Edinburgh University Archives

Edinburgh University Archives document all aspects of the university’s life since its foundation in 1582.

They chart the development of thinking and research in subjects ranging from medicine to literature, geology to art, education to sports science, philosophy to international relations. The University Archives include the records of the university's governing bodies (the University Court and Senatus Academicus) , faculties, schools, departments, and institutes. They also cover institutions that have merged with the university, including Moray House College of Education, Edinburgh College of Art, Royal Dick Veterinary College, and New College. In addition to academic records, we hold the archives of Edinburgh University Students’ Association and of many clubs, societies, and other organizations associated with the University.

The University Archives document over 400 years of teaching, learning, administration and student life, and place the University both on the international stage and in a local context.

What Kinds of Records Are There?

This list is far from exhaustive but gives a glimpse into the breadth of what we hold.

• Minutes of Meetings of the University Court, Senatus Academic, and other committees
• Minutes of Faculties
• Matriculation and Graduation records
• Student class lists
• University Calendars and publications
• Records of departments, centres, institutes, etc.
• Examination papers
• Records of the Students Union and Sports Union
• Records of clubs and societies
• Photographs of staff, students, and campus
• Records of the campus and built environment

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Finding What You Want

Not of the university archives are catalogued.  Those which are can be located via the online

archives catalogue

Other useful points of entry to the catalogue (selective):

• Records of the University of Edinburgh

  • Court
  • Senate
  • University Secretary
  • Student Administration
  • Library
  • Academic Administration (Faculties)
  • Academic units (departments etc.)

• University of Edinburgh Charter
• Edinburgh University Class List collection
• Records of the Royal (Dick) Veterinary College
• Records of the Roslin Institute
• Records of Edinburgh University Students Association
• Records of the Associated Societies
• Records of Edinburgh Women's Medical Society
• Records of Edinburgh University Women's Athletic Club
• Records of Edinburgh University Indian Association
• Records of Edinburgh University Musical Society
• Records of Edinburgh University Rectorial Association
• Quatercentenary Collection
• Medical Buildings Time Capsule