The University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is a globally renowned university that has been providing higher education to students from around the world for over 425 years. It opened in 1583, making it one of the oldest continuously operating English language universities in the world. It has always been an influential institution, from the 16th century to today, where it is rated as the 12th best university in the UK (Complete University Guide, 2024). It has a reputation for graduate success and research intensity.

Edinburgh is often regarded the cultural and historical heart of Scotland, and is known internationally for its cultural heritage and high quality of living. It’s a multicultural city, a tourist destination and one of the greenest cities in the UK, along with being well-connected to the rest of the country. 

The university is made up of three colleges, which together manage 21 schools offering a wide variety of postgraduate courses. Modern student support services, specialist academic facilities and one of the biggest academic libraries in the world make Edinburgh a leading choice for postgraduate students. 

Graduates of the University of Edinburgh will join a distinguished and sought-after alumni network, which counts Alexander Graham Bell, Charles Darwin and Arthur Conan Doyle among its members. 

The University of Edinburgh offers postgraduate students a wide range of certificates, diplomas and degree programmes to choose from. 

Students looking for a taught master’s programme will be able to choose from part- or full-time courses spanning one to two years, in most cases. There are also various postgraduate certificates and diplomas available, which are often suited to more vocational or professionally oriented subjects. 

Edinburgh is a prominent research institution and offers a variety of research degrees, which will help students take their expertise to the next level while contributing to their chosen field of study. Students can choose from PhD, MPhil, and master’s by research (MScR) programmes. 

The university is home to many renowned academics working at the forefront of their fields, providing taught and research students with the opportunity to contribute academic progress and learn from industry experts. 

The University of Edinburgh also maintains a variety of online study options. These internationally accredited postgraduate qualifications have been successfully delivered since 2005, and students can select from over 70 entirely online postgraduate courses. 

Students applying for a postgraduate qualification at the University of Edinburgh will typically need to demonstrate attainment of a bachelor’s degree at 1st class or 2:1 level, in a subject relevant to the course they are applying to. 

Other equivalent academic qualifications or sufficient, relevant work experience may be accepted in place of a UK degree certificate in some cases. International entry requirements vary according to the applicant’s country of origin, and specific information can be found on the university’s website. 

Academic requirements can vary by course. For example, students applying to the MSc in Human Resource Management will need a degree in a relevant subject like business studies at a 2:1 or first-class level. 

Applicants for the MSc in Materials Chemistry will need at least a 2:1 degree in chemistry or a closely related subject. A 2:2 level degree or equivalent may be accepted if the applicant can demonstrate sufficient relevant work experience and good references. 

Students applying for an MA in Illustration will need a 2:1 degree or higher in subjects such as illustration, or other artistic disciplines. 

Entry requirements can change over time, so applicants should consult the page for their chosen course on the university’s website for the most up to date criteria. 

Completing a postgraduate qualification at the University of Edinburgh allows students to build specialised expertise, gain academic or research experience, and develop valuable professional skills. Qualifications from Edinburgh are recognised worldwide and enhance the employability of its graduates, reflected by the fact that Edinburgh is highly rated nationally and internationally in this capacity. 

In support of this graduate success, Edinburgh maintains a professional careers service that is committed to developing students’ ambitions and skills. Students are able to regularly access professional development workshops and seminars, careers and employer fairs, one-to-one guidance and advice, as well as help with job hunting. 

Alongside their regular academic activities, students at Edinburgh will be able to access internships, volunteering and industrial placements during their studies. The university’s careers service provides opportunities including summer internships on campus, part-time internships designed for PhD students, work shadowing, international internships and local graduate employment. 

It also offers tailored support to entrepreneurial students, having helped over 140 start-up businesses launch over the past five years. Available support includes one-to-one advice, bootcamp training courses and workshops, business awards and broad networking opportunities. 

Accommodation

Postgraduate students at the University of Edinburgh will be able to choose from a variety of accommodation options depending on their budget and preferred lifestyle as a student. Living spaces are available across the university’s campus sites, as well as in the surrounding neighbourhoods. 

Edinburgh is one of the UK’s most famous cities and is the capital city of Scotland, popular with students and visitors alike. With a wealth of history and architecture ranging from an imposing castle to Georgian-era lanes, it’s a unique cultural hub that combines rich traditions with exciting modern city living. 

Through the university, students can select from student halls style accommodation or flats that are self-contained, comprising of between four and six bedrooms. Within this, there are also en-suite and shared bathroom options. 

Accommodation for couples, families and individuals with disabilities is also available. Rental costs are usually inclusive of all bills, and all university accommodation options have security staff and Resident Assistants on-site to assist with any issues that might arise. 

The university guarantees accommodation for new postgraduate research students, as well as international students on postgraduate taught courses. Students will need to apply for accommodation and have received an unconditional offer of study by a certain deadline to receive this guarantee. 

Postgraduate students at the University of Edinburgh can access funding from a variety of sources. As well as scholarships and bursaries from charitable organisations or research councils, the university offers a range of direct funding to help students cover their tuition or living costs. Available awards include: 

College Postgraduate Studentships, providing coverage of all tuition fee costs and a stipend for maintenance costs, along with funding for research costs in some cases. Students must be studying a PhD and meet academic requirements that can vary according to the college the applicant is studying at. 

Each college the schools within it offer their own scholarships and bursaries for students who are studying specific courses. For example, the Edinburgh College of Art, within the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, offers the Jean Kennoway Howells scholarship. This award provides £15,000 towards tuition and living costs for one successful applicant studying a taught master’s course at the Reid School of Music.  

Students are encouraged to explore the course, school or college specific awards that are available to them through the university’s website.