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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 Bristol

Bristol · QS World #57

Head-to-Head Summary

Based on 11 datapoints

We looked at 11 data points — world rankings, student satisfaction, graduate salaries, employment rates, and more — to see which university scores higher in each category.

2/11

Heriot-Watt

scored higher in 2 categories

VS

9/11

Bristol

scored higher in 9 categories

Quick Verdict

University of Bristol leads in 9 of 11 categories where both have data (ranking, Russell Group, satisfaction, international, graduate salary, courses, scholarship). Heriot-Watt University is ahead on established, employment.

Heriot-Watt University vs University of Bristol at a glance

Heriot-Watt University and University of Bristol both teach 31 subject areas, the largest being Mathematics, Ancient Languages and Management. Heriot-Watt University offers 214 courses across 48 subject areas; University of Bristol offers 479 courses across 83 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £20,080 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £31,300 at University of Bristol: Heriot-Watt University is about £11,220 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £24,180 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £28,460 at University of Bristol: Heriot-Watt University is about £4,280 a year cheaper.

Of the 18 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, University of Bristol is higher in 18 and Heriot-Watt University in 0. The widest gap is in Computer Science: £30,500 three years after graduating from Heriot-Watt University, against £48,000 from University of Bristol. Of the 18 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, University of Bristol is higher in 13 and Heriot-Watt University in 3, with 2 about level.

World & National Rankings

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

#325
QS World
#57
#401
THE World
#80
#41
Guardian UK
#13
1821
Established
1876
No
Russell Group
Yes
—
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 Bristol

82%
88%

Satisfaction

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

£35,400
£43,100

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

81.8%
77.4%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

31.2%
33.6%

International

International student share

214
479

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

42
54

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

Bristol

104 countries · 33.6% international

  • 🇨🇳China53.5%
  • 🇮🇳India7.2%
  • 🇭🇰Hong Kong3.8%
  • 🇲🇾Malaysia3.6%
  • 🇸🇬Singapore2.8%

Subjects

31 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 Bristol

Also taught at both: Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Education Studies, General Engineering, Marketing, Statistics, Business Studies, French, Aerospace Engineering, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Manufacturing & Production Engineering, German & Scandinavian Studies, Software Engineering, Computing & IT, Zoology & Animal Biology, Asian Languages & Studies, Human Resource Management.

Only at Heriot-Watt University

Only at University of Bristol

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 Bristol
£31,300

Heriot-Watt University is about £11,220 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

Heriot-Watt University
£24,180
University of Bristol
£28,460

Heriot-Watt University is about £4,280 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 Bristol

  • Mathematics

    £30,500Salary (3 years)£34,500
    85%Satisfaction87%

  • Ancient Languages

    £24,500Salary (3 years)£29,500
    92%Satisfaction91%

  • Management

    £27,500Salary (3 years)£44,000
    74%Satisfaction84%

  • Physics

    £25,500Salary (3 years)£34,500
    89%Satisfaction89%

  • Computer Science

    £30,500Salary (3 years)£48,000
    81%Satisfaction93%

  • Economics

    £32,000Salary (3 years)£42,000
    92%Satisfaction81%

  • Chemistry

    £27,000Salary (3 years)£35,000
    96%Satisfaction88%

  • Civil Engineering

    £30,500Salary (3 years)£33,000
    84%Satisfaction92%

  • Electronic & Electrical Engineering

    £30,500Salary (3 years)£36,000
    83%Satisfaction83%

  • Finance & Actuarial Science

    £31,000Salary (3 years)£40,500
    74%Satisfaction80%

  • Accounting

    £26,000Salary (3 years)£33,000
    74%Satisfaction86%

  • Design & Fashion

    £20,000Salary (3 years)£23,000
    78%Satisfaction89%

Showing the 12 largest of 18 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 Bristol

Black Heritage PhD Scholarships

100%

Deadline: N/A

Black heritage PhD scholarships

100%

Deadline: N/A

Bristol Postgraduate Research Scholarships

100%

Deadline: N/A

Bristol Postgraduate Research Scholarships for applicants of Black heritage

100%

Deadline: N/A

British Council scholarships for Women

100%

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Heriot-Watt University vs University of Bristol: common questions

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

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £20,080 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £31,300 at University of Bristol: Heriot-Watt University is about £11,220 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £24,180 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £28,460 at University of Bristol: Heriot-Watt University is about £4,280 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 Bristol?

Both universities teach 31 subject areas: Mathematics, Ancient Languages, Management, Physics, Computer Science, Economics, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Finance & Actuarial Science, Accounting, Business & Management (General) and 19 more.

Is Heriot-Watt University or University of Bristol better for Mathematics?

Mathematics graduates earn a median £30,500 three years after graduating from Heriot-Watt University, and £34,500 from University of Bristol. Student satisfaction with teaching is 85% at Heriot-Watt University and 87% at University of Bristol. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

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

University of Bristol lists 479 courses on CourseOptions and Heriot-Watt University lists 214 courses.

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

Heriot-Watt University teaches 17 subject areas that University of Bristol does not, including Building & Construction, Chemical Engineering, Food Production & Technology, Ecology & Conservation, Planning & Housing, Applied Psychology, Sport & Exercise Sciences, Technology & Logistics and 9 more.

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

University of Bristol teaches 52 subject areas that Heriot-Watt University does not, including Anatomy & Pathology, Law, Politics & International Relations, Social Policy & Public Policy, Dentistry, Geology & Earth Sciences, History, Biochemistry and 44 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 Bristol479 courses · 54 scholarshipsBrowse Courses