Skip to main content

Compare any two UK universities

Select any two universities below and we'll generate an instant, data-driven comparison — rankings, salaries, student satisfaction, international community, and more.

H
Heriot-Watt University

Edinburgh · QS World #325

L
Leeds Arts University

Leeds

Head-to-Head Summary

Based on 7 datapoints

We looked at 7 data points — world rankings, student satisfaction, graduate salaries, employment rates, and more — to see which university scores higher in each category.

6/7

Heriot-Watt

scored higher in 6 categories

VS

1/7

Leeds Arts

scored higher in 1 category

Quick Verdict

Heriot-Watt University leads in 6 of 7 categories where both have data (established, employment, international, graduate salary, courses, scholarship). Leeds Arts University is ahead on satisfaction.

Heriot-Watt University vs Leeds Arts University at a glance

Heriot-Watt University and Leeds Arts University both teach 3 subject areas, the largest being Design & Fashion, Business & Management (General) and Marketing. Heriot-Watt University offers 214 courses across 48 subject areas; Leeds Arts University offers 56 courses across 11 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £20,080 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £18,000 at Leeds Arts University: Leeds Arts University is about £2,080 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £24,180 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £18,300 at Leeds Arts University: Leeds Arts University is about £5,880 a year cheaper.

In Design & Fashion, the one shared subject where both publish a graduate salary, the two are about level. In Design & Fashion, the one shared subject where both publish a student satisfaction score, Leeds Arts University is higher.

World & National Rankings

Compare world and national league table positions, TEF ratings, and Russell Group membership.

#325
QS World
—
#401
THE World
—
#41
Guardian UK
—
1821
Established
1846
No
Russell Group
No
—
TEF Rating
Silver

Visual Breakdown

Key metrics at a glance

Longer bars indicate better performance. Metrics include student satisfaction, graduate salaries, and more.

Heriot-Watt University

Leeds Arts University

82%
84.7%

Satisfaction

Student satisfaction with teaching (NSS Survey, out of 100%)

£35,400
£25,600

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

81.8%
75.7%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

31.2%
7.4%

International

International student share

214
56

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

42
0

Scholarships

Number of scholarships

International Community

Where do international students come from?

Top source countries based on official HESA enrolment data. A higher diversity of nationalities often means a richer campus experience.

Heriot-Watt

72 countries · 31.2% international

  • 🇮🇳India29.8%
  • 🇨🇳China17.1%
  • 🇫🇷France6.8%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria6%
  • 🇲🇾Malaysia5.2%
VS

Leeds Arts

17 countries · 7.4% international

  • 🇮🇳India12.5%
  • 🇺🇸United States12.5%
  • 🇭🇰Hong Kong9.4%
  • 🇨🇳China6.2%
  • 🇦🇪United Arab Emirates6.2%

Subjects

3 subjects you can study at both

Courses listed at each university in the subject, and the typical (median) international fee a year. Select a count to see the courses.

Heriot-Watt University

Leeds Arts University

Fees

What it costs international students

The typical (median) international tuition fee a year across each university's published course fees. Individual courses vary; each course page shows its own fee.

Undergraduate

Heriot-Watt University
£20,080
Leeds Arts University
£18,000

Leeds Arts University is about £2,080 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

Heriot-Watt University
£24,180
Leeds Arts University
£18,300

Leeds Arts University is about £5,880 a year cheaper.

Outcomes

Graduate outcomes by subject

Median graduate salary three years after graduating, and student satisfaction with teaching, across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject. Source: Discover Uni.

Heriot-Watt University

Leeds Arts University

  • Design & Fashion

    £20,000Salary (3 years)£20,000
    78%Satisfaction84%

Scholarships for International Students

Exclusive

Heriot-Watt University

International Merit Scholarship

£500,000

Deadline: N/A

MBA 20th Anniversary Scholarship

£64,000

Deadline: Jun 2026

IMechE Scholarships (for Mechanical Engineers)

£21,800

Deadline: N/A

Future Planner Scholarship

100%

Deadline: Jun 2026

The Dunsmore Scholarship for MScR Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences

100%

Deadline: May 2026

View all scholarships →

Leeds Arts University

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Heriot-Watt University vs Leeds Arts University: common questions

Is Heriot-Watt University or Leeds Arts University cheaper for international students?

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £20,080 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £18,000 at Leeds Arts University: Leeds Arts University is about £2,080 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £24,180 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £18,300 at Leeds Arts University: Leeds Arts University is about £5,880 a year cheaper. These are medians of the international tuition fees each university publishes for its courses; the fee for a specific course is on its course page.

What subjects can you study at both Heriot-Watt University and Leeds Arts University?

Both universities teach 3 subject areas: Design & Fashion, Business & Management (General) and Marketing.

Is Heriot-Watt University or Leeds Arts University better for Design & Fashion?

Design & Fashion graduates earn a median £20,000 three years after graduating from Heriot-Watt University, and £20,000 from Leeds Arts University. Student satisfaction with teaching is 78% at Heriot-Watt University and 84% at Leeds Arts University. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does Heriot-Watt University or Leeds Arts University offer more courses?

Heriot-Watt University lists 214 courses on CourseOptions and Leeds Arts University lists 56 courses.

What can you study at Heriot-Watt University but not at Leeds Arts University?

Heriot-Watt University teaches 45 subject areas that Leeds Arts University does not, including Mathematics, Ancient Languages, Computer Science, Civil Engineering, Building & Construction, Chemical Engineering, Finance & Actuarial Science, Accounting and 37 more.

What can you study at Leeds Arts University but not at Heriot-Watt University?

Leeds Arts University teaches 8 subject areas that Heriot-Watt University does not, including Film Production & Cinematography, Creative Arts (General), Music, Creative Writing, Fine Art, Applied Computing, Crafts & Applied Arts and Drama & Theatre.

Ready to explore courses?

Browse available courses, check entry requirements, and find scholarships at each university.