The University of Edinburgh

Address and Location

The University of Edinburgh is part of the fabric of Edinburgh's beautiful city centre. A ten-minute walk from the historic Royal Mile, the university's buildings are mainly clustered around Bristo Square and George Square. Just beyond the main campus lies the Meadows, a large tract of parkland that is a favourite of joggers, cyclists and sports enthusiasts.

 

 

Background and History

Although a founding date of 1583 makes the University of Edinburgh one of the oldest in the UK, compared to other Scottish institutions in St. Andrews, Glasgow and Aberdeen, the university is a new kid on the block. It remains among the most highly-respected however, a member of both the Russell Group and Universitas 21.

Location and Accessibility

By Rail: The main university precinct is a ten-minute walk from Waverley Station. Head to the Royal Mile, and from there cross the George IV Bridge to Bristo Square.

By Road: Various major A-roads terminate in the centre of the city, including the A1. The university is well-signposted.

Accessibility: Most university facilities are wheelchair-accessible, and accommodation is provided for students with disabilities. Students with specific needs are welcome to contact the university to discuss any concerns they may have.

What's on Offer

BA, BSc, BDS, MVMS, MA, MBChB, MSc, MRes, MEng, MMus, MLitt, MPhil, PGDE, LLB, LLM, PhD, PgDip, PgCert

Entry Requirements

Entry standards at the university are high. Most subjects require candidates to achieve AAAA-BBBB in Scottish Highers, AAA-BBB at A -Level, or 34-42 points in the IB.

University Accommodation

The university provides a range of catered and self-catered halls, the majority of which are within walking distance of the university.  

Private Accommodation

Private accommodation isn't cheap in Edinburgh. Most students live on the far side of the Meadows in cheaper areas such as Marchmont.

Academic Strengths and Research Profile

The University of Edinburgh is world-renowned for academic excellence. In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, Edinburgh's College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine received the top rating in the United Kingdom, as did the university's School of Informatics and Linguistics.  

Tuition Fees

Undergraduate courses currently cost £9,000 per year for English students, with fees for Scottish students considerably less. Fees for international students and postgraduates vary. Financial Support: A variety of scholarships and means-tested bursaries are available to undergraduates and postgraduates. Check the university website for more details.

Academic Facilities

The main university library has undergone extensive refurbishment in recent years. Many students still prefer to use the university's smaller departmental libraries or the grand National Library of Scotland, located on GeorgeIV Bridge. Laboratory facilities at the university are world-class.  

Other on-site Amenities

Edinburgh's student union (EUSA) facilities are small for a university of its size, though all the basics such as bars, cafes, nightclubs and bookshops are covered. For sporty students, the university provides an excellent gymnasium, swimming pool and a selection of playing fields. The university also owns several theatre spaces, which students make use of to produce plays and operas throughout the year.  

Medical and Social Care

The university medical practice is located on Bristo Square. Edinburgh students can also receive free dental operations, provided they are willing to have the procedure performed by dentistry students. EUSA's Advice Place is the first point of contact for students experiencing problems, providing access to a wide range of counselling and advisory services.

What's on in the Area

Edinburgh is among the UK's foremost cultural hubs and one of the country's main draws for tourists. The city plays host to a range of theatre, film and comedy festivals throughout the year. While its beauty is not in doubt, some students complain that Edinburgh lacks the buzz of a truly international city. Those in search of a more eclectic atmosphere often head to Glasgow at the weekends, only fifty minutes away by train.    

Moving On

The university Careers Service offers the usual range of consultation opportunities, CV clinics and work placement services. The experienced team is also able to offer advice on studying and finding work abroad.

Some of the biggest names in the history of science, philosophy and literature have studied or taught at Edinburgh, including David Hume, Charles Darwin and Alexander GrahamBell. More recent alumni include Gordon Brown, Ian Rankin and Alexander McCall Smith. Those with an interest in the macabre love Edinburgh for its bloody and violent history - not least the story of Burke and Hare, a pair of body-snatchers who took to murdering people and selling the corpses to the university medical school.

Is Edinburgh University the place for you?

Edinburgh is a great choice for those seeking ancient university charm, city living and academic excellence. The student body is large and diverse, moreover: Scottish learners make up only a small proportion of the student community, which can at times feel overwhelmingly English. Consider Glasgow, Aberdeen or Dundee if you're looking for a more thoroughly Scottish experience.