University of Edinburgh: A Comprehensive Guide to Majors, Rankings, and Student Life

Founded in 1583, the University of Edinburgh has a rich history of contributing significantly to the world through research and education. For over 400 years, the university has been at the forefront of innovation, with research leading to breakthroughs such as chloroform anaesthesia, the Higgs boson particle, and in-vitro fertilisation. This commitment to excellence is reflected in its consistent ranking among the world's top universities.

A Legacy of Excellence in Education and Research

The University of Edinburgh has consistently received high ratings for the quality of its student learning experience. It offers a wide array of programs, including more than 300 taught masters programmes, 180 research areas, and over 70 online programmes. Students have the unique opportunity to learn from influential academics, develop specialized skills, deepen their understanding, and gain new perspectives.

The University of Edinburgh is ranked 4th in the UK for research power (Times Higher Education, Overall Ranking of Institutions), with 90% of its research activity classified as world leading or internationally excellent in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

The university prides itself on its diverse and inclusive community, hosting over 49,000 students from 156 countries. It actively fosters an international environment, bringing together individuals with varied outlooks and perspectives. As a leading global university, the University of Edinburgh is committed to solving the problems of tomorrow.

Rankings and Recognition

The University of Edinburgh consistently ranks among the top universities globally. According to the QS World University Rankings 2026, it holds the 34th position. The university's standing in other prominent rankings further solidifies its reputation:

QS World University Rankings: 34th (2026), a drop of 7 places compared to 2025. This ranking measures university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. It also considers the ratio of international teachers and students, as well as research paper citations.
Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): 37th (2025), a climb of 3 places compared to 2024. This ranking considers the number of award-winning scientists, the amount of research cited, and contributions to academic fields.
Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings: The university does not have a ranking for 2026 yet. This ranking assesses universities based on new ideas, global reputation, and contributions to science and academic fields.

Employability and Career Prospects

The University of Edinburgh is dedicated to embedding employability into the teaching and learning experience. It is ranked in the UK’s top 10 universities for the employability of its graduates and our graduates are ranked 33rd in the world by employers. From volunteering schemes to a sector-leading Careers Service, the university offers numerous opportunities to develop skills, knowledge, and experience, providing a competitive edge in the job market. A free service is available for students looking to start their own businesses.

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Majors

The University of Edinburgh offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. Here's an overview of some of the majors available:

Undergraduate Programs

Anatomy and Development BSc (Hons): This program explores the closely linked fields of anatomy and developmental biology.
Ancient History MA (Hons): This program focuses on the history of ancient Greece and Rome.
Animation BA (Hons): Offered by the Edinburgh College of Art (ECA), this program is Scotland’s oldest established degree-level program in the subject area.
Applied Mathematics BSc (Hons) & MMath (Hons): These programs encourage students to think in new ways, developing a rigorous mindset and introducing them to new concepts.
Applied Sport Science BSc (Hons): This program studies human responses to sports, applying scientific principles to promote and enhance sport and exercise-related behaviours.
Arabic and… MA (Hons): A range of programs combining Arabic with other disciplines such as Ancient Greek, Business, French, History, Politics, Social Anthropology, and Spanish.
Architectural History and Archaeology MA (Hons): This program provides an understanding of architecture's formal qualities and theoretical frameworks.
Architectural History and Heritage MA (Hons): This program offers a broad study of the historic built environment.
Architecture BA/MA (Hons): Offered by the Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (ESALA), this program gives a wider understanding of architecture as part of culture and society.
Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science BSc (Hons): This program focuses on the construction of artificial systems with intelligent behaviour and the understanding, designing, implementing, and using of computing systems.
Artificial Intelligence BSc (Hons): This program focuses on the construction of artificial systems that have intelligent behaviour.
Astrophysics BSc (Hons) & MPhys: These programs introduce students to the basics of physics and demonstrate how this knowledge can be applied to the physics of astronomy.
Biological Sciences BSc (Hons) & MBiol: A range of programs covering various aspects of biological sciences, including Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Development, Regeneration, and Stem Cells, Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Genetics, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Molecular Genetics, Plant Science, and Zoology.
Biological Sciences with Management BSc (Hons): This program combines courses from the School of Biological Sciences and the Business School.
Biomedical Informatics (based in China) BSc (Hons): This program focuses on the study of managing, analysing, and interpreting biomedical data.
Biomedical Sciences BSc (Hons): This program aims to understand the function of the human body.
Celtic and… MA (Hons): A range of programs combining Celtic studies with other disciplines such as Archaeology, English Language, French, Scandinavian Studies, Scottish History, and Scottish Literature.
Celtic MA (Hons): This program explores the languages, literatures, histories, and cultures of the Celtic world, past and present.
Chemical Engineering BEng (Hons) & MEng (Hons): These programs focus on transforming raw materials into the materials and products we rely on.
Chemistry MChem: This program covers all areas of the field, from the basics to the latest advancements in chemical knowledge.
Childhood Practice BA (Ord): This part-time program prepares students for a management role in the early childhood learning and care sector.
Chinese and… MA (Hons): A range of programs combining Chinese with other disciplines such as French, German, History, Linguistics, Russian Studies, and Spanish.
Civil Engineering BEng (Hons) & MEng (Hons): These programs teach students how to build and operate the physical infrastructures of our environment.
Classical Archaeology and Ancient History MA (Hons): This program focuses on the study of classical civilisations' history and material culture.
Cognitive Science (Humanities) MA (Hons): This program explores the nature of the human mind and how language affects it.
Computational Physics BSc (Hons) & MPhys: These programs are designed for students interested in computing, modelling, and simulation.
Computer Science and Mathematics BSc (Hons): This program combines mathematics with computer science.
Computer Science BEng (Hons): This program focuses on understanding, designing, implementing, and using computing systems.
Veterinary Medicine (Graduate Entry Programme - 4-year programme) BVM&S: This program is a four-year Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery.
Theoretical Physics BSc (Hons): This program gives an excellent general overview of physics, with an emphasis on theoretical aspects.
Textiles BA (Hons): This program offers a rich exploration of materials in their broadest sense for a wide range of contexts and outcomes.
Structural and Fire Safety Engineering MEng (Hons): This program builds on many of the fundamental concepts of civil and environmental engineering.

Postgraduate Programs

Acoustics and Music Technology MSc: Explores the science and technology of sound and music.
Advanced Chemical Engineering MSc: Addresses global challenges in chemical engineering.
Advanced Power Engineering MSc: Trains students in the latest power engineering technologies.
Advanced Sustainable Design MSc: Focuses on sustainable design principles and practices.
Africa and International Development MSc: Explores issues related to Africa and international development.
Animal Breeding and Genetics MSc: Focuses on the application of quantitative genetics and genomics to animal breeding.
Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare MSc: Studies animal behaviour and welfare.
Architectural and Urban Design MSc: Explores architectural and urban design principles.
Architectural Conservation MSc: Studies the conservation of architectural heritage.
Architecture, Master of (ARB/RIBA Part 2) MArch: A postgraduate program in architecture.
Biblical Studies MTh, MSc: Offers a multidisciplinary foundation in the study of Buddhism.
Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants MSc: Develops expertise across fungi, lichens, algae and plants.
Biotechnology MSc: Explores how scientific knowledge can be used to the benefit of society and the economy through biotechnology.
Buddhist Studies MSc: Offers a multidisciplinary foundation in the study of Buddhism.
Business Administration, Master of MBA: Designed to enhance career prospects by focusing on strategic leadership.
Cancer Biology and Precision Oncology (Online Learning) MSc, PgCert, PgDip: Offers a fully online education in cancer biology and precision oncology.
Climate Change Finance and Investment MSc: Covers interdisciplinary approaches to low carbon finance.
Climate Change Management (Online Learning) MSc: Studies climate change management.
Climate Change Management MSc: Studies climate change management.
Clinical Education (Online Learning) MSc, PgCert, PgDip, PgProfDev: Studies clinical education.
Clinical Trials (Online Learning) MSc, PgDip, PgCert, PgProfDev: Studies clinical trials.
Comparative Education and International Development (CEID) MSc: Studies comparative education and international development.
Comparative Public Policy MSc: Provides intensive analytical training in the systematic comparison of social and public policies from an international perspective.
Contemporary Art Practice MA (eca): Studies contemporary art practice.
Contemporary Art Theory MA (eca): Studies contemporary art theory.
Counselling (Interpersonal Dialogue) MCouns: Studies counselling (interpersonal dialogue).
Counselling MCouns, PgCert, PgDip: Studies counselling.
Counselling Studies MSc: Studies counselling.
Criminology and Criminal Justice MSc: Engages with the complex problems raised by crime, justice and the pursuit of criminal justice in our contemporary world.
Critical Care (Online Learning) MSc, PgCert, PgDip, PgProfDev: Designed for healthcare professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in caring for critically ill adults.
Cyber Security, Privacy and Trust MSc: Focuses on the security of computer software.
Dance Science and Education MSc: Studies Dance Science & Education.
Data Driven Sustainability (Online Learning) PgCert (ICL), PgProfDev: Studies data driven sustainability.
Data Science MSc: Studies the computational principles, methods, and systems for extracting and structuring knowledge from data.
Data, Inequality and Society MSc: Studies data, inequality and society.
Design and Digital Media MSc: Studies design and digital media.
Design for Change MA (eca): Studies design for change.
Design Informatics MA (eca): Studies design informatics.
Digital Education (Online Learning) MSc, PgDip (ICL), PgCert (ICL): Includes courses on digital culture, digital education strategy and policy & game-based learning.
Digital Sociology MSc: Provides you with a rigorous introduction to the sociological study of digital society and digital culture.
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine DVetMed: Provides an opportunity for qualified veterinary surgeons to undertake a period of advanced clinical training in a chosen speciality.
Ecological Economics MSc: Studies ecological economics.
Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity MSc: Equips you to play a key role in developing solutions to the environmental challenges that are impacting biodiversity.
Economics / Economics (Econometrics) / Economics (Finance) MSc: Provides you with a high-quality and thorough training in economics and econometrics.
Education MSc: Provides an ideal foundation for students who wish to work in education policy, research or practice, or further doctoral level study.
Electrical Power Engineering MSc: Places a strong emphasis on power systems, electrical machines, and power electronics.
Electronics MSc: Provides a foundation in both digital and analogue electronics, as well as mixed-signal systems.
Energy, Society and Sustainability MSc: Studies energy, society and sustainability.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation MSc: Entrepreneurial and innovation skills are recognised valuable skills across different business models.
Environment and Development MSc: Studies environment & development.
Environment, Culture and Society MSc: Studies environment, culture & society.
Environmental Protection and Management MSc: Studies environmental protection & management.
Environmental Sustainability MSc: Studies environmental sustainability.
Evolutionary Genetics MSc: Develop your understanding of the general concepts in population and quantitative genetics and genomics.
Family Medicine (Online Learning) MFMDelivery: Studies family medicine.
Film Directing MA (eca): Studies film directing.
Finance, Technology and Policy MSc: Will help you bridge the knowledge gaps created by rapidly developing technology in the financial sector.
Fire Engineering Science MSc: Will teach you how fires burn (fire dynamics), how regulators control fire risks, and how our environment can be changed to mitigate fire risks.
Food Security MSc: Studies food security.
Future Governance MSc: Explores the challenges and opportunities that digital technologies bring to democracy and decision-making.
GeoEnergy MSc: Studies GeoEnergy.
Geographical Information Science and Earth Observation MSc: Studies GIS and Earth Observation.
Global Environment, Politics and Society MSc: Studies Global Environment, Politics & Society.
Global Health Policy MSc: Studies Global Health Policy.
Global Health Studies (Online Learning) PgCert (ICL), PgProfDev: Includes subjects in animal health, biodiversity, conservation, forensics, infectious diseases, sanitation and water issues.
Global Mental Health and Society MSc: Studies Global Mental Health and Society.
Global Premodern Art: History, Heritage and Curation MSc: Studies Global Premodern Art: History, Heritage and Curation.
Graphic Design MA (eca): Encourages bold, lateral approaches, with a clear understanding of process and technique, to produce innovative, emotive and enduring design.
High Performance Computing MSc, PgDip: Develop and run software.
History (Online Learning) MSc: Gain a graduate degree from a world-leading university.
History of Art, Theory and Display MSc: Studies History of Art, Theory and Display.
Human Anatomy MSc: Studies Human Anatomy.
Human Complex Trait Genetics MSc: Focuses on the application of quantitative genetics and genomics to human complex traits.
Illustration MA (eca): Studies illustration.
Inclusive Education MSc, PgDip (ICL): Studies areas of inclusive pedagogy, including deaf studies, bilingualism, child protection, language and communication.
Interior, Architectural and Spatial Design MA (eca): Studies Interior, Architectural and Spatial Design.
Internal Medicine (Online Learning) MSc, PgCert, PgDip, PgProfDev: Studies Internal Medicine.
International and European Politics MSc: Studies International & European Politics.
International Development (Online Learning) MSc: Studies International Development.
International Development MSc: Studies International Development.
International Relations MSc: Explores topics such as war, terrorism, power, diplomacy, climate change, trade, poverty, migration and international cooperation.
Landscape and Wellbeing MSc: Studies Landscape and Wellbeing.
Landscape Architecture MLA: Studies Landscape Architecture.
Language and Intercultural Communication MSc: Studies Language and Intercultural Communication.
Language Education MSc: Studies Language Education.
Law (Online Learning) PgCertDelivery Studies Law.

This list is not exhaustive, and the University of Edinburgh website should be consulted for a complete and up-to-date list of available programs.

Student Services and Campus Life

The University of Edinburgh provides a comprehensive range of student services to support students' academic, personal, and professional development.

Support Services

All Edinburgh postgraduates benefit from our inspiring research culture. The academics involved in your teaching and learning are leaders in their fields and although the emphasis at postgraduate level is very much on independent study, support from our teaching staff is always on hand.Students receive support from academic and professional staff, who provide academic and wellbeing guidance. International students are offered events and information to help them settle in and activities to support their experiences as students.

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Accommodation

Edinburgh students come from all over the world to study here and we aim to provide the best range and standard of accommodation possible. Accommodation for postgraduate students is all self-catered and can be found across a range of convenient locations within easy reach of most key University buildings and Edinburgh’s city centre.

University accommodation benefits:

Inclusive bills
Key locations in the City
Free Wifi
Access to laundry facilities
24/7 welfare and support service
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Payment plan options
No deposits and no references required

Libraries and ICT Services

At Edinburgh you will have access to 10 libraries, including the third largest academic library in Europe, millions of printed and online volumes and access to 700,000 electronic journals and databases.

The University has an extensive computing network. You'll benefit from:

45 open-access computer areas with more than 1,200 computers across the University
100 open-access computers in University cafe areas
over 70 open-access computers in University study pods and study rooms
24-hour computer access in key locations
almost 100% Wi-Fi coverage in our buildings
free laptop loans from our libraries

Medical Services

The University cares about the health and wellbeing of our students and offer a number of services to ensure you are fully supported. The Health and Wellbeing Centre, a dedicated hub for students, t houses the Student Counselling Service and Disability Services, the University Health Centre and the University Pharmacy.

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Campus Life and Extracurricular Activities

The University is at the heart of the city of Edinburgh. Regularly voted one of the most desirable places to live in the world, Edinburgh is large enough to offer something for everyone but small enough to feel like home. It is a modern, sophisticated and beautiful European city, with a diverse multicultural community and is ranked 2nd best student city in the United Kingdom, 6th best student city in Europe and 13th in the world*. * QS Best Student Cities 2025

The University has long been recognised as one of the UK’s leading sporting universities, consistently finishing in the top four of the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) rankings. Our facilities include: Pleasance Sport Complex and Gym, Outdoor sport at Peffermill Playing Fields, Climbing/bouldering walls, 40 station satellite gym at the Easter Bush Campus, 25m swimming pool in the St Leonard’s Land Building, Climbing wall and bouldering room at the Pleasance, Year-round programme of over 100 exercise classes a week, Flexible and affordable membership packages, Expert instructors to guide.

Edinburgh University Students’ Association has more than 290 societies covering a diverse range of interests, so you’re sure to find something of interest. If not, we can help you set up your own. Societies provide a place to meet like-minded people, indulge in a hobby, or simply socialise. The Students’ Association also offers opportunities for volunteering in the community, so you may find yourself volunteering as a tour guide at a local heritage centre or playing football with local kids. These rewarding experiences will develop your skills and enhance your employability.

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