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
London · QS World #851
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.
8/10
Heriot-Watt
scored higher in 8 categories
2/10
Arts London
scored higher in 2 categories
Quick Verdict
Heriot-Watt University leads in 8 of 10 categories where both have data (ranking, established, employment, graduate salary, courses, scholarship). University of the Arts London is ahead on satisfaction, international.
Heriot-Watt University vs University of the Arts London at a glance
Heriot-Watt University and University of the Arts London both teach 12 subject areas, the largest being Design & Fashion, Computer Science and Management. Heriot-Watt University offers 214 courses across 48 subject areas; University of the Arts London offers 183 courses across 29 subject areas.
For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £20,080 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £30,890 at University of the Arts London: Heriot-Watt University is about £10,810 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £24,180 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £30,890 at University of the Arts London: Heriot-Watt University is about £6,710 a year cheaper.
Of the 5 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, Heriot-Watt University is higher in 4 and University of the Arts London in 1. The widest gap is in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning: £31,500 three years after graduating from Heriot-Watt University, against £26,500 from University of the Arts London. Of the 3 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, Heriot-Watt University is higher in 2 and University of the Arts London 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 of the Arts London
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%
Arts London
84 countries · 54% international
- 🇨🇳China55.7%
- 🇮🇳India6%
- 🇺🇸United States4.4%
- 🌐Korea (South)3.9%
- 🇭🇰Hong Kong3.3%
Subjects
12 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 the Arts London
Design & Fashion
11 coursesTypical fee £20,080 (UG)
86 coursesTypical fee £30,890 (UG)
Computer Science
12 coursesTypical fee £25,810 (UG)
4 coursesTypical fee £30,890 (UG)
Management
Marketing
Business & Management (General)
Psychology (General)
Business Studies
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Economics
Games Design & Computer Animation
Architecture
Computing & IT
Only at Heriot-Watt University
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 the Arts London
- £30,890
Heriot-Watt University is about £10,810 a year cheaper.
Postgraduate
- Heriot-Watt University
- £24,180
- University of the Arts London
- £30,890
Heriot-Watt University is about £6,710 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 the Arts London
Design & Fashion
£20,000Salary (3 years)£23,50078%Satisfaction86%Computer Science
£30,500Salary (3 years)£26,50081%Satisfaction80%Management
£27,500Salary (3 years)£25,50074%SatisfactionNo dataMarketing
£26,500Salary (3 years)£23,50082%Satisfaction79%Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
£31,500Salary (3 years)£26,50076%SatisfactionNo data
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 of the Arts London
View all scholarships →FAQ
Heriot-Watt University vs University of the Arts London: common questions
Is Heriot-Watt University or University of the Arts London cheaper for international students?
For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £20,080 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £30,890 at University of the Arts London: Heriot-Watt University is about £10,810 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £24,180 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £30,890 at University of the Arts London: Heriot-Watt University is about £6,710 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 the Arts London?
Both universities teach 12 subject areas: Design & Fashion, Computer Science, Management, Marketing, Business & Management (General), Psychology (General), Business Studies, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Economics, Games Design & Computer Animation, Architecture and Computing & IT.
Is Heriot-Watt University or University of the Arts London better for Design & Fashion?
Design & Fashion graduates earn a median £20,000 three years after graduating from Heriot-Watt University, and £23,500 from University of the Arts London. Student satisfaction with teaching is 78% at Heriot-Watt University and 86% at University of the Arts London. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.
Does Heriot-Watt University or University of the Arts London offer more courses?
Heriot-Watt University lists 214 courses on CourseOptions and University of the Arts London lists 183 courses.
What can you study at Heriot-Watt University but not at University of the Arts London?
Heriot-Watt University teaches 36 subject areas that University of the Arts London does not, including Mathematics, Ancient Languages, Civil Engineering, Building & Construction, Chemical Engineering, Finance & Actuarial Science, Accounting, Chemistry and 28 more.
What can you study at University of the Arts London but not at Heriot-Watt University?
University of the Arts London teaches 17 subject areas that Heriot-Watt University does not, including Film Production & Cinematography, Drama & Theatre, Music, Fine Art, Cultural Studies, Media & Film Studies, Applied Computing, Journalism and 9 more.
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