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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 the West of Scotland

Paisley · Guardian UK #115

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

West of Scotland

scored higher in 1 category

Quick Verdict

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

Heriot-Watt University vs University of the West of Scotland at a glance

Heriot-Watt University and University of the West of Scotland both teach 20 subject areas, the largest being Mathematics, Business Studies and Design & Fashion. Heriot-Watt University offers 214 courses across 48 subject areas; University of the West of Scotland offers 119 courses across 49 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £20,080 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £15,500 at University of the West of Scotland: University of the West of Scotland is about £4,580 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £24,180 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £16,280 at University of the West of Scotland: University of the West of Scotland is about £7,900 a year cheaper.

Of the 9 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, Heriot-Watt University is higher in 8 and University of the West of Scotland in 0, with 1 about level. The widest gap is in Accounting: £26,000 three years after graduating from Heriot-Watt University, against £21,000 from University of the West of Scotland. Of the 9 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, University of the West of Scotland is higher in 7 and Heriot-Watt University in 2.

World & National Rankings

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

#325
QS World
—
#401
THE World
#601
#41
Guardian UK
#115
1821
Established
1897
No
Russell Group
No
—
TEF Rating
—

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 West of Scotland

82%
89%

Satisfaction

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

£35,400
£31,134.9

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

81.8%
81.8%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

31.2%
30.3%

International

International student share

214
119

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

West of Scotland

33 countries · 30.3% international

  • 🇵🇰Pakistan36.2%
  • 🌐Nepal20.4%
  • 🇮🇳India19.3%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria7.4%
  • 🇧🇩Bangladesh5.3%

Subjects

20 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 West of Scotland

Also taught at both: Sport & Exercise Sciences, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Technology & Logistics, Zoology & Animal Biology, Education Studies.

Only at Heriot-Watt University

Only at University of the West of Scotland

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 West of Scotland
£15,500

University of the West of Scotland is about £4,580 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

Heriot-Watt University
£24,180
University of the West of Scotland
£16,280

University of the West of Scotland is about £7,900 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 West of Scotland

  • Design & Fashion

    £20,000Salary (3 years)£17,500
    78%Satisfaction91%

  • Chemistry

    £27,000Salary (3 years)£23,000
    96%Satisfaction95%

  • Accounting

    £26,000Salary (3 years)£21,000
    74%Satisfaction86%

  • Physics

    £25,500Salary (3 years)£23,000
    89%Satisfaction95%

  • Electronic & Electrical Engineering

    £30,500Salary (3 years)£26,500
    83%Satisfaction80%

  • General Engineering

    £30,500Salary (3 years)£26,500
    85%Satisfaction92%

  • Mechanical Engineering

    £30,500Salary (3 years)£25,500
    83%Satisfaction89%

  • Aerospace Engineering

    £30,500Salary (3 years)£30,500
    85%Satisfaction100%

  • Sport & Exercise Sciences

    £24,500Salary (3 years)£21,000
    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 the West of Scotland

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Heriot-Watt University vs University of the West of Scotland: common questions

Is Heriot-Watt University or University of the West of Scotland cheaper for international students?

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £20,080 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £15,500 at University of the West of Scotland: University of the West of Scotland is about £4,580 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £24,180 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £16,280 at University of the West of Scotland: University of the West of Scotland is about £7,900 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 West of Scotland?

Both universities teach 20 subject areas: Mathematics, Business Studies, Design & Fashion, Chemistry, Accounting, Business & Management (General), Physics, Computing & IT, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, General Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Psychology and 8 more.

Is Heriot-Watt University or University of the West of Scotland better for Design & Fashion?

Design & Fashion graduates earn a median £20,000 three years after graduating from Heriot-Watt University, and £17,500 from University of the West of Scotland. Student satisfaction with teaching is 78% at Heriot-Watt University and 91% at University of the West of Scotland. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does Heriot-Watt University or University of the West of Scotland offer more courses?

Heriot-Watt University lists 214 courses on CourseOptions and University of the West of Scotland lists 119 courses.

What can you study at Heriot-Watt University but not at University of the West of Scotland?

Heriot-Watt University teaches 28 subject areas that University of the West of Scotland does not, including Ancient Languages, Computer Science, Civil Engineering, Building & Construction, Chemical Engineering, Finance & Actuarial Science, Management, Food Production & Technology and 20 more.

What can you study at University of the West of Scotland but not at Heriot-Watt University?

University of the West of Scotland teaches 29 subject areas that Heriot-Watt University does not, including Teacher Training, Applied Computing, Business Information Systems, Childhood & Youth Studies, Social Sciences (General), Social Work, Community & Specialist Nursing, Health & Social Care and 21 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 the West of Scotland119 courses · 0 scholarshipsBrowse Courses