Best universities for a master’s in Edinburgh

If you’re looking to study at a postgraduate level in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, steeped in history and known around the world as a cultural capital, you’ll need to look no further than Edinburgh. It’s the capital of Scotland, set across a number of rocky hills and cliffs and filled with stunning period architecture. Science, philosophy, art and literature find a loving home across the city’s many communities and institutions, and festivals like Edinburgh Fringe and others provide an annual forum for great thinkers, innovators and dreamers alike to come together. The city has been the country’s capital since 1437 but has roots going back much further—the oldest evidence of human habitation dates to around 8500 BC. Edinburgh is an ever-popular postgraduate student city due to its vibrant culture, energetic nightlife and range of high-ranking universities. 

CONTENTS 

• Which universities are in Edinburgh
• University of Edinburgh
• Edinburgh Napier University
• Heriot-Watt University
• Entry Requirements
• What to do in Edinburgh

Which universities are in Edinburgh? 

University of Edinburgh 

The University of Edinburgh is a higher education institution with an international reputation, offering a wide range of impactful postgraduate courses supported by expert staff and a robust research pedigree. Having opened in 1583, the university has operated for more than 425 years—making it one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world. Having taken 12th place in the 2023 Complete University Guide league table, students can study across the university’s five campus sites in Edinburgh. 

There are plenty of postgraduate level programmes on offer at the university, from short courses and professional certificates to taught and research master’s degrees, as well as doctoral qualifications. Part- and full-time study patterns are available, as well as online courses, making it ideal for students looking for flexible opportunities. As a leading research institution, students can explore a broad range of research programmes supported by academics and lecturers who are leaders in their field. 

The University of Edinburgh campus is the perfect environment for every aspect of student life—from studying and researching to relaxing, socialising or developing personally. Postgraduate students can make use of a cutting-edge library and a range of study spaces across the university’s Edinburgh sites, offering a mix of private and social study options as well as specialist resources. With an award-winning careers service, personalised support services and an active student’s association, the campus is always alive with activity. 

Go to: Search for postgraduate courses at University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh Napier University 

Edinburgh Napier is an internationally renowned higher education institution, bringing together almost 20,000 students from 140 different countries around the world. As well as its campus in Edinburgh, it hosts online postgraduate learners and in-person students at various international sites. It has three campuses across Edinburgh, providing students with a calm and focused study environment while being on the doorstep of UNESCO world heritage city. Founded in 1964, it’s a proactive institution that offers a wide range of postgraduate courses and places in the top 100 universities in the UK according to Complete University Guide 2023. 

Students will be able to explore a wide range of postgraduate programmes at Napier. Whether they’re looking for a taught master’s degree or a postgraduate research pathway, including MRes and Doctorate qualifications, or a shorter, professionally focused course, they’ll be able to find it here. With courses in subjects ranging from acting to accounting, computing or criminology, postgraduates are able to learn under and collaborate with world-class academics. 

Edinburgh Napier University thrives through several modern campus sites across the city, which between them offer a huge number of contemporary learning spaces, world-class research facilities and a variety of socialising, eating, drinking and personal development options. Students at the Craiglockhart Campus will be able to utilise cutting-edge multimedia labs and an innovation and enterprise centre, while the Merchiston Campus offers students access to specialist media, computer gaming, photography and music production facilities. The Sighthill Campus supports simulation hospital wards and clinical skills suites, as well as a sport centre and labs. 

Go to: Search for postgraduate courses at Edinburgh Napier University

Heriot-Watt University 

Heriot-Watt University is a strong competitor in the Edinburgh higher education landscape, having placed 34th in the UK according to the 2023 Complete University Guide. It has a campus on the western outskirts of Edinburgh, in addition to other Scottish sites in Orkney and the Borders. With a 200-year history of achievement and academic prestige, Heriot-Watt today offers postgraduate students the chance to work in an intensive research environment and development advanced knowledge in their field. 

A broad range of postgraduate qualifications, across taught, research and professional certificate options, make it a great choice for students of all levels and objectives. Programmes are available across a variety of subject areas, including: 

• Building, planning and urban design 
• Civil, structural, safety or water engineering 
• Construction management and surveying 
• Energy and renewables 
• Geoscience 
• Marine, environment and climate change 
• Petroleum engineering 
• Real estate, housing and social policy 

It also has a range of innovative online courses, allowing students to get a postgraduate qualification from the comfort of their own home. 

Contemporary facilities, modern buildings and carefully planned campus sites ensure that the student experience at Heriot-Watt is always positive. Contemporary lecture theatres, well-equipped labs and a comprehensive library system—that combines high-grade IT facilities with specialist resources and texts—allow students to achieve their academic potential. Industry standard software, technology and equipment cultivate a real-world environment, where students can develop in-demand skills and knowledge ready for success after graduation. 

Go to: Search for postgraduate courses at Heriot-Watt University

Entry Requirements 

Each university in Edinburgh sets entry requirements individually, which may vary further according to the department, course or level of study being applied to. You’ll typically be evaluated on your previous academic qualifications, but professional experience and certificates may also be looked at. In some cases, you might need to complete and interview or submit a portfolio of work. As well as looking on the university’s website for a certain course, can use our course finder tool to get specific details on entry requirements. 

What to do in Edinburgh 

Edinburgh has a huge variety of things for you to do and see during your downtime. While it’s a magnet for those who are into history or contemporary culture, the city also has plenty to offer for students who are more into gourmet food, independent shops, historic or bustling modern cafes, bars and pubs, or buzzing nightlife. 

Edinburgh Old Town is always a great spot to visit, with its cobbled streets and period architecture making for an enjoyable trip back in time. Throughout this neighbourhood and across the rest of the city, you’ll come across historic pubs, modern bars, quaint cafes and fine dining options for every taste. 

Visiting Arthur’s Seat, part of an extinct volcano on the edge of the city, Edinburgh Castle or Calton Hill are all ways to get excellent views over Edinburgh. On rainy days, a wealth of museums—like the National Museum of Scotland—galleries, palaces and manor houses are waiting to be explored. 

Outside of Edinburgh there is a wide, exciting world for you to explore with ease. You can visit the distinctive ship-shaped Blackness Castle just 35 minutes from the city, perched over the Firth of Forth estuary for centuries, or stunning forests and glens like Roslin Glen or Gore Glen. The independent and energetic city of Glasgow is just over an hour away by train, or you can even cycle between the two cities on entirely traffic-free paths in under five hours.

Next: Search for postgraduate universities