Heriot-Watt University: The Coolest School You’ve Never Heard of (Until Now)

Let’s talk about another university that’s seriously worth considering—Heriot-Watt University. Never heard of it? By the end of this blog, you may be wondering why this university isn’t already at the top of your list.

What Makes Heriot-Watt Special?

Some universities try to do everything. Heriot-Watt? They focus on what they do best: STEM, fashion design, languages, and business. If you’re into engineering, robots, Formula 1, sustainability, or even making whiskey, this could be your dream school.

The university has been around since 1821, originally as the Edinburgh School of Arts, making it one of the pioneers of technical education. Basically, they have been revolutionizing education for a long time.  Their innovative research is informed by business and industry needs, offering career focused degrees, making their graduates highly employable.

Multiple Campuses, One University

Ever wish you could just pick up and move to a different country for a while? At Heriot-Watt, you actually can. Thanks to their Go Global program, you can study at any of their five campuses:

  • Edinburgh (Scotland): Their main business-focused campus with 380 acres of park-like beauty.
  • Orkney (Scotland): If you love marine sustainability and want to save the oceans, this is your spot.
  • Galashiels (Scotland): Home to Europe’s 2nd oldest textile school (fashion lovers, take note).
  • Dubai: If you’re into engineering and business, this campus offers opportunities in a fast-growing economy.
  • Malaysia: A STEM powerhouse with lower tuition than the UK and Dubai campuses.

They even offer the same curriculum across all locations, so you won’t fall behind if you decide to spend a year in, say, Dubai for the winter.

Robots, Formula 1, and Video Games!

Heriot-Watt is not just about lectures and textbooks. They’re leading some seriously innovative research:

Engineering Dreams? Work with Formula 1 and Boeing!

If you’ve ever dreamed of working on race cars or airplanes, this is a place to consider. Mechanical and aerospace engineering students land internships with Formula 1 and Boeing.

Meet the Robots of the National Robotarium

Heriot-Watt has a National Robotarium, and yes, it’s as futuristic as it sounds. Their robots perform many functions.  Here are a few of the highlights:

  • Speak multiple languages (more than many humans).
  • Can sort used clothes—detecting stains and rips to decide if they should be resold or recycled.
  • Are helping clean the ocean with a robot whale (that doesn’t scare real whales).
  • Taking on simple caregiver tasks to help lessen the burden on caregivers.

Some of the robots don’t resemble humans but others do and these have realistic facial expressions and turn to look at the speaker.

Video Game Design and Sports Science

Want to create the next big video game? Heriot-Watt’s GRID (Global Research, Innovation, and Discovery) Center is all about video game design.

More into sports? The campus has one of Scotland’s two performance sports centers, complete with a full-sized rugby pitch where Scotland’s national rugby team trains. (It’s basically the Scottish version of D1 sports.)

Whiskey, Equality, and Solving Big Problems

A few other things that make Heriot-Watt stand out:

  • The Science of Whiskey – This is the only university with a distillery on campus, making it a top choice for those interested in brewing and distilling (especially at the master’s level).
  • Ending Homelessness – They’re at the forefront of UK research on homelessness, finding real solutions to help people.
  • Energy and Sustainability – They’re leading efforts to decarbonize Scottish islands and help the world transition to renewable energy.

For International Students: A Warm Welcome

Moving to another country for college can be intimidating, but Heriot-Watt makes it easier. They offer a Welcome Week and a pre-departure program, so you don’t feel like you’ve been dropped into Scotland with nothing but your suitcase and a confused expression.

Final Thoughts: Should You Consider Heriot-Watt?

If you want a highly specialized education with real-world job opportunities, the ability to study in multiple countries, and the chance to work with cutting-edge technology, you should consider Heriot-Watt. Plus, you’d get to tell people you go to a school with a robot whale and a whiskey distillery. Not many universities can boast about that.  If you’re STEM oriented, a fashion designer, a future entrepreneur, or a sustainability warrior, consider adding Heriot-Watt University to your college list.