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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

U
University of Bradford

Bradford · QS World #497

Head-to-Head Summary

Based on 10 datapoints

We looked at 10 data points — world rankings, student satisfaction, graduate salaries, employment rates, and more — to see which university scores higher in each category.

9/10

Heriot-Watt

scored higher in 9 categories

VS

1/10

Bradford

scored higher in 1 category

Quick Verdict

Heriot-Watt University leads in 9 of 10 categories where both have data (ranking, established, employment, international, graduate salary, courses, scholarship). University of Bradford is ahead on satisfaction.

Heriot-Watt University vs University of Bradford at a glance

Heriot-Watt University and University of Bradford both teach 22 subject areas, the largest being Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Business & Management (General). Heriot-Watt University offers 214 courses across 48 subject areas; University of Bradford offers 211 courses across 49 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £20,080 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £16,890 at University of Bradford: University of Bradford is about £3,190 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £24,180 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £15,700 at University of Bradford: University of Bradford is about £8,480 a year cheaper.

Of the 13 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, Heriot-Watt University is higher in 13 and University of Bradford in 0. The widest gap is in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning: £31,500 three years after graduating from Heriot-Watt University, against £23,000 from University of Bradford. Of the 10 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, University of Bradford is higher in 6 and Heriot-Watt University in 4.

World & National Rankings

Compare world and national league table positions, TEF ratings, and Russell Group membership.

#325
QS World
#497
#401
THE World
#501
#41
Guardian UK
#64
1821
Established
1966
No
Russell Group
No
—
TEF Rating
Silver

Visual Breakdown

Key metrics at a glance

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

Heriot-Watt University

University of Bradford

82%
82.9%

Satisfaction

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

£35,400
£28,100

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

81.8%
78.7%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

31.2%
25.1%

International

International student share

214
211

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

42
23

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

Bradford

45 countries · 25.1% international

  • 🇵🇰Pakistan26.5%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria21.1%
  • 🇮🇳India16.1%
  • 🌐Kuwait5%
  • 🇬🇭Ghana4.4%

Subjects

22 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 of Bradford

Also taught at both: Chemistry, Management, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, General Engineering, Applied Psychology, Biological Sciences (General), Human Resource Management.

Only at Heriot-Watt University

Only at University of Bradford

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 of Bradford
£16,890

University of Bradford is about £3,190 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

Heriot-Watt University
£24,180
University of Bradford
£15,700

University of Bradford is about £8,480 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 of Bradford

  • Chemical Engineering

    £30,500Salary (3 years)£25,500
    93%Satisfaction90%

  • Civil Engineering

    £30,500Salary (3 years)£26,500
    84%Satisfaction98%

  • Business & Management (General)

    £26,500Salary (3 years)£20,500
    No dataSatisfaction87%

  • Computer Science

    £30,500Salary (3 years)£25,000
    81%Satisfaction82%

  • Software Engineering

    £31,500Salary (3 years)£25,000
    73%Satisfaction79%

  • Economics

    £32,000Salary (3 years)£28,000
    92%Satisfaction83%

  • Mechanical Engineering

    £30,500Salary (3 years)£24,500
    83%Satisfaction93%

  • Accounting

    £26,000Salary (3 years)£20,000
    74%Satisfaction75%

  • Psychology (General)

    £22,500Salary (3 years)£17,500
    81%Satisfaction80%

  • Marketing

    £26,500Salary (3 years)£20,500
    82%Satisfaction67%

  • Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

    £31,500Salary (3 years)£23,000
    76%Satisfaction78%

  • General Engineering

    £30,500Salary (3 years)£25,500
    85%SatisfactionNo data

Showing the 12 largest of 13 shared subjects with published outcomes.

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 →

University of Bradford

Bestway Foundation Scholarships for Students from Pakistan

£35,000

Deadline: N/A

Disabled Students' Allowance

£26,291

Deadline: N/A

MSc Artificial Intelligence & Space Technology Scholarship (2026/27)

£10,000

Deadline: Jun 2026

Chinese Articulation Agreement (2025/26)

£5,000

Deadline: N/A

NHS Learning Support Fund

£5,000

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Heriot-Watt University vs University of Bradford: common questions

Is Heriot-Watt University or University of Bradford cheaper for international students?

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £20,080 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £16,890 at University of Bradford: University of Bradford is about £3,190 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £24,180 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £15,700 at University of Bradford: University of Bradford is about £8,480 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 of Bradford?

Both universities teach 22 subject areas: Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Business & Management (General), Computer Science, Software Engineering, Economics, Finance & Actuarial Science, Mechanical Engineering, Accounting, Business Studies, Biomedical Engineering, Building & Construction and 10 more.

Is Heriot-Watt University or University of Bradford better for Chemical Engineering?

Chemical Engineering graduates earn a median £30,500 three years after graduating from Heriot-Watt University, and £25,500 from University of Bradford. Student satisfaction with teaching is 93% at Heriot-Watt University and 90% at University of Bradford. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does Heriot-Watt University or University of Bradford offer more courses?

Heriot-Watt University lists 214 courses on CourseOptions and University of Bradford lists 211 courses.

What can you study at Heriot-Watt University but not at University of Bradford?

Heriot-Watt University teaches 26 subject areas that University of Bradford does not, including Mathematics, Ancient Languages, Design & Fashion, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Physics, Food Production & Technology, French, Statistics and 18 more.

What can you study at University of Bradford but not at Heriot-Watt University?

University of Bradford teaches 27 subject areas that Heriot-Watt University does not, including Law, Forensic Science, Pharmacy, Adult Nursing, Politics & International Relations, Anatomy & Pathology, Childhood & Youth Studies, Social Work and 19 more.

Ready to explore courses?

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

H
Heriot-Watt University214 courses · 42 scholarshipsBrowse Courses
U
University of Bradford211 courses · 23 scholarshipsBrowse Courses