University of Edinburgh: A World-Class Academic Experience in Scotland's Capital

The University of Edinburgh, a public research university situated in the heart of Scotland's capital, has been at the forefront of knowledge since its founding in 1583. Consistently ranked among the world's top 20 universities, Edinburgh welcomes over 2,000 visiting students each year and is a member of prestigious associations like the Coimbra Group, League of European Research Universities, Russell Group, Una Europa, and Universitas 21. The city itself is consistently considered one of the most desirable places to live in the world, and is also ranked the greenest in the UK.

A Historical Overview

The University of Edinburgh's origins can be traced back to 1557, when Bishop Robert Reid of St Magnus Cathedral on Orkney bequeathed funds to establish a college in Edinburgh. His vision was progressive for the time, encompassing the teaching of rhetoric and poetry alongside traditional subjects like philosophy. However, the religious revolution of 1560 delayed the realization of this bequest for over two decades.

In the late 1570s, the Edinburgh Town Council, along with figures like first minister of Edinburgh James Lawson and Lord Provost William Little, revived the plans. After some difficulties in securing the funds from Reid's descendants, King James VI and his Privy Council intervened. The university, initially named Tounis College (Town's College), opened its doors on October 14, 1583, with an initial enrollment of 80-90 students. The curriculum focused mainly on liberal arts and divinity.

Robert Rollock, a graduate of the University of St Andrews, became the first Regent and later the principal of the college in 1586. He was initially the sole instructor for first-year students, responsible for tutoring the entire 1583 cohort in all subjects for their four-year degree. The first cohort of 47 students graduated with an M.A. in 1587.

Following the Glorious Revolution of 1688, the Parliament of Scotland enacted legislation to remove Jacobite sympathizers from university staff. This led to the dismissal of Principal Alexander Monro and several professors and regents in Edinburgh after a government visitation in 1690.

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In 1708, Principal William Carstares restructured the University, abolishing the regenting system and establishing a Dutch style system of Professors.

Key Facts and Figures

In the fiscal year ending 31 July 2024, the university had a total income of £1.386 billion, with £365.2 million from research grants and contracts. Edinburgh is the fourth-largest university in the United Kingdom by total enrolment and the second largest university in Scotland, receiving over 66,000 undergraduate applications per year, making it the fifth-most popular university in the UK by application volume. In 2021, Edinburgh had the seventh-highest average UCAS points among British universities for new entrants. As of October 2024, the university has been affiliated with 20 Nobel Prize laureates, four Pulitzer Prize winners, three Turing Award winners, an Abel Prize laureate, and a Fields Medalist.

Notable Alumni

The University of Edinburgh boasts a distinguished list of alumni who have made significant contributions to various fields. These include:

Alexander Graham Bell: Inventor of the telephone.
Charles Darwin: Naturalist and biologist known for his theory of evolution.
David Hume: Philosopher and historian.
James Clerk Maxwell: Physicist who developed the theory of electromagnetism.
Oliver Goldsmith: Writer and poet.
Sir J. M. Barrie: Author of "Peter Pan."
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle: Author of the Sherlock Holmes stories.
Sir Walter Scott: Historical novelist and poet.
Robert Louis Stevenson: Author of "Treasure Island" and "Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde."

The university has also produced several heads of state and government, including three British prime ministers, and three UK Supreme Court justices.

Campus Life and Student Experience

Edinburgh offers a robust student and campus life, with numerous opportunities for students to get involved.

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Societies and Clubs

Students are encouraged to join the over 240 clubs and societies available, catering to a wide range of interests, from Harry Potter to astrobiology, and from chocolate to the Tango.

Housing Options

The university provides a range of housing options for Study Abroad students.

Edinburgh: A City of Culture and History

Edinburgh, with a population of 500,000, is a thriving commercial and financial center, home to the new Scottish Parliament, and a gateway to the Scottish Highlands. The city attracts over 2,000,000 visitors annually, drawn to its architecture, social and cultural scene, learning environment, and sporting facilities. Edinburgh hosts internationally renowned events such as the Edinburgh International Arts, Fringe, Film, TV and Science Festivals. The city’s unique blend of Scottish culture and history, iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, bustling festivals, and lively arts scene create an enriching backdrop for studying abroad.

Academic Calendar and Study Abroad Programs

The academic year at the University of Edinburgh typically runs from mid-September to mid-May.

Fall Semester: Mid-September to late December
Spring Semester: Mid-January to mid-May

For specific dates, it is recommended to refer to the University of Edinburgh's Academic Calendar.

Study Abroad Opportunities

The University of Edinburgh is a Cornell Global Hub partner university, offering Cornell students opportunities for semester-long and short-term study abroad, field experience, participation in faculty-led research, curricular pathways through majors, and internships.

CIEE Edinburgh also offers a Semester in Edinburgh program designed for students from all academic backgrounds. Students enroll in a combination of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU.

Coursework

Students can take up to four courses per semester, with a minimum of two and a maximum of three courses at Napier, and the remaining credits at CIEE. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Edinburgh Napier University classes are typically scheduled Monday through Thursday, but some may also be taught on Fridays. Students should expect to have daily homework assignments and quizzes.

Campus Locations

The University of Edinburgh has several main locations:

Central Area: The oldest area, housing the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and the School of Informatics. Key buildings include 40 George Square, Appleton Tower, Main Library, Gordon Aikman Lecture Theatre, Dugald Stewart Building, Informatics Forum, McEwan Hall, Potterrow Student Centre, Teviot Row House, and the old Medical School. Also located nearby are the Pleasance, Edinburgh College of Art, Old College, New College, and St Cecilia's Hall.
Pollock Halls: The largest residence hall for undergraduate students in their first year, housing over 2,000 students.
King's Buildings Campus: Located in the south of the city, housing most of the Science and Engineering College's research and teaching activities.
BioQuarter Campus: Based in the Little France area, home to the majority of medical facilities of the university, alongside the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

Governance and Administration

In common with the other ancient universities of Scotland, the University of Edinburgh is constituted by the Universities (Scotland) Acts 1858 to 1966.

University Court: The university's governing body and legal person, chaired by the rector.
General Council: Consists of graduates, academic staff, and current and former University Court members, ensuring graduate input in university management.
Senatus Academicus: The university's supreme academic body, responsible for teaching regulation and academic work planning, chaired by the principal.
Chancellor: The titular head of the university, elected by the General Council.
Principal: Responsible for the overall operation of the university in a chief executive role, appointed by the University Court.
Rector: Elected every three years by staff and students, presiding at the University Court.

Accommodation

CIEE Edinburgh offers comfortable housing in single rooms in central Edinburgh. Standard Housing includes a single room in a shared apartment/residence hall with an ensuite bathroom, shared kitchen, and living area, or a limited number of single rooms in homestays. In homestays, students live with a family, with or without another CIEE student, and immerse themselves in the city’s culture.

Food and Drink

For a taste of local cuisine, be sure to try haggis, the national dish of Scotland.

Recent Developments

Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal (2018): The university is a signatory to this £1.3 billion deal, focusing on delivering economic benefits through the Data-Driven Innovation initiative.
Richard Verney Health Centre (2020): Completion of the health center at the central area campus on Bristo Square.

Application Process

The application process for study abroad programs at the University of Edinburgh is competitive. GEO staff review application materials, and decisions are made after the application deadline. Early applications are encouraged. Successful applicants receive an exchange nomination from GEO and must complete the host university's application.

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