Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh

Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh is a prominent research institution in the UK, located just outside of Scotland’s capital. It has a reputation for impactful research output and quality postgraduate taught offerings, across a variety of subjects from business to nursing, and beyond. 

Queen Margaret was established in 1875 as the Edinburgh School of Cookery. In the 20th century it diversified its focus and became the Queen Margaret University College in 1999. Today, the university is home to an active academic community across a number of subjects and cultivates an atmosphere of mutual support and curiosity. 

The university’s campus is located in the town of Musselburgh, which is a short train ride from the centre of Edinburgh. As a result, students can enjoy everything the city has to offer while benefiting from a quiet, safe and compact university environment. This market town is right on the coast and has a rich history, with distinctive architecture and easy access to a range of stunning natural environments. Within minutes students can find themselves in Edinburgh, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. 

Queen Margaret’s campus is home to a range of high-tech facilities, nestled within the landscape grounds of the academic village. With student accommodation, various food and drink outlets, sport and leisure facilities, and the students’ union, students will find everything they need on-site. 

Students can access a wide range of postgraduate taught study pathways at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh. These courses are designed to help students enhance their professional skills, prepare for career success, and develop real subject expertise.  

Students could pursue anything from single, short courses – ideal for continuing professional development – to shorter postgraduate qualifications such as the PGCert and PGDip, as well as full master’s degrees such as the MA, MSc, LLM or more. Students can be taught by academic experts and industry leaders in areas ranging from cognitive behavioural therapy to culture and creativity. 

Queen Margaret University also has a robust postgraduate research programme, offering students the opportunity to progress their academic careers through MRes, PhD or Professional Doctorate qualifications. 

Doctoral students at the university are automatically admitted to the university’s graduate school, through which they’ll receive tailored support and benefit from a welcoming, collaborative community focused on research impact and real-world innovations. 

To secure a place on a postgraduate course at Queen Margaret University, prospective students will need to meet the stated entry requirements for their chosen programme. These admissions criteria will relate to academic qualifications in most cases, and may also refer to professional experience, alternative qualifications, or interview performance. 

For example, applicants to the MSc or PGDip in Strategic Communication and Public Relations will typically need to show achievement of an undergraduate honours degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant discipline – such as humanities, social sciences or arts. Professional experience or alternative qualifications may be considered in lieu of this. 

Students applying to the MA in Arts, Festival and Cultural Management will need an undergraduate honours degree, or equivalent, in any subject. Alternatively, significant professional experience in a festival or cultural organisation area is accepted. 

Applicants for the MSc in Musculoskeletal Medicine should demonstrate achievement of a relevant qualification in physiotherapy or another medical discipline. This is typically a bachelor’s degree. Students will also need to be registered with the relevant medical council and should be able to show sufficient experience in practising musculoskeletal medicine. Submission of a portfolio of evidence, reflective essay and personal development plan may also be required. 

Entry requirements may vary between student intakes and by course. 

Postgraduate students are well-supported by Queen Margaret University when it comes to their employability and future job prospects. Courses at the university are designed and updated to reflect the newest changes in industry, allowing students to cultivate relevant knowledge and in-demand skills. 

Regardless of what stage a student is at in their career path, whether they’re certain of their next steps or still exploring, the university’s career support services are on hand to help. Students can make use of one-to-one guidance interviews with experienced professional counsellors, as well as drop-in sessions, allowing them to build confidence in their next steps. 

CV writing and editing workshops, professional skills and job searching sessions, and regular careers fairs are also available to students at Queen Margaret University. Ambitious students can also benefit from an employer mentoring programme, where they can get advice from active industry professionals and build valuable connections in their sector. 

Students can browse for voluntary, part-time and casual roles, as well as full-time graduate posts, through the university’s jobs boards in Student Central. Alumni can access careers support well after they graduate, too. 

Accommodation

Queen Margaret University offers postgraduate students a broad range of accommodation options for their time there. The university continues to invest in offering students modern, safe, comfortable and conveniently located living options. 

University halls are the recommended choice for postgraduate students according to Queen Margaret University, particularly as it allows students to live on campus and experience the best of the university’s social life. Close to the campus, students will also find a theatre, swimming pool and various shops, cafes and bars. Students renting university accommodation will have all bills, contents insurance and internet rolled into their price. They’ll also benefit from 24-hour security services, as well as pastoral and maintenance support. Students can choose from 38- and 50-week contracts. 

Some postgraduate students choose to rent private accommodation while at the university. Whether they choose to live in peaceful Musselburgh or in the hustle and bustle of nearby Edinburgh, there are plenty of options to choose from. From shared houses with friends or modern apartments, students are well placed to immerse themselves in the award-winning food, culture and entertainment of Scotland’s capital city. That’s not to mention the hundreds of years of history, and excellent national parks just a short distance away. 

Postgraduate students at Queen Margaret University benefit from access to a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries. Through these funding options, taught and research students can cover the costs of their studies and receive financial recognition for their academic achievement. 

Available scholarships and bursaries include: 

• The Queen Margaret University graduate discount scheme provides a 10% reduction to tuition fees for alumni of the university, who have already graduated from an undergraduate degree course. It’s available for both part- and full-time students. 
• The Student and Vice Chancellor’s Development Fund is open to all postgraduate students and provides funding support to student-led projects or activities, as well as travel costs for overseas studies and exchanges. 
• There are a range of funded PhD positions available through the university, which provide bursaries for students who are studying certain projects or topics. Students may also find doctoral funding through external organisations such as research councils and companies. 

Students can explore the full range of scholarships and bursaries on the university’s website.