Heriot-Watt is best in UK for student experience IN BETWEEN partying and studying, students have voted Heriot-Watt University as providing the best student experience in Britain, as well as being the best university in Scotland. The Edinburgh institution, which was founded in 1821 to provide apprentices with mathematical skills, has been highly praised in two different surveys. The National Student Survey (NSS) 2012 has revealed Heriot-Watt's rise to the top ranked university in Scotland, up from third place last year, as well as ranking it fourth in Britain, up from 29th last year. Earlier in the week, The Sunday Times University Guide 2013 named Heriot-Watt as Scottish university of the year for the second year running, as well as ranking it the UK university of the year for student experience. Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Steve Chapman, said, "Being Scottish university of the year, number one in UK for student experience and voted number one in Scotland by students is a fantastic hat-trick. At Heriot-Watt, we put great effort into exceptional student experience by striving to consistently deliver excellent facilities, teaching, and support services. These positive results represent a real strength of feeling among our students and real professionalism on the part of the staff. In the National Student Survey, students assess their educational institution according to seven different criteria which are: teaching on the course; assessment and feedback; academic support; organisation and management; learning resources; personal development and overall satisfaction. Mike Ross, president of Heriot-Watt University Student Union, said "These results represent the excellent work that has been done by students and staff working together to enhance the student experience."