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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

R
Royal College of Art

Kensington and Chelsea

Head-to-Head Summary

Based on 2 datapoints

We looked at 2 data points — world rankings, student satisfaction, graduate salaries, employment rates, and more — to see which university scores higher in each category.

2/2

Heriot-Watt

scored higher in 2 categories

VS

0/2

Royal College of Art

scored higher in 0 categories

Quick Verdict

Heriot-Watt University leads in 2 of 2 categories where both have data (courses, scholarship). Royal College of Art does not lead in any category where both have data.

Heriot-Watt University vs Royal College of Art at a glance

Heriot-Watt University and Royal College of Art have no subject area in common. Heriot-Watt University's largest is Mathematics; Royal College of Art's is Film Production & Cinematography.

For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £24,180 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £15,600 at Royal College of Art: Royal College of Art is about £8,580 a year cheaper.

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
N/A
No
Russell Group
No
—
TEF Rating
—

Visual Breakdown

Key metrics at a glance

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

Heriot-Watt University

Royal College of Art

82%
No data

Satisfaction

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

£35,400
No data

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

81.8%
No data

Employment

Graduate employment rate

31.2%
No data

International

International student share

214
50

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

42
2

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

Royal College of Art

No published data on international students

    Subjects

    No subjects in common

    Heriot-Watt University and Royal College of Art do not teach any of the same subject areas.

    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
    Royal College of Art
    No data

    We do not have reliable international fee data for Royal College of Art yet.

    Postgraduate

    Heriot-Watt University
    £24,180
    Royal College of Art
    £15,600

    Royal College of Art is about £8,580 a year cheaper.

    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 →

    Royal College of Art

    Creative and Caring (CCC) Fully Funded Doctoral Landscape Studentship

    100%

    Deadline: N/A

    Fully Funded Doctoral Landscape Award: Net Zero Futures

    100%

    Deadline: N/A

    View all scholarships →

    FAQ

    Heriot-Watt University vs Royal College of Art: common questions

    Is Heriot-Watt University or Royal College of Art cheaper for international students?

    For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £24,180 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £15,600 at Royal College of Art: Royal College of Art is about £8,580 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.

    Does Heriot-Watt University or Royal College of Art offer more courses?

    Heriot-Watt University lists 214 courses on CourseOptions and Royal College of Art lists 50 courses.

    What can you study at Heriot-Watt University but not at Royal College of Art?

    Heriot-Watt University teaches 48 subject areas that Royal College of Art does not, including Mathematics, Ancient Languages, Computer Science, Civil Engineering, Design & Fashion, Building & Construction, Chemical Engineering, Finance & Actuarial Science and 40 more.

    What can you study at Royal College of Art but not at Heriot-Watt University?

    Royal College of Art teaches 1 subject area that Heriot-Watt University does not, including Film Production & Cinematography.

    Ready to explore courses?

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