Why choose Edinburgh?

The University offers a unique living and learning experience, from our academic reputation to our location in the historic and vibrant city of Edinburgh.

Academic excellence

The University of Edinburgh, founded in 1583, is ranked as one of the UK's leading universities and has recently been rated as Number 1 for research in Scotland by the government's 'Research Assessment Exercise'.

The outstanding quality of research expertise amongst the University's 2,500 staff is clearly reflected in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise. The University's received rating of 5 or 5* (the highest award possible) in 25 subject areas with 75 per cent of our staff working in 5 and 5* department - 5* the highest accolade denoting international excellence in all areas of activity - placing the University 4th in the UK out of 120 universities.

Flexible degree programme

Scottish higher education is very flexible; most degree programmes are four years long. The flexible degree structure can give you the opportunity to take a range of subjects in your first and second years. In your third and fourth year you will study at honours level and this is when you will follow a more specialised programme.

As your first two years can cover a broad range of subjects, it is often possible to change from one degree programme to another within the College. In many cases this can be done without adding an extra year to your studies.

Edinburgh the City

Edinburgh is regularly voted as one of the most desirable places to live in the world, so why not take a look at our guide to the University and the City of Edinburgh.