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
Hartlepool
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.
5/6
Heriot-Watt
scored higher in 5 categories
1/6
Northern School of Art
scored higher in 1 category
Quick Verdict
Heriot-Watt University leads in 5 of 6 categories where both have data (established, employment, graduate salary, courses, scholarship). The Northern School of Art is ahead on satisfaction.
Heriot-Watt University vs The Northern School of Art at a glance
Heriot-Watt University and The Northern School of Art have one subject area in common, Design & Fashion. Heriot-Watt University offers 214 courses across 48 subject areas; The Northern School of Art offers 18 courses across 6 subject areas.
For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £20,080 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £13,500 at The Northern School of Art: The Northern School of Art is about £6,580 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £24,180 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £13,500 at The Northern School of Art: The Northern School of Art is about £10,680 a year cheaper.
In Design & Fashion, the one shared subject where both publish a graduate salary, Heriot-Watt University is higher. In Design & Fashion, the one shared subject where both publish a student satisfaction score, The Northern School of Art is higher.
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
The Northern School of Art
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%
Northern School of Art
No published data on international students
Subjects
1 subject 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
The Northern School of Art
Design & Fashion
11 coursesTypical fee £20,080 (UG)
6 coursesTypical fee £13,500 (UG)
Only at Heriot-Watt University
Only at The Northern School of Art
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
- The Northern School of Art
- £13,500
The Northern School of Art is about £6,580 a year cheaper.
Postgraduate
- Heriot-Watt University
- £24,180
- The Northern School of Art
- £13,500
The Northern School of Art is about £10,680 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
The Northern School of Art
Design & Fashion
£20,000Salary (3 years)£16,00078%Satisfaction87%
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
The Northern School of Art
View all scholarships →FAQ
Heriot-Watt University vs The Northern School of Art: common questions
Is Heriot-Watt University or The Northern School of Art cheaper for international students?
For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £20,080 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £13,500 at The Northern School of Art: The Northern School of Art is about £6,580 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £24,180 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £13,500 at The Northern School of Art: The Northern School of Art is about £10,680 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 The Northern School of Art?
Both universities teach 1 subject area: Design & Fashion.
Is Heriot-Watt University or The Northern School of Art better for Design & Fashion?
Design & Fashion graduates earn a median £20,000 three years after graduating from Heriot-Watt University, and £16,000 from The Northern School of Art. Student satisfaction with teaching is 78% at Heriot-Watt University and 87% at The Northern School of Art. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.
Does Heriot-Watt University or The Northern School of Art offer more courses?
Heriot-Watt University lists 214 courses on CourseOptions and The Northern School of Art lists 18 courses.
What can you study at Heriot-Watt University but not at The Northern School of Art?
Heriot-Watt University teaches 47 subject areas that The Northern School of Art does not, including Mathematics, Ancient Languages, Computer Science, Civil Engineering, Building & Construction, Chemical Engineering, Finance & Actuarial Science, Accounting and 39 more.
What can you study at The Northern School of Art but not at Heriot-Watt University?
The Northern School of Art teaches 5 subject areas that Heriot-Watt University does not, including Drama & Theatre, Film Production & Cinematography, Creative Arts (General), Fine Art and History of Art & Design.
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