The University of Edinburgh – College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine

Introduction

We are globally recognised for our research, development and innovation and we’ve provided our students with world-class teaching for more than 425 years.

An Edinburgh degree works for you

The University of Edinburgh is one of the world’s top universities, ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide and placed 27th in the 2025 QS World University Rankings.

Our graduates are ranked 26th in the world by employers1.

Excellence in research

The University of Edinburgh has an international reputation for innovative research across a wide range of disciplines.

According to the results of the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF2021), the University is ranked fourth in the UK based on the quality and breadth of its research - known as research power - and is Scotland’s top-ranked institution.

The REF2021 results reveal that nearly 90 per cent of the University’s research activity is in the highest categories – 4 star and 3 star – which are classified respectively as ‘ world-leading’ and ‘internationally excellent’, a growth of 10 percentage points since the previous REF in 2014.

Innovation in teaching

We are always working to develop innovative approaches to teaching in order to discover the methods that work best for students, including e-learning techniques and peer-assisted learning.

Experts in online learning

Since 2005 we have welcomed more than 10,000 online students from over 160 countries. Our flexible and supportive programmes are well-established and an increasingly popular choice for students looking to balance further study with professional or family commitments.

Beautiful capital city

Ranked in the world’s top 15 student cities2, Edinburgh is a compact city with excellent transport links, which makes it easy to get around and to travel to other parts of Scotland.

Large enough to offer something for everyone, but small enough to feel like home, Edinburgh is a modern, sophisticated and beautiful European city with a diverse, multicultural community.

Facilities and support to help you succeed

You will have access to one of the largest and most important academic libraries in the world, housing over 1.8 million printed volumes. You’ll also benefit from 45 open-access computer labs with 24-hour access across key locations, as well as free laptop loans from our libraries.

We offer a free Student Counselling Service and a University Health Centre, and our Student Disability Service provides a range of support for students with disabilities. We also offer excellent childcare services, making it easier to juggle parenthood and study.

Impressive global community

Our ambitious internationalisation strategy ensures the teaching and research we deliver offers global benefits. We collaborate with a host of world-leading institutions in fields as diverse as e-science, engineering, life and medical sciences, and arts and culture. We’re also a member of the global research network Universitas 21 and the European networks Coimbra Group and LERU. We are ranked 6th in Europe according to the QS World University Rankings 20253.

Leading on social responsibility and sustainability

We are committed to being a world leader in addressing global challenges including poverty, climate change and the growing demand for energy, food and water. The University is among the world’s top institutions for tackling the world’s most pressing environmental and social issues, we’re ranked 15th in the world for Sustainability4

As Scotland’s first Fairtrade University, we have been promoting better conditions for farmers and communities in developing countries since 2004.

We have championed environmental sustainability since the early 1990s and were a founder signatory to the Universities and Colleges Climate Commitment 2009 and to the 10:10 campaign.

The University is host to several Global Academies committed to tackling issues related to health, justice, environment, and agriculture and food security. The Academies cross boundaries in research and teaching, adopting a multi-disciplinary response to challenging global issues.

1QS World University Rankings 2024
2QS Student Cities 2025
3QS World University Rankings: Europe 2025
4QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2024

Gallery

Visa Requirements

You may need to apply for a student visa to enter the UK.

Rankings

We’re consistently ranked one of the best 50 universities in the world. We’re 27th in the 2025 QS World University Rankings.

Our graduates are ranked 26th in the world by employers. (QS World University Rankings 2024)

Edinburgh is ranked 13th in the worlds’ top student cities. (QS Best Student Cities 2025)

Student Testimonials

Murotiwamambo, Zimbabwe, MSc Data Science, Technology, and Innovation

"I really appreciated the flexibility of learning online because I was working full-time throughout my masters. I was also able to implement practical things I was learning in my masters in my job. By completing certain courses on the programme, I managed to slowly do a career transition by proving to my bosses at work that I could handle more diverse responsibilities."

An extraordinary place to expand your knowledge

With dedicated student support, exemplary educators and a thriving academic environment, Edinburgh is an extraordinary place to develop your skills and knowledge.

Hazrul, Singapore, MSc Digital Media Design

"The academic staff were of course, brilliant. I benefited a lot from the professors that I studied from. I'm very grateful that I got the opportunity to study from some of the best in the world."