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.
Edinburgh · QS World #325
London
Head-to-Head Summary
Based on 6 datapoints
We looked at 6 data points — world rankings, student satisfaction, graduate salaries, employment rates, and more — to see which university scores higher in each category.
4/6
Heriot-Watt
scored higher in 4 categories
2/6
Royal College of Music
scored higher in 2 categories
Quick Verdict
Heriot-Watt University leads in 4 of 6 categories where both have data (established, graduate salary, courses, scholarship). Royal College of Music is ahead on satisfaction, international.
Heriot-Watt University vs Royal College of Music at a glance
Heriot-Watt University and Royal College of Music have no subject area in common. Heriot-Watt University's largest is Mathematics; Royal College of Music's is Music.
For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £24,180 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £32,760 at Royal College of Music: Heriot-Watt University is about £8,580 a year cheaper.
World & National Rankings
Compare world and national league table positions, TEF ratings, and Russell Group membership.
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 Music
Satisfaction
Student satisfaction with teaching (NSS Survey, out of 100%)
Graduate Salaries (5y)
Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation
Employment
Graduate employment rate
International
International student share
Course Counts
Number of courses offered
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%
Royal College of Music
37 countries · 48.2% international
- 🇨🇳China35.4%
- 🇺🇸United States10.4%
- 🇭🇰Hong Kong8.3%
- 🇦🇺Australia3.1%
- 🇫🇷France3.1%
Subjects
No subjects in common
Heriot-Watt University and Royal College of Music do not teach any of the same subject areas.
Only at Heriot-Watt University
Only at Royal College of Music
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 Music
- No data
We do not have reliable international fee data for Royal College of Music yet.
Postgraduate
- Heriot-Watt University
- £24,180
- Royal College of Music
- £32,760
Heriot-Watt University is about £8,580 a year cheaper.
Scholarships for International Students
ExclusiveHeriot-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
Royal College of Music
Adami Award for Collaborative Piano Fellows
£15,000
Deadline: N/A
Fellowship in Historical Keyboards
£15,000
Deadline: N/A
Gilbert & Eileen Edgar and Anthony Saltmarsh CPF
£15,000
Deadline: N/A
Lord & Lady Lurgan Collaborative Piano Fellowship
£15,000
Deadline: N/A
Carne Junior Fellowship
See details
Deadline: N/A
FAQ
Heriot-Watt University vs Royal College of Music: common questions
Is Heriot-Watt University or Royal College of Music cheaper for international students?
For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £24,180 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £32,760 at Royal College of Music: Heriot-Watt University 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 Music offer more courses?
Heriot-Watt University lists 214 courses on CourseOptions and Royal College of Music lists 39 courses.
What can you study at Heriot-Watt University but not at Royal College of Music?
Heriot-Watt University teaches 48 subject areas that Royal College of Music 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 Music but not at Heriot-Watt University?
Royal College of Music teaches 2 subject areas that Heriot-Watt University does not, including Music and Cognitive & Experimental Psychology.
Ready to explore courses?
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