Astrophysics PhD

Undergraduate programmes at the University of Edinburgh

We offer almost 400 degrees across 60 different subject areas. Many of these are joint honours degrees, offering the potential for innovative cross-disciplinary subject combinations.

Some of our degrees let you study a single subject in depth, developing a deep understanding of one area. Others feature an open and flexible structure with options to tailor your own studies. This lets you choose whether to experience a wide range of topics before you specialise, or sample multiple subjects in a broader degree.  Our global links offer you possibilities for fieldwork, industry placements and study abroad opportunities, and our research-led, industry-informed teaching incorporates the latest developments in your field.

Your options 

As one of Scotland’s four ‘ancient’ universities, many of our full-time degrees in the humanities and social sciences are undergraduate masters qualifications that require four years of study. In science and engineering we offer four-year bachelors degrees or five-year integrated masters. We also offer a smaller number of other qualifications including LLB Law, as well as a few degrees with shorter or longer full-time study durations. These range from three to five or even six years (MBChB Medicine). Depending on your qualifications, you may have the option to start in the second year of some of our science, engineering, biomedical sciences and medical sciences, and art and design degrees. We also offer an expanding range of options for students progressing from a Higher National Certificate or Diploma.

Supporting you and your studies

We provide a range of support services to help not only with your academic needs, but also your personal needs.
Your first point of contact for teaching, academic advice and guidance will be within the School in which you study. You will be supported by a combination of academic and dedicated student experience and administrative staff who will be able to provide you with or direct you to appropriate support for challenges that may occur during your studies, whether this is directly related to your learning and teaching skills or rising from life situations. You will also have access to a variety of peer-to-peer learning networks as well as student societies.

Funding and scholarships

We appreciate studying here is a significant financial commitment. We awarded more than £10m in undergraduate financial support in 2022/23, and are dedicated to helping students of all ages and social backgrounds enter higher education, regardless of your financial situation.

Check our scholarships and student funding pages for more details and to explore your options.

Postgraduate programmes at the University of Edinburgh

We offer over 300 taught masters courses and 135 research areas. Study with us and you will enjoy expert teaching from leading academics, at a university respected globally for its innovation and research excellence. We also offer first-class facilities and support, in a city steeped in history and culture.

Quality teaching and research

The 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) rated 90% 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.

All our postgraduates benefit from this inspiring research culture. The academics involved in your teaching and learning are leaders in their fields, and the University is dedicated to delivering high-quality, innovative teaching. The latest report from the Quality Assurance Agency awarded us the highest rating possible for the quality of the student learning experience. 

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.

Careers and employability

The University of Edinburgh is  ranked in the UK’s top 10 universities for the employability of our graduates* and our graduates are ranked 25th in the world by employers.**  (*Times Higher Education, Global Employability University Ranking 2021 and **QS World University Rankings 2022). Study with us and we will help develop the life skills and confidence needed to realise your career aspirations.

Industry links and innovation

Edinburgh was one of the first UK universities to develop commercial links with industry, government and the professions. Our commercialisation office, Edinburgh Innovations, has helped to launch more than 500 companies since 1967. They can help you take your first step to market, whether its’s through collaborative research, licencing technology or providing consultancy services.

Our programmes

Search our postgraduate degrees and join us for the unique Edinburgh experience.

Our Schools 

• Biological Sciences, School of
• Business School
• Chemistry, School of
• Divinity, School of
• Economics, School of
• Edinburgh College of Art
• Edinburgh Medical School
• Education, The Moray House School of
• Engineering, School of
• GeoSciences, School of
• Health in Social Science, School of
• History, Classics and Archaeology, School of
• Informatics, School of
• Law, School of
• Literatures, Languages and Cultures, School of
• Mathematics, School of
• Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, School of
• Physics and Astronomy, School of
• Social and Political Science, School of
• Veterinary Studies, Royal (Dick) School of