Undergraduate study - 2025 entry
Edinburgh: Extraordinary futures await.

Learning outside of the classroom

There are many ways you can continue your learning and development outside of your academic studies.

Studying at university isn't just about lectures, tutorials, studying in the library and attending laboratories. While these academic aspects are important, you can also learn many new skills outside of the classroom.

Students and a map of the world

Learning opportunities

You may find opportunities to learn and develop through:

  • part-time work
  • volunteering
  • a representational role, such as being an official Class Representative for your class or subject area
  • internships during your summer holidays
  • work placements
  • international experiences, such as studying or working abroad

From volunteering in Edinburgh, to a work placement in Glasgow, or an international experience in Paris, we have lots of opportunities for you to consider. We will support you as you get started, and will let you know about the funding options available to help.

Benefits

The learning experience you have outside of the classroom is incredibly valuable to employers. It gives you new insights, widens your frame of reference, develops your skills, and helps to show you have the initiative to try new things and take on new challenges.

Skills you can develop through learning outside of the classroom include:

  • planning, coordinating and organising
  • problem-solving
  • assertiveness
  • initiative
  • adaptability
  • communication and people skills
  • working by yourself and with a team

Each of these skills will be of huge value when you come to apply for your first graduate job and beyond.

Funding for opportunities abroad

Some opportunities, such as international experiences, have a cost attached.

We offer a number of bursaries and fully funded opportunities for international experiences, work placements and internships.

We will get in touch with you in October each year to tell you more about the opportunities that are available and to guide you through your application.

 

Related links

Part-time and vacation jobs for students

Student Volunteering Service

Class Representatives

Internships and work experience

Studying or working abroad

Contact

Dr Neil Speirs

Widening Participation Manager

  • Student Recruitment and Admissions

Contact details

Contact us through an online sign language interpreter

British Sign Language (BSL) users can contact the University of Edinburgh via Contact Scotland BSL, the online British Sign Language video relay interpreting service.

Find out more on the Contact Scotland BSL website