At Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, our vision is to be a university of ideas and influence.Outward looking, we are responsive to the changing needs of society and make a real difference in the world. We have widely recognised expertise in health & rehabilitation; sustainable business and creativity & culture.
Queen Margaret University Distance Learning Courses
We have a proud history of achievement and progress extending for well over a century.
Founded in 1875, we have always been driven by the highest ideals and purposes, focusing on contributing in practical ways to improving people’s lives and serving the community.
Education
At Queen Margaret University, we offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduatecourses in the areas of healthcare; drama and the creative industries; media, communication and sociology; and business and enterprise.
We also have a number ofcontinuing professional development (CPD) courses, which will be of interest to anyone who is wishing to update their current professional skills.
Research
QMU aims to be a university of ideas and influence; characterised by translational research that informs policy and practice, making a difference to every day life.
Our strategic Research Centres and Knowledge Exchange Centres work at the intersection of conventional disciplinary groupings to create innovative approaches to contemporary societal challenges and public discourse.
Career
We have an enviable employment rate for graduates - 94.4% of them find work or go on to further study within six months of graduating (HESA 2015).
Our emphasis on vocational education means our courses are up-to-date and relevant to the needs of society.
We have a robust employability strategy and our careers specialists now offer ‘Careers Advice for Life’ so even after graduat ion, our alumni can continue to access the specialist support from QMU’s Careers and Employability Service.
Queen Margaret UniversityKey Statistics & Highlights
#1201Ranking
31 Courses
8,619Students
1,085Students (int'l)
Student services
Support is at the heart of making your experience at QMU a positive one, and our services for students play an important role in supporting you from application to graduation. Our staff within the services, and throughout the University, aim to help you make the most of your time at University, and to reinforce your learning, your well-being and your personal development.
The services range from looking after the administration of your studies to helping you build up lifelong career planning skills.
Housing services
If you are looking for accommodation for the current academic year then please contact us to check availability.
Living on campus provides a fantastic opportunity to settle into university life and meet new friends in a safe and comfortable environment.
All our accommodation is just a stone's throw away from the University, so it couldn’t be more convenient. You’ll also find many great facilities on your doorstep including the Students’ Union, Gym and Sports Centre and the Learning Resource Centre. We have WiFi available across campus and 24/7 security keeping you safe.
Library services
The Learning Resource Centre (LRC) is a key resource for staff, students and researchers and its aim is to provide a library and information service which is effective, dynamic, up-to-date and responsive to the needs of its users.
We have more than 1000 study spaces with a variety of social, quiet and silent study areas, and bookable group study rooms.
ICT services
There is campus-wide WiFi and 24/7 security and pastoral care so you are safe and supported.
Medical services
All students are advised to register with a Medical Practice within the area they are living in as soon as they arrive at QMU.
Registration with a GP, healthcare and prescriptions are free and delivered by the NHS in Scotland.
If you are from another area of the UK, please bring your NHS Medical Card with you to University.
Campus life
Our airy and bright campus offers a real community feel, with ready access to student services, food outlets catering for every palate, student accommodation, sports facilities, beautiful grounds, and plenty of places for socialising. We also have an on-site Students’ Union. From our campus, you have easy access both to Edinburgh city centre (six minutes by train) and East Lothian’s beautiful coast and countryside.
Sports facilities
Our facilities include:
Fitness suite
Weights room
Exercise studio
Astroturf
Sports hall
Outdoor gym
Student clubs
The Doctoral Student Association (DSA)
Since its formation, the Doctoral Student Association has consistently supported students undertaking their Doctoral degrees at QMU. We provide unity and support in various aspects of Doctoral life.
Queen Margaret UniversityOverview
Queen Margaret UniversityRankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Top 12.8%United Kingdom
Top 19.4%Worldwide
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
QS World University Rankings
1201
By TopUniversities
The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend QS World University Rankings
2025
2026
2027
951
1201
1201
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
great university, really enjoying my time there, everyone is very helpful, would highly recommend. good variety of courses as well, great facilities and food, the library is not bad too , I think I would go back if I could, great overall experience
Posted byAnonymous
Studied fromSep 2025 - Sep 2026
Posted onAug 2026
5/5
Small campus
Good university with everything you need on campus. Staff is very friendly and always there to help you. The classes are mostly small, so everyone gets enough time with lecturers. Campus is not close to any big shops if you plan on living in accommodation. Also a bit far from city centre.
Posted byAnonymous
Studied fromSep 2024 - Jun 2027
Posted onAug 2026
4/5
Good university
It's a good university, and most lecturers are very nice. The campus is nice looking and they offer a lot of support for students.The only down side is the amount of computers on campus, as usually they are taken as well as the study space. However I have enjoyed going to this university.
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