Top University in the UK for Engineering
Heriot-Watt University is a top ranked university in the UK for engineering programmes. Heriot-Watt is ranked number 1st in the UK for Physics research according to REF2021 which classed 97% of research as ‘world leading’. We were also ranked 1st in Scotland and 3rd in the UK for engineering research through a joint submission with the University of Edinburgh, in which 96% of our research was classed as world leading.
Heriot-Watt is one of the world’s leading universities with strong links to international business and industry driven by our established reputation as a top research-led institution. With a heritage stretching back to 1821, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia was established in 2012, the first university to be built in the country’s administrative capital, Putrajaya. We are a truly global university, bringing together leaders in ideas and solutions to deliver innovation, educational excellence and ground-breaking research.
In the Malaysia Campus, you can look forward to studying a range of courses providing UK higher education qualification in science, engineering, business, mathematics and design. The £35m campus is a state-of-the-art teaching and learning environment, providing exceptional educational facilities and a vibrant and diverse student community.
What are the Rankings for Heriot-Watt University’s Engineering Programmes?
The Complete University Guide 2025
- Overall we are ranked 42nd in the UK and 6th in Scotland.
- We are ranked top 20 in the UK for Chemical Engineering (15th)
The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
- Climbed 13 places, reaching 51st in the UK, and moved up four places to secure 8th position in Scotland.
- Top 10 in the UK for Chemical Engineering
- Top 5 in Scotland for Engineering
Daily Mail University League Table 2025
- 1st in the UK for Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- 2nd in the UK for Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering
Guardian University Guide 2025
- Top 3 in Scotland for Chemical Engineering and Electrical & Electronic Engineering
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- We are top 30 in the UK for Engineering & Technology
- We are ranked 16th in the world and 3rd in the UK for Petroleum Engineering.
- We are ranked top 200 in the world for Civil and Structural Engineering
National Student Survey 2023
The National Student Survey (NSS) is a survey which gathers honest feedback from final year undergraduates studying full-time.
- We are 1st in Scotland and 11th in the UK for Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering, based on overall satisfaction.
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
REF 2021 classed 86.8% of our research and 88.6% of our research outputs as ‘world-leading’ (4*) and ‘internationally excellent’ (3*). Heriot-Watt University was recognised for world-leading research in Physics; Mathematical Sciences; Engineering; and Architecture, Built Environment and Planning.
Can I get a UK Top Ranked Engineering Degree in Malaysia?
Renee Tan, Mechanical Engineering at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Yes, you can obtain a top ranked engineering degree from Heriot-Watt University at it’s Malaysian campus at Putrajaya.
HWUM offers direct entry into their undergraduate degrees, or Foundation Programmes provide the ideal preparation for degree entry. With the same undergraduate programmes offered at Edinburgh and Dubai campuses, you can choose to benefit from an international experience during your studies by transferring for part of your degree. Their first Malaysian student graduated from the Edinburgh Campus in 1967 and today HWUM have over 4,000 alumni from Malaysia and 108,000 alumni from all over the world – a ready-made network of friends!
All of the programmes offered here at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia are identical to the ones offered in the UK and Dubai campuses. The same course leader oversees the courses offered globally, therefore providing students with a seamless experience whenever they transfer to any of the campuses.
Additionally, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia students have the choice to benefit from an international experience for part of their studies, joining students in Edinburgh or Dubai for part of their degree programme. Heriot-Watt students are encouraged to take advantage of its Go Global programme, which allows them to transfer to any of its other campuses in the UK and Dubai seamlessly as long as their programme is offered at their campus of choice.
In the Malaysia campus alone, they have students from 55 countries, including close to 80 UK students who have transferred here.
What are the Engineering Programmes offered at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia?
- Chemical Engineering BEng (Hons)
- Chemical Engineering with Oil and Gas Technology (MEng)
- Civil Engineering BEng (Hons) / (MEng)
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering BEng (Hons) / MEng
- Mechanical Engineering BEng (Hons)
- Petroleum Engineering BEng (Hons)
