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
Farnham
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.
7/7
Heriot-Watt
scored higher in 7 categories
0/7
University for the Creative Arts
scored higher in 0 categories
Quick Verdict
Heriot-Watt University leads in 7 of 7 categories where both have data (established, satisfaction, employment, international, graduate salary, courses, scholarship). University for the Creative Arts does not lead in any category where both have data.
Heriot-Watt University vs University for the Creative Arts at a glance
Heriot-Watt University and University for the Creative Arts both teach 7 subject areas, the largest being Design & Fashion, Computer Science and Business Studies. Heriot-Watt University offers 214 courses across 48 subject areas; University for the Creative Arts offers 194 courses across 14 subject areas.
For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £20,080 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £17,500 at University for the Creative Arts: University for the Creative Arts is about £2,580 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £24,180 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £18,020 at University for the Creative Arts: University for the Creative Arts is about £6,160 a year cheaper.
In Design & Fashion, the one shared subject where both publish a graduate salary, University for the Creative Arts is higher. Of the 3 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, University for the Creative Arts is higher in 2 and Heriot-Watt University in 1.
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
University for the Creative Arts
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%
University for the Creative Arts
56 countries · 14.6% international
- 🇨🇳China26%
- 🇮🇳India21.5%
- 🌐Nepal15.8%
- 🇳🇬Nigeria3.8%
- 🌐Sri Lanka3.2%
Subjects
7 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
University for the Creative Arts
Design & Fashion
11 coursesTypical fee £20,080 (UG)
69 coursesTypical fee £17,500 (UG)
Computer Science
12 coursesTypical fee £25,810 (UG)
7 coursesTypical fee £17,500 (UG)
Business Studies
4 coursesTypical fee £23,020 (PG)
13 coursesTypical fee £17,500 (UG)
Games Design & Computer Animation
1 courseTypical fee £25,480 (PG)
16 coursesTypical fee £17,500 (UG)
Marketing
Architecture
Software Engineering
Only at Heriot-Watt University
Only at University for the Creative Arts
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
- University for the Creative Arts
- £17,500
University for the Creative Arts is about £2,580 a year cheaper.
Postgraduate
- Heriot-Watt University
- £24,180
- University for the Creative Arts
- £18,020
University for the Creative Arts is about £6,160 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
University for the Creative Arts
Design & Fashion
£20,000Salary (3 years)£21,50078%Satisfaction85%Computer Science
£30,500Salary (3 years)No data81%Satisfaction88%Marketing
£26,500Salary (3 years)No data82%Satisfaction68%
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
University for the Creative Arts
2026 Venice Art Biennale Fellowship
£3,300
Deadline: N/A
FAQ
Heriot-Watt University vs University for the Creative Arts: common questions
Is Heriot-Watt University or University for the Creative Arts cheaper for international students?
For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £20,080 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £17,500 at University for the Creative Arts: University for the Creative Arts is about £2,580 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £24,180 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £18,020 at University for the Creative Arts: University for the Creative Arts is about £6,160 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 University for the Creative Arts?
Both universities teach 7 subject areas: Design & Fashion, Computer Science, Business Studies, Games Design & Computer Animation, Marketing, Architecture and Software Engineering.
Is Heriot-Watt University or University for the Creative Arts better for Design & Fashion?
Design & Fashion graduates earn a median £20,000 three years after graduating from Heriot-Watt University, and £21,500 from University for the Creative Arts. Student satisfaction with teaching is 78% at Heriot-Watt University and 85% at University for the Creative Arts. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.
Does Heriot-Watt University or University for the Creative Arts offer more courses?
Heriot-Watt University lists 214 courses on CourseOptions and University for the Creative Arts lists 194 courses.
What can you study at Heriot-Watt University but not at University for the Creative Arts?
Heriot-Watt University teaches 41 subject areas that University for the Creative Arts does not, including Mathematics, Ancient Languages, Civil Engineering, Building & Construction, Chemical Engineering, Finance & Actuarial Science, Accounting, Business & Management (General) and 33 more.
What can you study at University for the Creative Arts but not at Heriot-Watt University?
University for the Creative Arts teaches 7 subject areas that Heriot-Watt University does not, including Film Production & Cinematography, Fine Art, Crafts & Applied Arts, Drama & Theatre, Applied Computing, Media & Film Studies and Music.
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