Heriot-Watt University is a public research university based in Edinburgh, Scotland, established in 1821 as the world’s first mechanics’ institute (School of Arts of Edinburgh), subsequently was granted the university status by a royal charter granted in 1966. It is the eighth oldest higher education institute in the UK. The name Heriot-Watt was taken from Scottish inventor James Watt and Scottish philanthropist and goldsmith George Heriot.

Heriot-Watt was named International University of the Year in recognition of its global presence and impact by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018. The university is ranked at 302 in 2019 QS World University Rankings. The same year, The Complete University Guide ranked Heriot-Watt at 35 in the UK, ahead of several Russell Group universities.

Known for its strength in science and engineering, it is one of the 39 old universities in the UK comprising the distinctive second cluster of elite universities after Oxbridge. In the latest Research Excellence Framework, it was ranked overall in the top 10 of UK universities and 1st in Scotland for research impact.

Heriot-Watt currently has five campuses, and also runs distance learning programs through 53 approved learning partners to students around the world Heriot-Watt was established as the School of Arts of Edinburgh by Scottish businessman Leonard Horner on 16 October 1821. Having been inspired by Anderson’s College in Glasgow, Horner established the School to provide practical knowledge of science and technology to Edinburgh’s working men.