University of Edinburgh

HISTORY

The University of Edinburgh (abbreviated as Edin. in post-nominals), founded in 1582, is the sixth oldest university in the English-speaking world and one of Scotland’s ancient universities. The university is deeply embedded in the fabric of the city of Edinburgh, with many of the buildings in the historic Old Town belonging to the university.

For more than 400 years the university has played host to scientists, philosophers and politicians who have shaped the modern world.

Fellow graduates signed the United States’ Declaration of Independence, founded Ivy League universities, brought modern medicine to China, post-colonial government to Africa, and wrote some of the world’s most widely read books.

The University of Edinburgh was ranked 17th and 21st in the world by the 2014–15 and 2015-16 QS rankings. It is now ranked 19th in the world according to 2016-17 QS Rankings.

It is a member of both the Russell Group, and the League of European Research Universities, a consortium of 21 research universities in Europe.

The university played an important role in leading Edinburgh to its reputation as a chief intellectual centre during the Age of Enlightenment, and helped give the city the nickname of the Athens of the North. Alumni of the university include some of the major figures of modern history.

COURSES

In 2002 the university was reorganised from its nine faculties into three “colleges”. While technically not a collegiate university, it now comprises:

• The Colleges of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS);
• Science & Engineering (SCE);
• Medicine & Vet Medicine (MVM).

Within these colleges are “schools” – roughly equivalent to the departments they succeeded; individual schools have a good degree of autonomy regarding their finances and internal organisation. This has brought a certain degree of uniformity (in terms of administration at least) across the university.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Their minimum entry grades have been set at a level to encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds, whilst meeting their academic requirements.

ACADEMIC STRENGTHS

The Edinburgh medical degree has long been one of the most highly regarded qualifications in the world.

TEACHING STANDARDS

87% of their students are satisfied with their teaching (NSS 2015).

85% of their undergraduate students graduate with a 1st or 2:1.

In the last 5 years, the university has invested £80m in maintaining and enhancing their teaching and learning spaces.

Since 2012, £4m has been invested to maintain and enhance the student experience.

CAREERS GUIDANCE

Award winning Careers Service.

Careers Consultant linked to every School.

Extensive career planning resources on line.

Organises a range of careers events on a wide variety of careers.

Offers continued support beyond graduation.