Edinburgh · Scotland
Heriot-Watt University: graduate earnings and subjects
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.
- Median pay after 1 year
- £28,200
- Median pay after 5 years
- £38,100
- In work or study after 5 years
- 86.7%
- Graduates in 5-year cohort
- 1,240
- Subject areas with data
- 13
- CourseToJob subject guides
- 27
What do Heriot-Watt University graduates earn by subject?
Official dataEconomics graduates had the highest five-year median at Heriot-Watt University (£49,000) among subject areas with at least 20 graduates measured. The final column shows the same subject across all GB higher education institutions, for context.
| Subject area | 1 year | 3 years | 5 years | In work or study, 5 yrs | All GB HEIs, 5 yrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economics20 graduates at 5 years | £31,500 | £35,900 | £49,000 | 90.2% | £50,900 |
| Computing50 graduates at 5 years | £31,500 | £36,200 | £45,800 | 87.5% | £39,900 |
| Architecture, building and planning55 graduates at 5 years | £28,900 | £33,900 | £43,200 | 79.6% | £38,100 |
| EngineeringGuides: Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering255 graduates at 5 years | £30,700 | £35,900 | £42,800 | 86.2% | £43,600 |
| Mathematical sciences130 graduates at 5 years | £29,600 | £39,200 | £42,500 | 89.5% | £43,600 |
| Business and managementGuides: Accounting and Finance, Business Management, Marketing200 graduates at 5 years | £27,100 | £31,100 | £40,300 | 84.5% | £35,100 |
| Physics and astronomy45 graduates at 5 years | — | £30,600 | £37,000 | 90.8% | £42,800 |
| Chemistry55 graduates at 5 years | £26,700 | £32,600 | £34,000 | 90.6% | £37,700 |
| Biosciences110 graduates at 5 years | £26,400 | £26,700 | £33,300 | 90.6% | £32,900 |
| Languages and area studies55 graduates at 5 years | £24,200 | £28,200 | £31,300 | 81.6% | £35,100 |
| Psychology90 graduates at 5 years | £24,900 | £23,400 | £28,200 | 93.1% | £29,600 |
| Creative arts and design150 graduates at 5 years | £21,900 | £23,400 | £28,200 | 82.3% | £27,100 |
| Geography, earth and environmental studies | £24,500 | — | — | — | £35,100 |
| All subjects at Heriot-Watt University | £28,200 | £32,200 | £38,100 | 86.7% | £33,700 |
A dash means DfE did not publish a figure, usually because the cohort was small. Each column is a different graduating cohort. Compare subjects nationally.
What should you check before applying to Heriot-Watt University?
Use the official course page for Heriot-Watt University to confirm the award, campus, start date, duration, modules, placement options and professional accreditation.
- Ask admissions how your qualifications meet the exact course requirements.
- Confirm the fee for your intake, deposit, refund terms and scholarship eligibility.
- Ask about accommodation, accessibility support, open days and international arrival support in Edinburgh.
Research exact university programmes
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Subject guides linked to Heriot-Watt University
27 on this siteEditorial provision index
These links are not an official UCAS, HESA or university catalogue. Course names, campuses and availability change, so confirm on UCAS before you apply. CourseToJob is not UCAS.
- Psychology
Assistant psychologist · Psychological wellbeing practitioner
- Computer Science
Junior software developer · IT support analyst
- Law
Paralegal · Legal assistant
- Business Management
Operations coordinator · Project coordinator
- Mechanical Engineering
Graduate mechanical engineer · CAD technician
- Economics
Economic research assistant · Data analyst
- History
Heritage assistant · Museum assistant
- Biology
Laboratory technician · Research assistant
- Chemistry
Analytical chemist (graduate) · Laboratory technician
- Physics
Graduate physicist · Data analyst
- English
Editorial assistant · Content writer
- Sociology
Social research assistant · Housing officer (entry)
- Politics
Parliamentary assistant · Public affairs assistant
- Accounting and Finance
Accounts assistant · Audit associate
- Civil Engineering
Graduate civil engineer · Site engineer (entry)
- Electrical Engineering
Graduate electrical engineer · Design engineer (entry)
- Biomedical Science
Trainee biomedical scientist · Laboratory technician
- Marketing
Marketing assistant · Digital marketing executive
- Media and Communications
Communications assistant · Social media coordinator
- Geography
GIS technician · Planning assistant
- Mathematics
Data analyst · Actuarial analyst (entry)
- Criminology
Probation services officer · Intelligence researcher (entry)
- International Relations
Policy assistant · NGO programme assistant
- Adult Nursing
Newly qualified adult nurse · Community staff nurse
- Physiotherapy
Newly qualified physiotherapist · Rehabilitation assistant
- Social Work
Newly qualified social worker · Family support worker
- Primary Education
Primary teacher (QTS path) · Teaching assistant
How do you apply to Heriot-Watt University?
Undergraduate applications are made on UCAS, not here. Search this university, or a subject together with the university name.
Heriot-Watt University: 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.