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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 Suffolk

Ipswich · Guardian UK #98

Head-to-Head Summary

Based on 8 datapoints

We looked at 8 data points — world rankings, student satisfaction, graduate salaries, employment rates, and more — to see which university scores higher in each category.

7/8

Heriot-Watt

scored higher in 7 categories

VS

1/8

Suffolk

scored higher in 1 category

Quick Verdict

Heriot-Watt University leads in 7 of 8 categories where both have data (ranking, established, employment, international, graduate salary, courses, scholarship). University of Suffolk is ahead on satisfaction.

Heriot-Watt University vs University of Suffolk at a glance

Heriot-Watt University and University of Suffolk both teach 22 subject areas, the largest being Ancient Languages, Computer Science and Design & Fashion. Heriot-Watt University offers 214 courses across 48 subject areas; University of Suffolk offers 115 courses across 49 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £20,080 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £15,690 at University of Suffolk: University of Suffolk is about £4,390 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £24,180 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £15,210 at University of Suffolk: University of Suffolk is about £8,970 a year cheaper.

Of the 7 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, Heriot-Watt University is higher in 7 and University of Suffolk in 0. The widest gap is in Computer Science: £30,500 three years after graduating from Heriot-Watt University, against £20,000 from University of Suffolk. Of the 6 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, University of Suffolk is higher in 6 and Heriot-Watt University in 0.

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
#98
1821
Established
2007
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 Suffolk

82%
88.4%

Satisfaction

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

£35,400
£27,000

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

81.8%
78.6%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

31.2%
3.8%

International

International student share

214
115

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

42
0

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

Suffolk

15 countries · 3.8% international

  • 🇵🇰Pakistan42.7%
  • 🇮🇳India19.4%
  • 🇷🇴Romania19.4%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria5.8%
  • 🇧🇩Bangladesh1%

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 Suffolk

Also taught at both: Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Biomedical Engineering, Computing & IT, Games Design & Computer Animation, Human Resource Management, Architecture, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science.

Only at Heriot-Watt University

Only at University of Suffolk

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 Suffolk
£15,690

University of Suffolk is about £4,390 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

Heriot-Watt University
£24,180
University of Suffolk
£15,210

University of Suffolk is about £8,970 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 Suffolk

  • Computer Science

    £30,500Salary (3 years)£20,000
    81%Satisfaction93%

  • Design & Fashion

    £20,000Salary (3 years)£19,000
    78%Satisfaction98%

  • Business & Management (General)

    £26,500Salary (3 years)£21,000
    No dataSatisfaction98%

  • Psychology (General)

    £22,500Salary (3 years)£19,000
    81%Satisfaction91%

  • Accounting

    £26,000Salary (3 years)£21,000
    74%Satisfaction98%

  • Ecology & Conservation

    £24,500Salary (3 years)£22,500
    88%Satisfaction96%

  • Sport & Exercise Sciences

    £24,500Salary (3 years)£22,000
    89%Satisfaction91%

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 Suffolk

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Heriot-Watt University vs University of Suffolk: common questions

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

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £20,080 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £15,690 at University of Suffolk: University of Suffolk is about £4,390 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £24,180 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £15,210 at University of Suffolk: University of Suffolk is about £8,970 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 Suffolk?

Both universities teach 22 subject areas: Ancient Languages, Computer Science, Design & Fashion, Business & Management (General), Finance & Actuarial Science, Psychology (General), Management, Accounting, Ecology & Conservation, Education Studies, Business Studies, Sport & Exercise Sciences and 10 more.

Is Heriot-Watt University or University of Suffolk better for Computer Science?

Computer Science graduates earn a median £30,500 three years after graduating from Heriot-Watt University, and £20,000 from University of Suffolk. Student satisfaction with teaching is 81% at Heriot-Watt University and 93% at University of Suffolk. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

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

Heriot-Watt University lists 214 courses on CourseOptions and University of Suffolk lists 115 courses.

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

Heriot-Watt University teaches 26 subject areas that University of Suffolk does not, including Mathematics, Civil Engineering, Building & Construction, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics and 18 more.

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

University of Suffolk teaches 27 subject areas that Heriot-Watt University does not, including Health & Social Care, Medical Imaging, Sociology & Criminology, Childhood & Youth Studies, Community & Specialist Nursing, Film Production & Cinematography, Law, Adult Nursing 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 Suffolk115 courses · 0 scholarshipsBrowse Courses