History
Founded in 1583, extraordinary is just something our community has always done.
Working together, for more than 400 years, we’ve influenced the world in extraordinary ways – expanding the depth of human knowledge and improving the lives of people worldwide.
Research conducted here led to the discovery of chloroform anaesthesia, the Higgs boson particle and in-vitro fertilisation.
Education
The latest report from the Quality Assurance Agency awarded us the highest rating possible for the quality of the student learning experience. We offer more than 300 taught masters programmes and 180 research areas and over 70 online programmes.
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 your specialist skills, deepen your understanding and gain new insights and perspectives to equip you for your career ahead.
As host to more than over 45,000 students from across 156 countries, we’re a wonderfully diverse mix of people of all kinds and minds.
Research
The University of Edinburgh is one of the world’s top research-intensive universities, ranked 4th in the UK for research power (Times Higher Education, Overall Ranking of Institutions), with 90% of our research activity classified as world leading or internationally excellent in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
We are proudly open to everyone, bringing people with new outlooks and perspectives together in an international community that is establishing the data capital of Europe, tackling climate change and paving the way for new fertility treatments.
As a leading global university, we’re confident education will play a vital role solving the problems of tomorrow too.
Career
The University of Edinburgh is ranked in the UK’s top 10 universities for the employability of our graduates* and our graduates are ranked 24th in the world by employers**.
We are committed to embedding employability into your teaching and learning experience. From offering access to volunteering schemes, to providing support via our sector-leading Careers Service, the University provides many opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and experience, giving you the edge in a competitive job market. We also offer a free service to students who are looking to set up their own business.
*Times Higher Education, Global Employability University Ranking 2023/4
**QS World University Rankings 2025
Student services
All Edinburgh postgraduates benefit from our inspiring research culture. The academics involved in your teaching and learning are leaders in their fields and although the emphasis at postgraduate level is very much on independent study, support from our teaching staff is always on hand.
You will be supported by a combination of academic and professional student experience and administration staff, who will provide you with academic and wellbeing guidance and support.
International students will be supported with events and information to settle in and with activities designed to support your experiences as a student.
Housing services
Edinburgh students travel from all over the world to study here and we aim to provide the best range and standard of accommodation possible.
Accommodation for postgraduate students is all self-catered and can be found across a range of convenient locations within easy reach of most key University buildings and Edinburgh’s city centre.
University accommodation benefits:
- Inclusive bills
- Key locations in the City
- Free Wifi
- Access to laundry facilities
- 24/7 welfare and support service
- Share with your friends
- Payment plan options
- No deposits and no references required
Library services
At Edinburgh you will have access to 10 libraries, including the third largest academic library in Europe, millions of printed and online volumes and access to 700,000 electronic journals and databases.
ICT services
The University has an extensive computing network.
You'll benefit from:
- 45 open-access computer areas with more than 1,200 computers across the University
- 100 open-access computers in University cafe areas
- over 70 open-access computers in University study pods and study rooms
- 24-hour computer access in key locations
- almost 100% Wi-Fi coverage in our buildings
- free laptop loans from our libraries
Medical services
The University cares about the health and wellbeing of our students and offer a number of services to ensure you are fully supported.
The Health and Wellbeing Centre, a dedicated hub for students, t houses the Student Counselling Service and Disability Services, the University Health Centre and the University Pharmacy.
Campus life
The University is at the heart of the city of Edinburgh. Regularly voted one of the most desirable places to live in the world, Edinburgh is large enough to offer something for everyone but small enough to feel like home. It is a modern, sophisticated and beautiful European city, with a diverse multicultural community and is ranked 2nd best student city in the United Kingdom, 6th best student city in Europe and 13th in the world*.
* QS Best Student Cities 2025
Sports facilities
The University has long been recognised as one of the UK’s leading sporting universities, consistently finishing in the top four of the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) rankings.
Our facilities include:
- Pleasance Sport Complex and Gym, offering over 20 gym and sport spaces, including extensive cardio, weight and conditioning spaces.
- Outdoor sport at Peffermill Playing Fields.
- Climbing/bouldering walls.
- 40 station satellite gym at the Easter Bush Campus.
- 25m swimming pool in the St Leonard’s Land Building.
- Climbing wall and bouldering room at the Pleasance.
- Year-round programme of over 100 exercise classes a week.
- Flexible and affordable membership packages.
- Expert instructors to guide.
Student clubs
Edinburgh University Students’ Association has more than 290 societies covering a diverse range of interests, so you’re sure to find something of interest. If not, we can help you set up your own. Societies provide a place to meet like-minded people, indulge in a hobby, or simply socialise.
The Students’ Association also offers opportunities for volunteering in the community, so you may find yourself volunteering as a tour guide at a local heritage centre or playing football with local kids. These rewarding experiences will develop your skills and enhance your employability.