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University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh and How You Can Get There

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, a mixture of medieval atmosphere and classic contemporary architecture of Europe. Here, at the University of Edinburgh, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle invented the famous character Sherlock Holmes, and scientists cloned the first animal, Dolly the sheep, from the adult somatic cell. 

Regardless of whether you are a citizen of Scotland or any other country of the world, the University of Edinburgh is available to you as well, with its rich history and academic experience starting from the official opening in 1583. 

This article summarizes the main opportunities you have for applying to the University of Edinburgh. Read on if that’s where you want to upgrade your skills and knowledge.
 

What can I study here?

The University of Edinburgh offers you an opportunity to master more than 20 professions. Those separate departments are grouped within the three prominent colleges presented below. 

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Initially, the college was called the College of Humanities and Social Science. From August 2016, the college added some new schools and renamed into College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences. 

CAHSS is the largest of all three colleges at the University of Edinburgh. Here, you can master 12 different and up-to-date professions, including:

College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine

The college is designed for professionals who are interested in different branches of medicine. The central two academic units within the college include Edinburgh Medical School and The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.

Edinburgh Medical School allows you to master Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, and Molecular, Genetic, and Population Health Sciences. The school’s experience started in 1726 and is currently located in a large territory occupying several campuses. 

There is also a chance for Veterinary students who can apply to the Royal School of Veterinary Studies. This academic institution is ranked one of the highest in its field in the UK.  
 

College of Science and Engineering

The last of three colleges at the University of Edinburgh, College of Science and Engineering, consists of seven primary schools. You can upgrade here your professional skills in any of the following seven directions:

How can I apply to the above-mentioned schools?

The links for each department will take you to the dedicated sections of the University’s website, where you will be able to have a detailed description of eligibility criteria and application procedures. However, the University of Edinburgh diversifies its application procedures into two main parts: undergraduate and graduate. 

Scroll down to the section corresponding to your academic level.

How to apply for an undergraduate at the University of Edinburgh?

There are four main entry requirements that undergraduate students should consider when applying to the University of Edinburgh. 

Standard entry requirements

Standard entry requirements are the required levels of grades, which are applicable for applying to a specific degree program. Those are typically your exam results, and they are unique for each specific academic program you will choose. 

The excuses from standard entry requirements are made for specific groups of students, such as those eligible for the Plus flag. 

Minimum entry requirements

In addition to standard entry requirements, each degree also has its minimum entry requirements, which is the lowest base of the grades that a student should collect in order to be eligible for a particular program. 

Note that passing that level ensures you entered the selection process but does not guarantee you a positive result. 

Subjects

It goes without saying that your previous academic background should be relevant to what you are applying to at the University of Edinburgh. That’s why you will be required to present a standard of minimum required grades from certain subjects. In addition, there will be preferred subjects, which are not required but will give you a competitive advantage in the selection process. Also, you might have recommended subjects, which will be good to prepare for your studies.

English requirements

Proof of English proficiency is a must regardless of your nationality and chosen academic program. The University of Edinburgh accepts all the internationally recognized tests for English proficiency, including IELTS, TOEFL, Trinity ISE, or LanguageCert International ESOL. 

You should double-check your chosen undergraduate degree requirements as there might be a difference in the English requirements. However, the basic level you should meet is the following:

  • National 5 at C

  • SQA Standard Grade at 3

  • SQA Intermediate 1 at A

  • SQA Intermediate 2 at C

  • GCSE/IGCSE at C or 4

  • Level 2 Certificate at C

  • IB Standard Level at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)

Read more details on English requirements. 

Further, if you meet the main eligibility criteria for undergraduate admissions, carefully check the technical aspect of organizing your application

How to apply to graduate studies at the University of Edinburgh?

The admission requirements for graduate students are relatively simpler. To become a graduate student at the University of Edinburgh, you should:

  • Hold a degree in an appropriate subject specified for your chosen program

  • Have a classification equivalent to first or upper second class honors in the UK

Similar to undergraduate programs, graduate entry requirements also include the need for English proficiency. Here are the details for graduate-level English conditions, which have slight differences from that of undergraduate.  

Further, if you meet the main eligibility criteria for graduate admissions, carefully check the technical aspect of organizing your application.

Is there a difference in requirements based on the country of residence?

Yes. 

The University of Edinburgh has predefined entry requirements for students coming from different geographic locations. Choose your area of residence below for more details:

Website

https://www.ed.ac.uk/

Email

Phone

+44 131 650 1000

Address

Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh EH8 9YL