Heriot-Watt University logo

Heriot-Watt University

Total, Scotland

17.9%
Acceptance Rate
19k
Applications (2024)
£37,500
Median Salary (5yr)
85%
Employment Rate
12
Subjects

How much do Heriot-Watt University graduates earn by subject?

Heriot-Watt University graduates earn a median salary of £37,500 five years after graduation. The highest-paying subject is Mathematical sciences at £46,000, while Creative arts and design graduates earn £24,800.

£35,400 £57,700
Computing £44,500
£30,700 £59,500
Economics £40,000
£32,500 £56,900
Engineering £39,400
£31,800 £48,200
£31,000 £44,500
£28,800 £50,000
£30,300 £44,500
Biosciences £32,500
£26,600 £37,200
Chemistry £31,000
£27,400 £35,000
£26,300 £36,100

+ 2 more subjects

Salary growth: how do earnings change over time?

Graduate salaries typically grow significantly in the first five years. Subjects like medicine and engineering tend to see steeper growth, while creative fields may start lower but offer non-linear career paths.

Subject 15 months 3 years 5 years
Mathematical sciences £32,000 £30,500 £37,500
Computing £33,000 £30,500 £41,000
Economics £32,000 £32,000 £42,000
Engineering £32,000 £30,500 £37,500
Architecture, building and planning £30,000 £33,500 £40,500
Business and management £30,000 £27,500 £36,500
Biosciences £27,500 £24,500 £30,500
Chemistry £32,000 £27,000 £30,000
Psychology £25,000 £24,500 £29,500
Creative arts and design - £20,000 £24,000

15-month data from Graduate Outcomes survey. 3-year and 5-year data from LEO (Longitudinal Education Outcomes). Growth is calculated from 15 months to 5 years after graduation.

How competitive is Heriot-Watt University?

In 2024, Heriot-Watt University received 18,890 applications and accepted 3,390 students, giving an acceptance rate of 17.9%.

18,890
Applications
3,390
Acceptances
17.9%
Acceptance Rate
Applications
Acceptances

Source: UCAS End of Cycle Data

How much does it cost for international students?

International undergraduate students pay £18,480 to £26,400 per year in tuition at Heriot-Watt University.

Business/Social Sciences
4-year degree
Per Year
£18,480
tuition only
Total (4 years)
All costs £73,920
Science/Engineering
4-year degree
Per Year
£26,400
tuition only
Total (4 years)
All costs £105,600

* Estimates based on 2025/26 fees. Actual costs may vary. View official fees →

What are the employment outcomes at Heriot-Watt University?

85% of Heriot-Watt University graduates are in sustained employment or further study 5 years after graduation. The university offers 12 subjects with median salaries ranging from £24,800 to £46,000.

Subject Employment Median Salary
Mathematical sciences 90.7% £46,000
Computing 87.6% £44,500
Economics 90.4% £40,000
Engineering 91.4% £39,400
Architecture, building and planning 84.2% £38,000
Business and management 83.4% £37,200
Physics and astronomy 77.8% £33,200
Biosciences 81.8% £32,500
Chemistry 86.8% £31,000
Languages and area studies 79.1% £31,000
Psychology 89.6% £28,800
Creative arts and design 91.8% £24,800

* Avg. Tariff: Average UCAS tariff points of students who enrolled on this course. This is not the entry requirement — enrolled students often exceed requirements. Always check the official university website for actual entry requirements.

Reference: A*=56, A=48, B=40, C=32 points. Example: AAA = 144 points. Calculate your tariff →

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Highest Earning Subjects

  • 1 Mathematical sciences £46,000
  • 2 Computing £44,500
  • 3 Economics £40,000
  • 4 Engineering £39,400
  • 5 Architecture, building and planning £38,000

Quick Facts

Location Total
Country Scotland
Type University
UKPRN 10007764
Search Official Website →

International Student Fees

Fee Range £18,480 – £26,400
per year
Fee by Subject
Business/Social Sciences £18,480/4yr
Science/Engineering £26,400/4yr
View official fee page →

Data Source

Graduate earnings from the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset and Graduate Outcomes survey via Discover Uni 2024/25. Figures show median earnings at 15 months, 3 years, and 5 years after graduation. Continuation rates show the percentage of students who progress in their studies.

View source data →

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