The University of Edinburgh

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Influencing the world since 1583

The University of Edinburgh is one of the world's top universities, consistently ranked in the world top 50*, and placed 20th in the 2020 QS World University Rankings. Our entrepreneurial and cross-disciplinary culture attracts students and staff from across the globe, creating a unique Edinburgh experience. We provide a stimulating working, learning and teaching environment with access to excellent facilities. We attract the world's best, from Nobel Prize winning laureates to future explorers, pioneers and inventors.

Study with us

As host to more than 40,000 students from some 156 countries, the University of Edinburgh continues to attract the world’s greatest minds.

We offer a range of ways to study, from on-campus taught programmes to online part-time study. We are the largest provider of online distance learning in the Russell Group of UK research-intensive universities, and offer more than 70 online programmes. Our flexible and supportive online learning programmes are an increasingly popular choice for students looking to balance further study with professional or family commitments.

Teaching and research excellence

The latest report from the Quality Assurance Agency awarded us the highest rating possible for the quality of the student learning experience. At postgraduate level, we offer more than 300 taught masters courses and 180 research areas across our three Colleges:

- College of Arts, Humanities and Social Science 
- College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
- College of Science and Engineering

Our position as one of Britain’s leading research universities was reaffirmed by the results of the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF). The REF rates 83% of our research activity as world-leading or internationally excellent, ranking us fourth in the UK based on the quality and breadth of our research.

We are associated with 19 Nobel Prize winners, who are alumni of the University of have been members of academic staff here. Our dynamic research culture has led to the discovery of chloroform anaesthesia, the Higgs boson particle and in-vitro fertilisation. We have produced innovations such as Dolly the sheep – the first mammal to be genetically cloned from an adult somatic cell, as well as the first genetically engineered hepatitis B vaccine, and technology used in smartphones. Our academics have advanced the public understanding of how our behaviour affects ageing, helped protect forest ecosystems, and helped bring broadband to remote communities.

Joining the University as a student provides you with a unique opportunity to work with some of the most influential academics in your chosen field. At Edinburgh, you will develop specialist skills, deepen your understanding and gain new insights and perspectives to equip you for your career ahead.

Global connections

Our ambitious internationalisation strategy aims to provide world-class experiences for students and ensures the teaching and research we deliver offers global benefits.

Collaborations and international partnerships

We collaborate with a host of world-leading institutions in fields as diverse as e-science, engineering, life and medical sciences and arts and culture. We’re also a member of the global research network Universitas 21 and the European networks COIMBRA and LERU.

Our students are crucial to our continued success and development and, along with our staff, they forge research links through regular travel and overseas exchanges. We take pride in our partnerships with other institutions such as the California Institute of Technology, Stanford University, the University of Melbourne, Peking University, the University of Delhi and the University of KwaZulu-Natal – to name but a few.

Alumni

As a graduate of Edinburgh, you will join a lifelong community of more than 200,000 like-minded people from across the world. This professional and social network provides a lifetime of support with clubs and contacts across the world and a range of groups and resources online. For a taste of what our alumni are doing today, see our monthly update where they share their experiences, showcase their career paths, and impart their wisdom.

Visit our alumni pages for more details.

Our famous alumni include historical greats such as Joseph Black, who discovered carbon dioxide, and philosopher David Hume, whose ideas laid the foundations of contemporary thought. Edinburgh alumni also include 21st century luminaries, such as Harry Potter creator JK Rowling and the UK's most successful Olympian, Sir Chris Hoy.

Fees

Tuition fees vary by programme and length taken to complete. Visit our tuition fees pages for more information.

Funding and scholarships

Postgraduate study can be a significant financial commitment; however, the range of funding sources available may surprise you. We offer several postgraduate scholarships and studentships to outstanding candidates. Check our scholarship pages for details.

(*Times Higher Education World Rankings)