University of Edinburgh

Ranked in the top 5 in the UK for research power & ranked in the UK's top 10 for the employability of our graduates

Dean

Sir Peter Mathieson MBBS(Hons)(London)

Academic staff

1,000 - 20,000

Students

39700

Locations

Edinburgh, Scotland

Established

1823

Afiliations

Russell Group, Universitas 21, League of European Research Universities (LERU), Coimbra Group, Edinburgh Research Partnership in Engineering and Mathematics (ERPE), Edinburgh Centre for Robotics, Edinburgh BioQuarter

Address

50 George Square - Main Building & Reception

Social Media

URL

https://www.ed.ac.uk/

Summary

The University of Edinburgh is a public research university located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It was founded in 1582 and is one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world. The university is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious universities in Europe and the world, consistently ranking in the top 20 universities globally.

The University of Edinburgh offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research courses in various disciplines including arts, humanities, social sciences, medicine, engineering, and sciences. The university has a strong focus on research and is home to many leading research centres and institutes.

The university's campus is spread over several locations in Edinburgh, with the main campus being located in the city centre. The university has excellent facilities including libraries, laboratories, sports centres, and accommodations.

The University of Edinburgh has a diverse student community, with students from over 140 countries. The university is committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment for all students and has a range of support services available including academic and personal support, disability services, and career services. The University of Edinburgh is a leading institution of higher education, renowned for its academic excellence, research expertise, and diverse student community.

History

The University of Edinburgh is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. Founded in 1583, it is located in Edinburgh, Scotland and has a rich and diverse history.

The university was established by the Royal Charter granted by King James VI of Scotland in 1582, and the first classes began in October 1583. Originally known as the Tounis College, the university was created to provide the city with a centre for learning and education. The first principal of the university was Robert Rollock, a Presbyterian minister and theologian.

Over the centuries, the University of Edinburgh has been at the forefront of academic and intellectual progress. It played a significant role in the Scottish Enlightenment, a period of great intellectual and cultural growth in Scotland during the 18th century. During this time, the university was a hub of intellectual activity and attracted many influential thinkers, including Adam Smith, David Hume, and James Hutton.

Throughout its history, the university has been home to many groundbreaking discoveries and achievements. In the 19th century, the university was instrumental in the development of the field of medicine, with the first medical school in Scotland established in 1726. It was also the site of the first successful smallpox vaccine in Europe, developed by Edward Jenner in 1801.

The university has continued to make significant contributions to a wide range of fields throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. It has been home to many notable alumni, including Charles Darwin, Alexander Graham Bell, and J.K. Rowling.

Today, the University of Edinburgh is one of the leading research universities in the world. It is ranked among the top 20 universities in Europe and the top 50 universities in the world. The university offers a wide range of programs in a variety of fields, including medicine, law, engineering, and the humanities.

In addition to its academic programs, the University of Edinburgh is also home to a number of research centres and institutes. These include the Roslin Institute, which played a key role in the development of Dolly the sheep, the world's first cloned mammal, and the Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation, which is focused on developing sustainable solutions to climate change.

Overall, the University of Edinburgh has a long and distinguished history of academic excellence and innovation. It has been at the forefront of many important discoveries and has produced many influential thinkers and leaders throughout its history. Today, it continues to be a leading centre for learning and research, attracting students and scholars from around the world.

Courses

The University of Edinburgh offers a wide range of courses across various disciplines at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Here are some of the courses offered by the University:

Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences: The College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in subjects like English Literature, History, Philosophy, Politics, and Social Anthropology.
Business: The Business School at the University of Edinburgh offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Business, Accounting, and Finance.
Medicine and Veterinary Medicine: The College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, and Animal Health.
Science and Engineering: The College of Science and Engineering offers courses in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, and Informatics.
Education: The Moray House School of Education and Sport offers courses in Education and Physical Education.
Law: The Edinburgh Law School offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Law.
Languages, Literature, and Culture: The School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures offers courses in subjects like Linguistics, Literature, and Translation.
Informatics: The School of Informatics offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Cognitive Science.
Health and Social Care: The School of Health in Social Science offers courses in Social Work, Nursing, and Community Health.

These are just some of the many courses offered by the University of Edinburgh. The university is known for its quality education and innovative research across a wide range of disciplines. As of 2023, the University of Edinburgh offers over 500 undergraduate and over 300 postgraduate degree programs across a wide range of academic disciplines. It is one of the largest and most diverse universities in the United Kingdom in terms of course offerings.

Global MBA rankings

The University of Edinburgh Business School offers a globally recognized Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. The program has consistently ranked among the best in the world, according to various ranking systems.

In the Financial Times Global MBA Rankings 2021, the University of Edinburgh's MBA program is ranked 58th in the world and 13th in the UK. The program's alumni reported an average salary increase of 109% after graduation, making it one of the most successful MBA programs in terms of salary growth.

The Economist's MBA Rankings 2021 also recognized the University of Edinburgh Business School as one of the top MBA programs in the world, ranking it 53rd globally and 11th in Europe. The program ranked particularly well in the "Personal Development and Educational Experience" category, highlighting the program's focus on the development of student's personal and professional skills.

The University of Edinburgh's MBA program also holds accreditation from the Association of MBAs (AMBA), an internationally recognized accreditation body for MBA programs. The accreditation ensures that the program meets high standards of quality and relevance in business education.

Overall, the University of Edinburgh's MBA program has established itself as a leading MBA program in the UK and the world, providing students with a top-quality business education and valuable career opportunities.

Job integration rate

The University of Edinburgh has a high graduate employability rate, with 96.6% of graduates entering work or further study within six months of graduation, according to the latest statistics from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).

The University has a strong reputation for producing highly employable graduates, with many employers actively seeking out Edinburgh graduates due to their strong academic achievements, diverse skill sets, and global outlook. The University's Careers Service provides a wide range of support and guidance to students and graduates, including career advice, job opportunities, and networking events.

Furthermore, the University of Edinburgh's business school, the Edinburgh Business School, offers a range of MBA programs that are designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles in a global business environment. The MBA programs at the Edinburgh Business School are highly respected and have consistently ranked among the top MBA programs in the world. The school has also received accreditation from various prestigious organizations, including the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the Association of MBAs (AMBA).