# Heriot-Watt University: graduate earnings and subjects

> Source: https://coursetojob.co.uk/universities/heriot-watt-university/ — updated 2026-09-25. Published by CourseToJob (independent; not affiliated with UCAS, HESA or GOV.UK).

**Quick answer:** Five years after graduating, Heriot-Watt University graduates had median earnings of £38,100 (middle half: £29,300–£46,800), compared with £33,700 across all GB higher education institutions. 86.7% were in sustained work or further study. The highest-earning subject area was Economics (£49,000). Source: DfE LEO, 2023–24 tax year.

Location: Edinburgh, Scotland. UKPRN 10007764. Official website: https://www.hw.ac.uk

## What do Heriot-Watt University graduates earn by subject?

Median earnings of UK-domiciled first-degree graduates by CAH level 2 subject area, tax year 2023–24. Source: DfE LEO provider-level data (https://department-for-education.shinyapps.io/leo-provider-dashboard/). Unadjusted; not a ranking of teaching quality.

| Subject area | 1 year | 3 years | 5 years | In work or study, 5 yrs | All GB HEIs, 5 yrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economics | £31,500 | £35,900 | £49,000 | 90.2% | £50,900 |
| Computing | £31,500 | £36,200 | £45,800 | 87.5% | £39,900 |
| Architecture, building and planning | £28,900 | £33,900 | £43,200 | 79.6% | £38,100 |
| Engineering | £30,700 | £35,900 | £42,800 | 86.2% | £43,600 |
| Mathematical sciences | £29,600 | £39,200 | £42,500 | 89.5% | £43,600 |
| Business and management | £27,100 | £31,100 | £40,300 | 84.5% | £35,100 |
| Physics and astronomy | Not published | £30,600 | £37,000 | 90.8% | £42,800 |
| Chemistry | £26,700 | £32,600 | £34,000 | 90.6% | £37,700 |
| Biosciences | £26,400 | £26,700 | £33,300 | 90.6% | £32,900 |
| Languages and area studies | £24,200 | £28,200 | £31,300 | 81.6% | £35,100 |
| Psychology | £24,900 | £23,400 | £28,200 | 93.1% | £29,600 |
| Creative arts and design | £21,900 | £23,400 | £28,200 | 82.3% | £27,100 |
| Geography, earth and environmental studies | £24,500 | Not published | Not published | Not published | £35,100 |
| All subjects at Heriot-Watt University | £28,200 | £32,200 | £38,100 | 86.7% | £33,700 |

## Frequently asked questions

### How much do Heriot-Watt University graduates earn?

DfE LEO data for the 2023–24 tax year shows median earnings for UK-domiciled first-degree graduates of Heriot-Watt University of £28,200 one year after graduating, £32,200 after three years and £38,100 after five years. Each figure is a different graduating cohort, and pay varies widely by subject.

### Which Heriot-Watt University subjects have the highest graduate earnings?

Five years after graduating, the highest median earnings at Heriot-Watt University were in Economics (£49,000), Computing (£45,800) and Architecture, building and planning (£43,200), among subject areas with at least 20 graduates measured.

### Is Heriot-Watt University good for graduate employment?

86.7% of Heriot-Watt University first-degree graduates were in sustained employment, further study or both five years after graduating, against 88.7% across all GB higher education institutions. Outcomes reflect subject mix, entry grades and where graduates live as well as the university, so compare the specific subject you want to study.

### How do I apply to Heriot-Watt University?

Undergraduate applications to UK universities, including Heriot-Watt University, are usually made through UCAS. Check the exact course, entry requirements, fees and deadlines on the university's official course page before applying. CourseToJob does not handle applications.


CourseToJob's university–subject links are an editorial index, not a UCAS catalogue. Confirm courses on UCAS: https://www.ucas.com/explore/search/courses?query=Heriot-Watt%20University