Bust of James Watt viewed through a glass door with Heriot-Watt crest imprint
United Kingdom

About Heriot-Watt

Heriot-Watt is a specialist, pioneering University, with a global presence, world renowned, innovative research and highly employable graduates.

Our story

Our pioneering story begins in Edinburgh in 1821 and continues today across the world.

1854

Founded in 1854, The Watt Club is the UK's oldest graduate club in the UK.

200th Anniversary

We are celebrating the 200th anniversary of our founding roots in Scotland in 1821, which created the world's first mechanics institute in the heart of Edinburgh.

Our profile

Learn more about our governance, heritage, global community and ambitious strategy for our future development.

Work for Heriot-Watt

Be part of the enthusiastic team that makes Heriot-Watt one of the UK's leading universities.

Our organisation

Learn more about our ambitious strategy, the operations and activities that support it and how you can get in touch to find out more about us and what we do.

86.8%

86.8% of our research is ranked world-leading and internationally excellent.

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Strategy 2025

Our goal is to educate students to flourish in their learning and life skills, and for our University to deliver research and enterprise with profound impact on the communities that we serve.

Our governance

Find out about the University's ambitious strategic plan and the roles of its senior officials and committees.

Our policies

Find out about the policies and procedures governing the activities of Heriot-Watt University.

Contact us

Here's how to get in touch with us. We look forward to hearing from you.