Heriot-Watt ascends in Guardian university guide

Heriot-Watt University has risen to 31st out of 123 UK institutions in the Guardian University Guide 2026, and is now ranked 7th in Scotland, up from 8th last year and 11th the year before.

The University’s strong showing was underpinned by outstanding subject-level performances. Heriot-Watt now features in 17 subject tables and achieved four top10 UK rankings. Chemical Engineering delivered the most impressive improvement, rising from 11th to 2nd in the UK and securing 1st place in Scotland.

Economics was ranked 7th in the UK and 2nd in Scotland, Chemistry rose to 8th from 14th, and Mechanical Engineering made a dramatic leap from 45th to 8th, also ranking 2nd in Scotland. Other subjects recording significant gains, include Psychology, Business and Management, Accounting and Finance, and Computer Science and Information Systems.

Performance in the Guide’s underlying measures further explains the University’s rise. Heriot-Watt improved its student–staff ratio from 103rd to 36th place nationally, reflecting efforts to strengthen the learning environment. Its value-added score, which assesses how effectively institutions support students in achieving strong results relative to their entry qualifications, also soared from 76th to 11th place.

The Guardian results come at a time of wider national recognition for Heriot-Watt. Earlier this month, the University was shortlisted for University of the Year 2025 in the prestigious Times Higher Education Awards. In the latest Complete University Guide, it climbed 17 places to 25th in the UK, its second-best performance in that ranking.

Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, welcomed the result. “This achievement is a clear recognition of the talent, ambition and commitment of our students and staff,” he said.

“At Heriot-Watt, we work closely with industry and global partners to ensure our graduates are equipped with the skills, experience and confidence they need to succeed. Our strong rise in the Guardian rankings, alongside our shortlisting for University of the Year, reflects the positive impact we are making across society and the economy.”

Unlike other league tables, the Guardian builds its overall rankings from subject-level results, drawing on eight measures such as student satisfaction, teaching quality, continuation rates and graduate prospects. The 2026 edition also introduces new features, including analysis of how artificial intelligence is transforming life on campus, practical advice on navigating clearing, and guidance on making the most of the university experience.