HW University Rises in Rankings and Reaches University of the Year Shortlist

Heriot-Watt University, Scotland, Earns Prestigious Times Higher Education Nomination

Amid a year defined by sector-wide transformation and heightened competition, Heriot-Watt University UK has been named among the finalists for University of the Year 2025 at the Times Higher Education Awards, an accolade often referred to as the “Oscars of higher education.” The university’s shortlisting has been widely interpreted as a testament to its pioneering research, global partnerships, and sustained commitment to innovation. It is understood to be the only Scottish institution to feature on this year’s shortlist, alongside Queen Mary University London, Teesside University, the University of East London, the University of Hertfordshire, and the University of Worcester.

Now in their 21st year, the UK Higher Education Awards have reportedly attracted over 500 entries across 20 categories, celebrating excellence in teaching, research, leadership, and innovation across the Higher Education UK landscape. The winners are expected to be announced in Edinburgh on 13 November, marking the first time the ceremony will be hosted in Scotland. Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, Scotland, is said to have described the shortlisting as a powerful endorsement of the transformative work taking place across Heriot-Watt’s global campuses. He reportedly highlighted the university’s efforts in 2023/24 to redefine sustainability, not only in environmental terms, but also across educational, financial, and social dimensions. As Strategy 2025 drew to a close, he reaffirmed the institution’s founding mission: to deliver transformative education to students who might otherwise face barriers to access, and to ensure employability for all graduates.

In addition to its nomination for University of the Year, Heriot-Watt UK has also been shortlisted in the category of Outstanding Research Supervisor of the Year. This dual recognition is seen as further evidence of the university’s contribution to global sustainability, inclusive innovation, and its rising profile among the Best Universities in the UK. Chris Havergal, Editor of Times Higher Education, reportedly remarked that the awards served as a timely reminder of the exceptional work being undertaken across the sector, particularly during a period of unprecedented challenge for Higher Education UK. He noted that making the shortlist was a significant achievement given the volume and calibre of entries, and welcomed the decision to host the ceremony in Edinburgh, underscoring the importance of celebrating excellence within Scottish Universities alongside leading London institutions.

The recognition is understood to coincide with a period of strong momentum for Heriot-Watt Edinburgh, Scotland. According to the latest Complete University Guide, the university rose 17 places to rank 25th in the UK, its second-best performance to date. It was also reported to be ranked first in Scotland and second nationally for graduate employability, with over 84% of graduates in full-time work or further study within 15 months, as per the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024. This achievement is widely seen as reinforcing the reputation of Watt University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University within Higher Education News, positioning the institution firmly among the UK’s leading centres for education and research. It also highlights the university’s expanding role alongside peers such as the University of Edinburgh and Queen Mary University of London in shaping the future of Higher Education UK. The shortlisting affirms Heriot-Watt’s growing influence as a global leader in education, innovation, and graduate success.

Editor’s Note

Heriot-Watt University UK, being shortlisted for University of the Year 2025, is more than a token honour; it is real recognition of a university that has shown direction, innovation, and commitment to students. At a time when higher education faces financial pressures and growing expectations, Heriot-Watt has stood out by leading with purpose. The university’s progress has been deliberate and meaningful. Under the leadership of Professor Richard A. Williams, Heriot-Watt University, Scotland has redefined what sustainability means, not only in environmental terms, but also in widening access to education, strengthening financial stability, and promoting fairness. Through its Strategy 2025, the university has stayed true to its founding mission: offering life-changing education to those who might otherwise miss out, and helping every graduate build employability. The shortlisting in the Outstanding Research Supervisor category further highlights Heriot-Watt’s focus on inclusive innovation and global impact. At a time when research across the sector is under strain, the university’s ongoing support for mentoring and discovery shows that excellence must be actively nurtured. For students, these successes are not just headlines; they translate into real benefits. With a rise of 17 places in the Complete University Guide and a ranking of first in Scotland for graduate employability, HW University offers both academic quality and strong career outcomes. At a time when many young people are questioning the value of higher education, Heriot-Watt gives a clear and positive answer. The choice to host the Times Higher Education Awards in Edinburgh for the first time is also significant. It highlights the growing role of Scottish universities and places Heriot-Watt Edinburgh at the centre of that story. Alongside institutions such as Queen Mary University London and the University of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt is shaping the future of Higher Education UK through results, not promises.

Skoobuzz underscores that Heriot-Watt’s shortlisting is more than a celebration; it is also a call to the wider higher education sector to match its clarity, student focus, and readiness to lead.

FAQs

1. Why was Heriot-Watt University shortlisted for University of the Year 2025?

Heriot-Watt University UK was shortlisted for University of the Year 2025 in recognition of its transformative work across global campuses, its strategic commitment to sustainability, and its outstanding performance in graduate employability and research innovation. The university’s Strategy 2025 redefined institutional sustainability, educationally, financially, socially, and environmentally, while maintaining a clear founding mission to widen access and deliver career-ready education.

2. Is Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh?

Yes, Heriot-Watt University’s main campus is located in Edinburgh, Scotland. The Edinburgh campus serves as the university’s administrative and academic hub, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across science, engineering, business, and the humanities.

3. What makes Heriot-Watt University one of the best in the UK?

Heriot-Watt is consistently ranked among the UK’s top universities due to its:

• High graduate employability (ranked first in Scotland and second in the UK)

• Strong performance in national league tables (17-place rise in the Complete University Guide 2025)

• Global research impact and sustainability leadership

• Inclusive approach to higher education and internationalisation

These achievements position it firmly among the UK’s best universities for science, technology, and innovation.

4. How does Heriot-Watt compare to Edinburgh University?

While both are leading Scottish institutions, Heriot-Watt distinguishes itself through its applied research focus, global campus model, and industry-aligned programmes. The University of Edinburgh is renowned for its breadth of academic disciplines and historical prestige, whereas Heriot-Watt is often praised for its agility, employability outcomes, and international reach.

5. What is Heriot-Watt University known for?

Heriot-Watt is known for:

• Engineering and physical sciences

• Business and finance education

• Sustainability and innovation research

• Strong industry partnerships and global campuses

It is also recognised for its leadership in graduate employability and its commitment to widening participation in higher education.

6. Does Heriot-Watt have campuses outside Edinburgh?

Yes, Heriot-Watt operates international campuses in:

• Dubai, United Arab Emirates

• Putrajaya, Malaysia

These campuses offer full-degree programmes and reflect the university’s global strategy to deliver UK-quality education abroad, making it one of the most internationally active public universities in the UK.

7. What are the Times Higher Education University Awards?

The Times Higher Education Awards are among the most prestigious accolades in the UK higher education sector, often referred to as the “Oscars of higher education.” Now in their 21st year, the awards celebrate excellence across teaching, research, leadership, and innovation, with over 500 entries submitted annually across 20 categories.

8. Is Queen Mary University of London also shortlisted in 2025?

Yes, Queen Mary University London has been shortlisted for University of the Year 2025 alongside Heriot-Watt and other institutions, including Teesside University, the University of East London, the University of Hertfordshire, and the University of Worcester.

9. What is student life like at Heriot-Watt University?

Student life at Heriot-Watt is vibrant and globally connected. The Edinburgh campus offers modern facilities, active student societies, and strong career services. International campuses provide a multicultural learning environment, while the university’s emphasis on employability ensures students are well-prepared for the job market. The supportive academic culture and inclusive ethos contribute to a well-rounded student experience.

10. How does Heriot-Watt support research and higher education?

Heriot-Watt supports research and higher education through:

• Strategic investment in sustainability and innovation

• Recognition of academic excellence, such as its shortlisting for Outstanding Research Supervisor of the Year

• Participation in national and international research collaborations

• Integration of research into teaching and community engagement Its research agenda is closely aligned with global challenges, positioning the university as a key contributor to science and innovation in the UK.