University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh (Scots: University o Edinburgh, Scottish Gaelic: Oilthigh Dhùn Èideann; abbreviated as Edin. in post-nominals) is a public research university in Edinburgh, Scotland. It was founded by the town council in 1582 under a royal charter from King James VI and opened its doors in 1583. As one of Scotland's four ancient universities and the sixth-oldest university in the English-speaking world, it helped make Edinburgh a famous center of learning during the Scottish Enlightenment, earning the city the nickname "Athens of the North".

Today, the University of Edinburgh is highly respected around the world. It regularly ranks among the top 40 universities in major global rankings and belongs to several groups of leading research universities, such as the Coimbra Group, League of European Research Universities, Russell Group, Una Europa, and Universitas 21. The university has beautiful historic buildings across five main campuses in Edinburgh.

With over 68,000 undergraduate applications each year, it is the largest university in Scotland and the fourth-largest in the United Kingdom. Many famous people studied there, including inventor Alexander Graham Bell, naturalist Charles Darwin, and philosopher David Hume. The university has also been linked to 20 Nobel Prize winners and many other accomplished individuals from around the world.

History

Early history

In 1557, Bishop Robert Reid made a plan to build a college in Edinburgh. He wanted to teach subjects like rhetoric and poetry, not just the usual ones like philosophy.

The plans for the college were delayed for many years because of religious changes. In 1582, King James VI gave permission for the college to be built. It opened its doors to students in 1583 with about 80 to 90 students. The college mainly taught liberal arts and divinity. A graduate from the University of St Andrews named Robert Rollock was the first teacher. He taught all the first-year students for four years. The first group of students finished their studies in 1587, and 47 students graduated with an M.A. degree. When King James VI visited in 1617, he changed the college’s name to the “Colledge of King James.” Over time, it became known as the University of Edinburgh.

18th and 19th century

During the 18th century, the university was very important during the Scottish Enlightenment. Many famous thinkers taught there, including Adam Smith, David Hume, and Joseph Black.

In 1785, new buildings were built for the university. It became known for teaching anatomy and surgery and was one of the best medical schools.

In 1869, a group of women known as the Edinburgh Seven started studying medicine at the university. They faced a lot of difficulties but eventually helped make it possible for women to study and work in medicine.

20th century

During World War I, the university grew and added new buildings. In 1920, a new campus called King’s Buildings was created for science subjects.

In 1941, the Polish School of Medicine was started to help students and doctors from Poland during the war.

In 1998, the Moray House Institute of Education joined the university, becoming part of its education programs.

21st century

In the 2000s, the university built new campuses and research centers. In 2011, the Edinburgh College of Art joined the university. The university also started working with other institutions around the world and created new programs for students.

Historical links

The University of Edinburgh has influenced many other universities around the world. Graduates from its Medical School helped start medical schools at places like Columbia University, Dartmouth College, and Harvard University. Others used ideas from Edinburgh to shape schools in Canada, Australia, and the United States.

Campuses and buildings

The University of Edinburgh has five main sites in Edinburgh: Central Area, King's Buildings, BioQuarter, Easter Bush, and Western General.

The Central Area is the oldest part of the university. It includes important buildings such as St Cecilia's Hall, Scotland's oldest concert hall, and Teviot Row House, the world's oldest students' union building. The Central Area has many classrooms, offices, and special spaces for learning.

Central Area

The Central Area is in Edinburgh's Southside and Old Town. It is home to many classes and offices for arts, humanities, social sciences, and computer science. Famous buildings here include 40 George Square, Appleton Tower, the Main Library, and the Gordon Aikman Lecture Theatre. Other important spots are Bristo Square with the Dugald Stewart Building, Informatics Forum, McEwan Hall, Potterrow Student Centre, Teviot Row House, and the old Medical School. The Pleasance hosts events for students, and Edinburgh College of Art is in Lauriston. North of George Square are the Old College with Edinburgh Law School, New College on The Mound with the School of Divinity, and St Cecilia's Hall. Some buildings are used for the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe each summer.

Pollock Halls

Main article: Pollock Halls of Residence

Pollock Halls is the biggest place for first-year students to live. It has over 2,000 rooms in ten buildings with green spaces between them. Two older buildings were torn down in 2002, and a new one called Chancellor's Court opened in 2003. Most students live in self-catered flats. The John McIntyre Conference Centre, a major meeting place, opened in 2009.

Holyrood

See also: Moray House School of Education

The Holyrood campus is near the Royal Mile. It used to be Moray House Institute for Education before joining the university in 1998. The campus now has sports facilities, O'Shea Hall for postgraduate students, and centers for learning and professional studies.

King's Buildings

Main article: King's Buildings

King's Buildings is in the south of the city and is a big area for science and engineering. It has many buildings for different subjects like mobile phones, physics, chemistry, and engineering. The campus used to have three libraries, but now has the Noreen and Kenneth Murray Library. It also has centers for technology, business, and the environment.

BioQuarter

Main article: Edinburgh BioQuarter

BioQuarter is in Little France and has most of the university's medical buildings, including the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. It has places for studying medicine, like the Centre for Regenerative Medicine and the Queen's Medical Research Institute.

Easter Bush

The Easter Bush campus is seven miles south of the city and is home to the Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, and centers for animal welfare and veterinary care. The Roslin Institute became famous in 1996 for cloning Dolly the sheep, the first mammal cloned from an adult cell.

Western General

The Western General campus is near Western General Hospital and includes facilities for biomedical research, clinical studies, and genetics.

• Modern architecture at the University of Edinburgh

• Appleton Tower

• Business School

[Centre for Regenerative Medicine](/wiki/Centre_for_Regenerative_Medicine)

[Erskine Williamson](/wiki/Erskine_Douglas_Williamson) Building, [King's Buildings](/wiki/King's_Buildings)

[Informatics Forum](/wiki/Informatics_Forum), School of Informatics

[Roslin Institute](/wiki/Roslin_Institute)

[Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh](/wiki/Royal_Infirmary_of_Edinburgh), School of Medicine

[Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies](/wiki/Royal_\(Dick\)_School_of_Veterinary_Studies)

Organisation and administration

Governance

The University of Edinburgh is governed by three main groups: the University Court, the General Council, and the Senatus Academicus. The University Court is the main decision-making body, led by the rector and including the principal, Lord Provost of Edinburgh, and other members. The General Council includes graduates and staff, and it helps manage the university’s overall well-being. The Senatus Academicus is the main academic group, led by the principal, and it oversees teaching and planning.

University officials

The university has three key leaders: the chancellor, rector, and principal. The chancellor is the ceremonial head, currently Princess Anne. The principal, currently Sir Peter Mathieson, manages the university’s daily operations. The rector, currently Simon Fanshawe, is elected by staff and students and helps represent their interests.

Colleges and schools

The university is organized into three main colleges: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; Science & Engineering; and Medicine & Vet Medicine. Each college includes several schools focusing on different subjects. For example, the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences college includes schools like Business, Law, and History.

Medicine and Veterinary Medicine

The medical school at Edinburgh has a long history of excellence and has produced many important graduates. It continues to be highly ranked in the world for medical education and research.

Science and Engineering

Science and Engineering at Edinburgh have deep roots, with early teaching in natural philosophy. Over the centuries, the university has developed strong programs in fields like Chemistry, Engineering, and Astronomy, contributing to major scientific advances.

Staff, community and networking

The university supports its staff through various networks and societies, helping researchers connect across different subjects. These groups work together to support diversity and inclusion within the university community.

Academic profile

The University of Edinburgh is part of important groups of top universities in the UK and around the world. It works closely with Heriot-Watt University for teaching and research. Students can also take free online courses through platforms like Coursera, Edx, and FutureLearn.

The university is known for its high standards. Many students apply each year, and it is one of the most selective in the UK. Some of the most popular courses include Business Studies, Law, and Medicine. International students also apply to study here.

Graduation ceremonies happen in a special hall called McEwan Hall. Graduates receive a special hat called the Geneva Bonnet as part of the tradition.

The university has a big library, which is the largest academic library in Scotland. It also offers chances for students to study at partner universities around the world, including places in Europe, North America, Asia, and more.

The university is highly respected for its research and teaching. It ranks well in many subjects, such as Computer Science, Medicine, and the Arts. However, some surveys show room for improvement in teaching quality and student feedback.

Student life

Students' Association

Main article: Edinburgh University Students' Association

The Edinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA) includes a students' union and a students' representative council. EUSA's buildings include Teviot Row House, The Pleasance, Potterrow Student Centre, Kings Buildings House, as well as shops, cafés and refectories across the campuses. Teviot Row House is the oldest purpose-built student union building in the world. Most of these buildings are used as venues during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August. EUSA represents students to the university and the wider world, and is responsible for over 250 student societies. The association has five office bearers – a president and four vice presidents. EUSA is affiliated with the National Union of Students (NUS).

Debate

The University of Edinburgh is home to the Diagnostic Society of Edinburgh which was founded in 1787. It is the oldest student debating society in the UK. The society is indirectly associated with the university through the students union as an unincorporated society.

Performing arts

Amateur dramatic societies benefit from Edinburgh being an important cultural hub for comedy, amateur and fringe theatre throughout the UK, most prominently through the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

The Edinburgh University Music Society (EUMS) is a student-run musical organisation, which is Scotland's oldest student's musical society; it can be traced back to a concert in February 1867. It performs three concert series throughout the year whilst also undertaking a programme of charity events and education projects.

The Edinburgh University Theatre Company (EUTC), founded in 1890 as the Edinburgh University Drama Society, is known for running Bedlam Theatre, the oldest student-run theatre in Britain and venue for the Fringe. EUTC also funds improvised comedy troupe The Improverts during term time and the Fringe. Alumni include Sir Michael Boyd, Ian Charleson, Kevin McKidd, and Greg Wise.

The Edinburgh Studio Opera is a student opera company in Edinburgh. It performs at least one fully staged opera each year. The Edinburgh University Savoy Opera Group (EUSOG) is an opera and musical theatre company founded by students in 1961 to promote and perform the comic operettas of Sir William Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan, collectively known as Savoy Operas after the theatre in which they were originally staged.

The Edinburgh University Footlights are a musical theatre company founded in 1989 and produce two large scale shows a year. One of the founders is the Theatre Producer Colin Ingram. Theatre Parodok, founded in 2004, is a student theatre company that aims to produce shows that are "experimental without being exclusive". They stage one large show each semester and one for the festival.

Media

The Student is a fortnightly student newspaper. Founded in 1887 by writer Robert Louis Stevenson, it is the oldest student newspaper in the United Kingdom. Former writers of the newspaper include politicians Gordon Brown, Robin Cook, and Lord Steel of Aikwood. It has been independent of the university since 1992, but was forced to temporarily fold in 2002 due to increasing debts. The newspaper won a number of student newspaper awards in the years following its relaunch.

The Journal was an independent publication, established in 2007 by three students and former writers for The Student. It was also distributed to other higher education institutions in the city, such as Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Napier University, and Telford College. It was the largest such publication in Scotland, with a print run of 10,000 copies. Despite winning a number of awards for its journalism, the magazine folded in 2015 due to financial difficulties.

FreshAir, launched on 3 October 1992, is an alternative music student radio station. The station is one of the oldest surviving student radio stations in the UK, and won the "Student Radio Station of the Year" award at the annual Student Radio Awards in 2004.

In September 2015, the Edinburgh University Student Television (EUTV) became the newest addition to the student media scene at the university, producing a regular magazine-style programme, documentaries and other special events.

Sport

Main article: Edinburgh University Sports Union

Student sport at Edinburgh consists of clubs covering the more traditional rugby, football, rowing and judo, to the more unconventional korfball, gliding and mountaineering. In 2021, the university had over 65 sports clubs run by Edinburgh University Sports Union (EUSU).

The Scottish Varsity, known as the "world's oldest varsity match", is a rugby match played annually against the University of St Andrews dating back over 150 years. Discontinued in the 1950s, the match was resurrected in 2011 and was staged in London at the home of London Scottish RFC. It is played at the beginning of the academic year, and since 2015 has been staged at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh.

The Scottish Boat Race is an annual rowing race between the Glasgow University Boat Club and the Edinburgh University Boat Club, rowed between competing eights on the River Clyde in Glasgow, Scotland. Started in 1877, it is believed to be the third-oldest university boat race in the world, predated by the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race and the Harvard–Yale Regatta.

Edinburgh athletes have repeatedly been successful at the Olympic Games: Sprinter Eric Liddell won gold and bronze at the 1924 Summer Olympics. At the 1948 Summer Olympics, alumnus Jackie Robinson won a gold medal with the American Basketball team. Trap shooter Bob Braithwaite secured a gold medal at the 1968 Summer Olympics. Cyclist Sir Chris Hoy won six gold and one silver medal between 2000 and 2012. Rower Dame Katherine Grainger won a gold medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics, and four further silver medals between 2000 and 2016. Edinburgh was the most successful UK university at the 2012 Games with two gold medals from Hoy and one from Grainger.

Student activism

There are a number of campaigning societies at the university, including but not limited to the environment and poverty campaigning group People & Planet and the Amnesty International Society. International development organisations include Edinburgh Global Partnerships, which was established as a student-led charity in 1990. There is also a significant left-wing presence on campus, including an anti-austerity group, Edinburgh University Anarchist Society, Edinburgh University Socialist Society, Edinburgh Young Greens, Feminist Society, LGBT+ Pride, Marxist Society, and Justice for Palestine Society.

Protests, demonstrations and occupations are regular occurrences at the university. The activist group People & Planet took over Charles Stewart House in 2015 and again in 2016 in protest over the university's investment in companies active in arms manufacturing or fossil fuel extraction. In May 2015, a security guard was charged in relation to the occupations.

Student co-operatives

There are three student-run co-operatives associated with the University: Edinburgh Student Housing Co-operative (ESHC), providing affordable housing for 106 students; the Hearty Squirrel Food Cooperative, providing local, organic and affordable food to students and staff; and the SHRUB Coop, a swap and re-use hub aimed at reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Of these, only the Hearty Squirrel Co-operative operates on campus. ESHC is based on the Bruntsfield Links south of the University's central campus, and hosts students from all three city universities and Edinburgh College. The SHRUB co-operative was formed partly by University of Edinburgh students but is now run by interested members from across Edinburgh. The co-operatives form part of the Students for Cooperation network.

Notable people

Main articles: List of University of Edinburgh people and List of University of Edinburgh medical people

The University of Edinburgh has been linked to many important discoveries and achievements. Some of these include the start of Antiseptic surgery, Bayesian statistics, Economics, Electromagnetism, Evolution, Knot theory, modern Geology, Nephrology, Endocrinology, Hematology, Dermatology, Epigenetics, Gestalt psychology, Thermodynamics, Colloid chemistry, Wave theory, the discovery of Brownian motion, discoveries related to Magnesium, carbon dioxide, latent heat and specific heat, chloroform anaesthesia, the Hepatitis B vaccine, the Cygnus X-1 black hole, the Higgs mechanism and Higgs boson, the structure of DNA, the HPV vaccine, Iridium and Osmium, Nitrogen, Strontium, SARS coronavirus, the invention of the Stirling engine, the Cavity magnetron, the ATM, the refrigerator and artificial refrigeration, the diving chamber, the reflecting telescope, the hypodermic syringe, the kaleidoscope, the pneumatic tyre, the telephone, the telpherage, and the vacuum flask.

Many famous people have studied or worked at the university. This includes leaders, scientists, writers, and athletes from many countries around the world.

Nobel and Nobel equivalent prizes

See also: List of Nobel laureates by university affiliation

As of October 2024, 20 Nobel Prize winners have been connected to the university. These include important figures in science, economics, and medicine.

Heads of state and government

In popular culture

The University of Edinburgh has been featured in many books, movies, and TV shows.

The famous story The Body Snatcher by Robert Louis Stevenson was inspired by real events in Edinburgh. A movie called Burke & Hare was made about these events in 2010. Many stories by Arthur Conan Doyle, including those about Sherlock Holmes, were influenced by his time at the university.

The university has also appeared in films like Journey to the Center of the Earth and Chariots of Fire, as well as TV shows such as NCIS and Clique. Scenes for these productions were often filmed at real university locations.