Leadership in learning

We equip students with the knowledge, skills and experiences to flourish in a complex world and become successful graduates who contribute to society.

We prize learning. All of our students have the opportunity to experience different ways of learning by drawing on one of the widest subject mixes available in any leading university.

Our students have the opportunity within their degree programmes and in extra-curricular activities to apply their knowledge and skills internationally and locally, in businesses and other organisations. They build from the foundations of a subject to the latest research discoveries and analysis, inspired by teaching from lecturers who rank among the world’s best researchers.

Students’ learning and progress are supported by the latest learning technologies, innovative teaching methods and committed personal tutors. We are at the forefront of digital education. Our professional services support our academics and students in their learning experience.

Enquiry-based learning

The Edinburgh degree is special. Our undergraduate degrees are based on research-led teaching. We will involve students in enquiry-based learning that engages in research and innovation and equip students with research skills for multidisciplinary and collaborative working.

Excellence in teaching

We prize teaching. The University aims to be known as much for the excellence of its teaching as it is for its research.

We support our academic staff to ensure the mix of skills required to underpin a research-rich learning experience.

We foster a culture of high achievement that recognises and rewards teachers.

Our staff are empowered to pursue personal and professional development opportunities, and our lifelong-learning culture results in a supportive and motivated staff and student community.

How we will lead in learning

We will provide leadership in learning through the following means.

Making a clear offer to all our students, we will:

  • be a place for independent, creative and critical thinkers to develop as innovators, researchers and explorers;
  • support varied opportunities for independent and studentled learning within and beyond students’ main programme of study;
  • develop flexible study pathways. These will vary across disciplines but will include online and blended learning opportunities and other innovative approaches to teaching and assessment;
  • ensure access to learning experiences that will equip students for whatever path they follow once they graduate, including quantitative methods, digital skills and languages.

Fostering diversity and inclusion, we will:

  • create opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds and under-represented groups to study with us, supporting them through the transition into university and beyond;
  • embed social responsibility and sustainability in our student experience, through courses and through our culture, practices and provision of student-facing services.

Recognising the importance of excellent teaching, we will:

  • recruit and nurture excellent staff. We will provide the knowledge, skills and support they need to teach well;
  • celebrate and reward the best teaching practice;
  • recognise student education as a key element in academic staff promotion.

Supporting excellent facilities, in partnership with Edinburgh University Students’ Association, we will:

  • support the resources and facilities needed for students’ mental and physical wellbeing;
  • have a full understanding of our students’ needs and opportunities enabling them to explore their interests within and beyond their degree programmes;
  • invest in our estate, so that all students and staff learn in a welcoming and supportive environment with high quality facilities and a sense of community.

Celebrating lifelong learning, we will:

  • make available personal and professional development opportunities for staff and students;
  • promote the widely available learning opportunities that we offer our local and global communities, including opportunities for those not able to attend the University in person, such as lifelong learning and digital education platforms, festivals and other channels;
  • partner with commercial, public sector and professional bodies to create readily accessible continuing professional development for their staff.
[scald=60748:sdl_editor_representation {"alt":"","caption":"The University of Edinburgh Learning and Teaching Strategy"}]