The University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh

Location: City

About us

Be open to possibilities. Be open to the extraordinary.

The University of Edinburgh is one of the world's top universities, consistently ranked in the world top 50* and placed 15th in the 2023 QS World University Rankings.

Our entrepreneurial and cross-disciplinary culture attracts students and staff from across the globe, creating a unique Edinburgh experience. Whatever excites you, whatever your ambition, whatever makes you ‘you’, we know one thing; nothing ordinary comes from this extraordinary place.

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.

Our students have been making an impact on the world for more than 400 years. Each year is different – every individual, every degree, every campus experience is unique and a vital part of our mission to make the world a better place.

*Times Higher Education World Rankings

We make the world a better place

Find out how the University of Edinburgh makes the world a better place. Based in Edinburgh and being one of the top Universities in the UK helps. Nothing ordinary comes from this extraordinary place. Plus, we teach, research and engage with like-minded people from across the world to help answer our world’s biggest questions. We can’t stop because there is so much to do. And we always need people to help. Join us in helping make our shared world, a better place.

What makes us different

The latest report from the Quality Assurance Agency awarded us the highest rating possible for the quality of the student learning experience. We offer almost 400 undergraduate programmes from 58 subject areas and more than 300 taught masters programmes and 180 research areas from across our three Colleges.

Our global links offer you possibilities for fieldwork, industry placements and study abroad opportunities, and our research-led, industry-informed teaching incorporates the latest developments in your field.

When you choose to study with us, you’ll find that many degrees take four years to complete. This is an approach that’s common not just to Scotland but across Europe and in the US.

Studying a four-year degree allows you to benefit from greater flexibility and choice during your studies than might be offered in a shorter degree elsewhere.

I wanted to study in an environment completely different to what I was used to, having grown up in and around London. I wanted to experience somewhere less overwhelming and less anonymous. I really got a sense of community walking around the campus at Edinburgh that felt almost like home, which I hadn’t felt in other places. The city has this incredible lively and friendly vibe, whilst being a smaller city where everything is within walking distance. The city and University are so beautiful, it doesn’t matter what time of year or what the weather is like.

Emily Lynch

MA History of Art