Postgraduate Discovery Days

NEXT EVENT: February 2025. The Postgraduate Discovery Day is an online event that runs three times a year and offers a general introduction to on-campus study at the University of Edinburgh.

Each session was very informative. The speakers and moderators explained things clearly and answered questions thoroughly. The event was well-structured and well-timed. All the staff and speakers were very polite and helpful. It gave me the information and reassurance I needed to bolster my confidence to apply.

Event attendee 29 March 2023

Who can attend

This event is particularly relevant for those who have not yet applied to an on-campus postgraduate programme at the University of Edinburgh. But even if you have already applied, you will find many of the sessions useful.

Only interested in Online Learning?

If you are only interested in studying a Postgraduate online programme, the information at most of the sessions at this Discovery Day event will not be relevant to you. Instead, we recommend that you browse our events and sign up to attend one of our events focused on Online Learning. 

Join us live or watch a recording

The sessions will take place at UK local time , so please check what time the sessions will take place in your local time zone.

You will get the most out of this event by attending the live sessions, as you will have the chance to participate and ask questions.

However, the event will also be recorded. If you register but can't make the live event, you will be send a link to these recordings so you can watch them in your own time.

Next event 

19 February 2025. Online on Microsoft Teams.  

This event will include the following sessions: 

Session NameTimesSession Description
How to apply for Postgraduate Study08:30-09:30am GMTInformation and advice on what you need to consider before applying and how to apply via our online application system, including the offer-making process.
Supporting postgraduates at Edinburgh10:00-11:00am GMTFind out all about the support that is available to ALL postgraduate students. This session will include information about student wellbeing and how we cater for your health, emotional and pastoral needs. 
What is a PhD and how to apply11:30-12:30pm GMTThis session, delivered by the Doctoral College, will outline what a PhD degree is for and where it might lead. We will help you understand what the transition from undergraduate or masters degree to research degree might entail and also how it can be done if you have been out of formal education. We will look at the application process such as finding a supervisor, applying on-line and tips to write a good application.
Ask our students and graduates1:00-2:00pm GMTCurrent Postgraduate students will take centre stage to share their particular experiences, ready to answer any questions you may have about postgraduate life. If you have any further queries about applications, staff from Student Recruitment & Admissions will also be on hand to chat to you.
Postgraduate Student Life at The University of Edinburgh2:30-3:30pm GMTJoin the Students' Association for an introduction to Postgraduate student life at the University of Edinburgh, from societies and social events, to support available during your studies.
Applying for postgraduate study: Personal Statements and References4:00-5:00pm GMTInformation on what makes a strong personal statement and how to request references for your application to Postgraduate study. There will be opportunity for questions after the presentation.
Fees and options for funding your postgraudate studies5:30-6:00pm GMTInformation about postgraduate programme fees and advice on funding your studies at the University of Edinburgh. This session comprises a short presentation which will include two students sharing their personal experiences. You will also have the opportunity to ask your questions by text chat to our experts in the Fees and Funding teams.

Sessions hosted by Schools 

Some of our Schools are hosting programme-specific sessions on 19 February or shortly after. These are also online but are not part of the Discovery Day, so you should register for them separately. 

Browse School-led academic programme sessions

How to take part in online events

When you register, you will be sent an email with instructions on what platform will be used to host the event and how you can access it.   

To get the most out of the event, we recommend: 

  • attending the event using a laptop or desktop computer, rather than a mobile phone or tablet 
  • making sure you have a reliable internet connection 
  • using the Google Chrome browser, or Firefox if you don’t have access to Chrome   

You can find more hints and tips, including information on how to use the main platforms we use to host our events, on the Taking part in our online events page. 

Taking part in our online events - technical requirements and tips

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