The University
of Edinburgh
Introduction
The largest research university in Scotland
provides an unparalleled number of undergraduate and postgraduate
degree courses across the academic spectrum: Humanities &
Social Science, Medicine & Veterinary Medicine and Science
& Engineering. Founded in 1583, it is widely regarded as a
world leader for its research and teaching in subjects as diverse
as Biomedicine, Law, Physics and Informatics. It has a substantial
international profile and focus, strengthened by exchange links
with prestigious universities such as Chicago, Beijing, Melbourne
and Helsinki.
Quick facts
Website address
http://www.ed.ac.uk/
Courses
The University of Edinburgh has a worldwide
reputation for excellence in teaching and research in a broad range
of academic and professional subjects. Students enjoy
world-class facilities, close links with industry and innovative
teaching. It offers over 500 different first degree courses,
including 300 joint degree combinations. Over 130 research
degrees and 200 taught postgraduate degrees are on offer.
Highlights
- Unique purpose-built 12,000m2 research facility to house the
internationally-acclaimed School of Informatics – opened late
2007
- Main university library (one of the world’s largest and most
important academic libraries) under complete redevelopment
- A £3m cancer centre, due to open in June 2008, is to be part of
the major investment in the University’s Royal (Dick) School of
Veterinary Studies
- Investment in teaching and research includes a brand new £38m
medical school, completed in 2002, and a linked £49m medical
research institute, completed in August 2005
- Excellent track record in commercialisation of research - in
June 2007 a University of Edinburgh spin-out company, MTEM Ltd
[http://www.mtem.com/] (the largest ever spinout from a Scottish
university) was bought by a Norwegian firm which provides services
to the oil industry and a new £25m fund has been created by
Braveheart Ventures [http://www.braveheart-ventures.co.uk/] to
invest in spin-outs and other opportunities emanating from the
University
- Constantly developing new and innovative teaching methods. The
School of Divinity has developed e-teaching methods that are
integrated with more traditional teaching methods. The School of
Law is pioneering a Peer Assisted Learning Scheme.
Areas of Speciality
- Home to the largest Law School in Scotland which
celebrated its 300th anniversary in 2007
- Each undergraduate degree offered within Engineering and
Electronics is accredited by the relevant professional body
- Salaried placements in pharmaceutical research companies for
selected Biological and Biomedical Sciences students
- Music students have access to an exceptionally fine music
library, well-equipped recording studios and excellent practice
facilities.
Awards
- The University of Edinburgh came fifth in the Guardian's
University Guide for 2008 and 2009.
Location
The University of Edinburgh has strong historical and cultural
links with the city of Edinburgh and its iconic buildings form part
of the fabric of the city with which it is so intrinsically
linked. Its buildings reflect the growth of the University
over more than 400 years, and include beautiful examples of
Georgian architecture alongside cutting-edge 21st century design.
The University’s main administrative centre is based at Old College
on Edinburgh’s South Bridge.
Undergraduate students: 18,370
Postgraduate students: 6,671
International students: 6,000 - over 130
nationalities represented
Some famous alumni:
Politics: Gordon Brown (Prime
Minister), Robin Cook (MP and former Secretary of State), Tessa
Jowell (MP and Minister for the Olympics), Sir Malcolm Rifkind (MP
and former Foreign Secretary), Jim Wallace (MSP, former leader of
Scottish Liberal Democrats), David Steel (member of House of Lords
and former leader of the Liberal Party), Stella Rimington (former
Director General MI5), John Witherspoon (signatory of United States
Declaration of Independence), Benjamin Rush (founding father of the
USA), Roseanna Cunningham (MSP).
Media and the Arts: David
Hume (philosopher), Sir Walter Scott (author), Robert Louis
Stevenson (author), Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (author), Ian Rankin
(author), Kirsty Wark (TV presenter and journalist).
Science: Charles Darwin
(naturalist and author of Origin of the Species), James Clerk
Maxwell (physicist) , Joseph Black (physicist and chemist).
Sports: Gregor Townsend
(rugby union international), Chris Hoy (cyclist Olympic Gold
Medallist), Katherine Grainger (rower Olympic Silver
Medallist).
