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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 Conservatoire of Scotland

Glasgow

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.

5/7

Heriot-Watt

scored higher in 5 categories

VS

2/7

Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

scored higher in 2 categories

Quick Verdict

Heriot-Watt University leads in 5 of 7 categories where both have data (established, international, graduate salary, courses, scholarship). Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is ahead on satisfaction, employment.

Heriot-Watt University vs Royal Conservatoire of Scotland at a glance

Heriot-Watt University and Royal Conservatoire of Scotland both teach 2 subject areas, the largest being Management and Education Studies. Heriot-Watt University offers 214 courses across 48 subject areas; Royal Conservatoire of Scotland offers 72 courses across 8 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £20,080 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £28,920 at Royal Conservatoire of Scotland: Heriot-Watt University is about £8,840 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £24,180 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £28,400 at Royal Conservatoire of Scotland: Heriot-Watt University is about £4,220 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
1847
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 Conservatoire of Scotland

82%
88.9%

Satisfaction

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

£35,400
£26,600

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

81.8%
83.8%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

31.2%
26%

International

International student share

214
72

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

42
8

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 Conservatoire of Scotland

23 countries · 26% international

  • 🇨🇳China26.6%
  • 🇺🇸United States18.8%
  • 🇺🇦Ukraine6.2%
  • 🇦🇺Australia4.7%
  • 🇮🇪Ireland4.7%

Subjects

2 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

Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

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 Conservatoire of Scotland
£28,920

Heriot-Watt University is about £8,840 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

Heriot-Watt University
£24,180
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
£28,400

Heriot-Watt University is about £4,220 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 Conservatoire of Scotland

WM Mann Scholarship for Postgraduate Indonesian Students

75%

Deadline: N/A

Cowrie Scholarship Foundation

See details

Deadline: N/A

James McAvoy Drama Scholarship

See details

Deadline: N/A

Pamella Dow Scholarship

See details

Deadline: N/A

Pauline Knowles Scholarship

See details

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Heriot-Watt University vs Royal Conservatoire of Scotland: common questions

Is Heriot-Watt University or Royal Conservatoire of Scotland cheaper for international students?

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £20,080 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £28,920 at Royal Conservatoire of Scotland: Heriot-Watt University is about £8,840 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £24,180 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £28,400 at Royal Conservatoire of Scotland: Heriot-Watt University is about £4,220 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 Royal Conservatoire of Scotland?

Both universities teach 2 subject areas: Management and Education Studies.

Does Heriot-Watt University or Royal Conservatoire of Scotland offer more courses?

Heriot-Watt University lists 214 courses on CourseOptions and Royal Conservatoire of Scotland lists 72 courses.

What can you study at Heriot-Watt University but not at Royal Conservatoire of Scotland?

Heriot-Watt University teaches 46 subject areas that Royal Conservatoire of Scotland does not, including Mathematics, Ancient Languages, Computer Science, Civil Engineering, Design & Fashion, Building & Construction, Chemical Engineering, Finance & Actuarial Science and 38 more.

What can you study at Royal Conservatoire of Scotland but not at Heriot-Watt University?

Royal Conservatoire of Scotland teaches 6 subject areas that Heriot-Watt University does not, including Music, Drama & Theatre, Dance, Media & Film Studies, Social Work and Teacher Training.

Ready to explore courses?

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