Why Choose Edinburgh?
Edinburgh's vibrant and stimulating environment is the perfect place for your postgraduate study and research.
One of the world’s leading research universities, Edinburgh is ranked fourth in the UK for research power, based on the quality and breadth of our research.
Be at the forefront of international research
As a student with us you will work with some of the most influential academics in your chosen field and learn about the very latest developments in your subject.
We have an international reputation for innovative research across a wide range of disciplines.
Some of our current research activities include stem cells and regenerative therapies, renewable energy and wave and tidal-stream power, and intellectual property and technology law.
Research power
Edinburgh’s position as one of Britain’s leading research universities has been reaffirmed by the results of the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF2014).
Based on the quality and breadth of our research, we have been rated fourth in the UK and by far the most successful university in Scotland.
The REF2014 results showed that 83% of our research activity is in the highest categories (4* and 3*), which are classified as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’.
Research impact
Edinburgh is also one of a select group of British universities to achieve outstanding results when demonstrating the impact of its research on wider society.
More than half of our research in this category has been classed as 'world leading'.
A series of case studies highlights the extensive regional, national and global impact of our current research.
Record levels of investment
In 2012/13 we attracted record levels of investment for our pioneering research work.
The total value of competitive research grants was £300 million, including awards from government, the EU, research councils, charities and industry. This is 20% more than the £250 million we secured in 2011/12.
We are committed to high quality and innovative teaching to help you reach your full potential.
Support
Although the emphasis at postgraduate level is very much on independent study, support from our approachable teaching staff is always on hand.
Students undertaking taught masters programmes, including online learning, will be allocated a Personal Tutor, who will offer one-to-one guidance and support. Postgraduate research and PhD students will be appointed a supervisor.
Recognised quality
The latest report from the Quality Assurance Agency awarded us the highest rating possible for the quality of the student learning experience.
Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education report
EUSA Teaching Awards
Edinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA) created the first teaching award scheme of its kind in the UK that is run entirely by students.
Acknowledging the teachers, support staff and students who have an enormous positive impact on students' learning experience, the scheme has more than a dozen categories, from Best Personal Tutor to Best Course.
Since its launch in 2008, it has become a model for similar schemes across the UK.
Discover what it's like to live, work and study in the city of Edinburgh.
At the University
Study with us and you’ll find a lively, close-knit community with plenty of opportunities to meet other students socially.
Our schools and colleges, as well as the Edinburgh University Students' Association, hold student events regularly.
The Students' Association offers an array of bars, shops, cafes and entertainment venues, including the city's biggest student nightclub. Regular entertainment includes a variety of clubs, live music and comedy, plus debates and regular club meetings.
The Students' Association also supports more than 290 societies. Our societies provide a place for you to meet like-minded people, indulge a hobby, network or simply socialise.
Edinburgh University Student's Association
Edinburgh isn't so much a city, more a way of life... I doubt I'll ever tire of exploring Edinburgh, on foot or in print. Ian Rankin, best-selling crime writer and University of Edinburgh alumnus
In the city
The University of Edinburgh is located at the heart of the city, one of Europe’s great cultural hubs.
Edinburgh is an inspiring place to study. Regularly voted one of the most desirable places to live in the world, Scotland’s capital has a great social and cultural life, a busy sporting calendar and a rich history.
Edinburgh is well known for its friendly people, its safe, green environment and its stunning architecture. Its compact size makes it easy to get around and wherever you are in the city, you are seldom far from open countryside.
Outdoor adventures
Edinburgh's location is perfect for adventurers: there are few other places in the world from where you can so easily access opportunities to either snowboard or surf.
Scotland’s famous mountains, lochs and forests are only a short trip away and our landscape offers one of the longest coastlines for a country of its size, so visiting the beach is easy and highly recommended.
International festivals
In the summer months the pace of city life is ignited as the series of world-famous annual festivals gets under way. The city hosts almost 30 festivals during the year, the most famous taking part on campus or in close proximity to the University.
You can take advantage of our extensive student support services as soon as you accept a place at the University of Edinburgh.
Healthcare
The University Health Service provides comprehensive medical care under the National Health Service (NHS) for those who wish to register as patients and live within the practice area.
The health service also provides contraceptive, antenatal, child welfare and nursing services, and physiotherapy and psychiatry clinics.
Help and advice
The Student Counselling Service gives confidential, professional help with personal problems, whether or not they relate to your studies.
Counselling services are available at three locations across campus, and a number of publications on relevant student issues are available at each location.
The Advice Place, a drop-in advice centre, also offers free, confidential and independent advice on a range of issues.
The Chaplaincy Centre
Individuals from a wide range of ethnic, national and religious backgrounds compose our university, reflecting the diversity of Edinburgh itself.
At the University, you’ll find many opportunities to meet socially or worship with others of your faith.
The Chaplain to the University, a full-time member of our staff, works with a team of multi-faith honorary chaplains and local faith contacts.
They offer support and guidance to students and play a vital role in many areas of University life.
The Disability Office
We strive to create an environment that enables disabled students to participate fully in the university life.
We work to ensure that our students with disabilities are afforded equal educational opportunities. We achieve this through flexible methods of teaching and assessment, and by progressively improving access to buildings and technology.
Disabled students are encouraged to discuss any specific support needs with one of our Disability Advisers as early as possible during the application process.
Childcare
The University has nursery facilities open 50 weeks of the year. Our Day Nursery looks after children from six weeks to five years old.
Careers Service
Our postgraduates have long been highly regarded by employers from industry and commerce, as well as the public sector.
Our award-winning Careers Service offers information, advice, guidance and job-seeking support for postgraduates in any year of study.
Development and alumni
As an alumnus, you will belong to a worldwide community of over 200,000 individuals connected to the University of Edinburgh.
You become a member of the General Council, a key voice in all matters that affect the University’s wellbeing and prosperity.
You will also receive information, including the University magazine, Edit, which will keep you informed about what's going on at your University.
The Development and Alumni Office acts as a point of contact for the world network of alumni clubs and groups.
We have a long and proud history of international collaboration and partnership across our teaching and research activity.
Our ambitious internationalisation strategy aims to provide world-class experiences for students and ensures that the teaching and research we deliver offers global benefits.
International partners
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.
Our partners include:
- California Institute of Technology (CalTech)
- Fudan University, Shanghai
- Ludwig Maximilians-Universität, Munich
- McGill University, Montreal
- Peking University
- The University of Melbourne
- The University of Sydney
- University of Delhi
- Zhejiang University
International partnerships
Regional Centres
We have five regional centres, in Beijing, Mumbai, Santiago, Singapore and New York, which support engagement with students and academics internationally.
Memberships and affiliations
We are a member of several prestigious national and international organisations. These include the Russell Group of leading UK research-intensive universities, and Universitas 21, which is an international network of research-intensive universities.
We are also a member of both the League of European Research Universities (LERU) and The Coimbra Group, a network of leading academic institutions.
Global Academies
Our Global Academies in agriculture and food security, health, development, environment and society, and justice bring together research expertise from the University community and beyond to develop solutions for global challenges such as climate change, poverty, the spread of epidemics and cross-border injustices.
These Academies offer interdisciplinary online and on-campus postgraduate programmes aimed at anyone interested in addressing the major global issues of the day.
Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Security
Ranked 6th in the UK and 32nd in the world for employability*, the University of Edinburgh is an excellent choice for a postgraduate education with prospects.
Career development
Ranked 6th in the UK and 32nd in the world for employability*, the University of Edinburgh is an excellent choice for a postgraduate education with prospects.
We’re committed to developing the skills and attributes that will enhance your capacity both to compete in the job market and to achieve your full potential within the global community.
In addition to the provision of dedicated support through our award-winning Careers Service, we broker strategic partnerships between academics, industry, specialists and other institutions, to enhance your graduate attributes and to embed employability in all our curricula.
Graduate salaries
Edinburgh alumni earn an average salary of £48,500 within five years of leaving university.(Global Employability University Ranking 2014)
Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service provides advice and support whatever your plans for the future, including careers in research.
We offer workshops throughout the year that are open to all postgraduate students, plus sessions specifically for international students.
We have a team dedicated to developing our already strong links with employers from all employment sectors, from the world’s top recruiters to small local enterprises.
We offer lots of opportunities for you to meet employers on campus and online.
Postgraduates come to us with a broader outlook and more rounded and developed skills, both in their chosen discipline and more generally in terms of their communication skills and self confidence. We value their proven aptitude for self-driven learning and further study. Hymans Robertson LLP Pensions, benefits and risk consultancy firm
Work-based projects
Many of our Schools offer support in undertaking work-based projects, in partnership with an employer, as the basis of your masters dissertation.
Internships for PhDs
We encourage the provision of part-time, on-campus internships, which offer project-based, paid employment to current PhD students.
Employ.ed – a collaboration between the Careers Service and a number of partners – offers a range of structured internship programmes to fit your career.
Networking
We encourage our alumni to stay in touch with current students who are interested in a similar career path.
Connect.ed is a networking system run by the Careers Service that provides a confidential opportunity for alumni to share their occupational knowledge and experience with current students and graduates, who can contact them for advice and guidance on their future career.
Support for entrepreneurs
LAUNCH.ed is the University’s award-winning programme for student entrepreneurs. Each year, LAUNCH.ed works with hundreds of students, backing bright ideas and helping them start new businesses.
Public engagement opportunities
Our Institute for Academic Development (IAD) hosts the Beltane Public Engagement Network, so if you’re interested in promoting your research to wider audiences you will have access to resources, events and funding opportunities to help you develop the necessary skills and experience to do so.
Beltane Public Engagement Network
Doctorate Extension Scheme
We support the Doctorate Extension Scheme, which means international students completing a PhD or other doctorate-level qualification on a Tier 4 visa may be eligible to apply to stay in the UK for employment for an additional 12 months with extended support from the University as your sponsor.
The scheme allows you more time to find work with a Tier 2 employer, gain practical experience or set up as an entrepreneur.
Tier 4 Doctorate Extension Scheme
Postgraduate-level study helps bring fresh perspectives to creating innovative solutions to academic publishing challenges. The analytical and research skills learned in many Edinburgh postgraduate courses are of direct relevance and importance to the Edanz workplace. Edanz Group Ltd Translation services company
* Latest Emerging Global Employability University Ranking