Rankings
How every major ranking places Heriot-Watt University. Lower is better.
Strongest subjects in the QS subject rankings (2025):
Master's courses by field
Number of courses and typical yearly tuition for international students.
| Field | Courses | Typical fee | Courses in Course Explorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering & technology | 18 | $35,413 | See → |
| Business & management | 15 | $33,603 | See → |
| Computer science & data technology | 12 | $35,413 | See → |
| Economics, finance & accounting | 10 | $31,529 | See → |
| Environment, sustainability & agriculture | 9 | $35,413 | See → |
| Arts, design & creative studies | 5 | $27,548 | See → |
| Natural sciences | 5 | $27,548 | See → |
| Psychology | 4 | $29,455 | See → |
| Education & teaching | 2 | $29,455 | See → |
| Hospitality, tourism & service industry | 2 | $38,990 | See → |
| Humanities & languages | 2 | $29,455 | See → |
| Life sciences & biotechnology | 2 | $40,391 | See → |
| Social sciences | 2 | $27,548 | See → |
| Public health & allied health | 1 | $33,603 | See → |
Costs and entry
93 courses mention scholarships.
Jobs after studying at Heriot-Watt University
The job market for Heriot-Watt University's biggest fields, and how graduates stay to work in the UK.
Questions students ask
How much does a master's course at Heriot-Watt University cost?
Typical tuition for international students is about $33,603 a year; half of Heriot-Watt University's master's courses with a published fee cost between $29,455 and $35,413. Most courses last 1 year. Fees vary by field: life sciences & biotechnology courses are typically $40,391, arts, design & creative studies $27,548.
How is Heriot-Watt University ranked?
Heriot-Watt University is ranked #287 by QS (2026) and #401–500 by Times Higher Education (2026) in the world. In the UK it is #25 in the Complete University Guide (2026) and #31 in the Guardian University Guide (2026). Its strongest QS subjects include Petroleum Engineering (#15) and Architecture / Built Environment (#101).
What IELTS score does Heriot-Watt University need for a master's course?
Most master's courses (1 of the 1 that list it) ask for IELTS 5.5 overall.
How many master's courses does Heriot-Watt University offer?
89 master's courses across 14 fields; the largest are engineering & technology (18), business & management (15) and computer science & data technology (12).
Shortlisting Heriot-Watt University?
Compare its courses side by side with other universities, or let UNIFER handle your applications for one flat fee.
Updated 6 August 2026. Courses and fees from Heriot-Watt University's own course pages; fees converted to US dollars. Rankings: QS World University Rankings 2026, Times Higher Education 2026, Complete University Guide 2026, Guardian University Guide 2026, QS subject rankings 2025. Always confirm fees and requirements on the university's website.