are as follows:

Hall fees: GBP 500 to GBP 735 (INR 50,000 to INR 73,500)

Food/Toiletries/Laundry: GBP 175 (INR 17,500)

Social: GBP 140 (INR 14,000)

Mobile phone: GBP 25 (INR 2,500)

Books and equipment variable: GBP 25 (INR 2,500)

Travel: GBP 1.80 per bus journey into the city center (INR 180)

Total: GBP 865 to GBP 1,100 (INR 86,500 to INR 1,10,000)

The cost of living in a rented flat near Heriot-Watt University are as follows:

Rent: GBP 450 (INR 45,000)

Food: GBP 175 (INR 17,500)

Social: GBP 140 (INR 14,000)

Gas/electricity: GBP 50 (INR 5,000)

Travel: GBP 48 for 4 weekly bus passes (INR 4,800)

Mobile phone & internet connection: GBP 35 (INR 3,500)

Books & equipment variable: GBP 25 (INR 2,500)

Total: GBP 923 (INR 92,300)

Top UK Universities

University Name	Acceptance Rate	Ranking	University Type
Sheffield Hallam University	43.00%	1200	Public
London Metropolitan University	84.00%	801	Public
Aston University	50%	570	Public
Anglia Ruskin University	75%	550	Public
University of Bath	10%-20%	179	Public
University of Essex	54%	465	Public
University of Surrey	65.00%	305	Public
University of Chester	25.00%	1201-1500	Public
University of Bedfordshire	70.00%	801-1000	Public
Swansea University	14.00%	425	Public
Newcastle University	87.00%	122	Public
Lancaster University	18.69%	146	Public
Heriot Watt University	60.00%	281	Public
Durham University	41.00%	92	Public
Cranfield University	67.90%	400	Public
Loughborough University	68%	256	Public
University of Southampton	84%	78	Public
University of Sussex	92.00%	240	Public
University of Sunderland	27.00%	101-150	Public
University of Dundee	36.00%	354	Private
University of Aberdeen	78.00%	205	Public
Ulster University	81.00%	650	Public
Manchester Metropolitan University	80.00%	801-1000	Public
Cardiff Metropolitan University	64.00%	1200	Public
Bournemouth University	50%	1000	Public
University of Aberdeen	78%	13	Public
University of Chester	25%	97	Public
University of Kent	85%	375	Public
University of Salford	4.80%	1000	Public
University of Stirling	20.00%	510	Public