Founded in 1875, Queen Margaret University (QMU) has always been driven by providing up to date and relevant education and research. QMU’s courses have been developed to prepare students for fulfilling careers. Their vision is to be a university of ideas and influence.

The university offers a variety of learning and teaching methods, including group work, placements and hands-on projects with real clients. Many of their courses are recognised or accredited by professional bodies.

Courses and students

Modular courses, which allow flexibility in many degrees, are run through the following undergraduate degree subject areas:

• Business (including International Hospitality, Tourism and Events)
• Education
• Film, Communication and Design
• Health Sciences
• Nursing
• Performing Arts
• Psychology and Sociology.

Many courses include an integral placement, which can range from a few weeks to several months, providing students with real life experience in their area of study.

You could spend part of your undergraduate course abroad, at a European university, or one the partnerships with non-European universities. QMU has links with institutions in Canada, the USA, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand.

The university has 13,260 students (including 6,839 via partners overseas); 33.2% come from Scotland, 6.6% from the rest of the UK, 30.3% from Europe, and 29.9% from outside Europe (as of 24/25 academic year).

Facilities and Services

The university’s purpose-built campus is at the south-east side of Edinburgh, just 6 minutes by train from the city centre. It has an innovative learning resource centre (LRC), combining IT and library facilities, and offers a wide variety of flexible learning spaces.

It also includes well equipped specialist laboratories and clinics, en suite student accommodation, a students’ union building, sports facilities and attractive landscaped gardens. QMU is the first Scottish university to have an on-campus Business Gateway. The Gateway is run by East Lothian Council and located within QMU’s Business Innovation Zone.

The university is socially responsible and has won a number of green/sustainable awards.

Ranking

In the Complete University Guide's Subject League Table 2027, ranked 3rd in Scotland for both Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, and 4th for Nursing.

In The Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2026, ranked in the top 3 in Scotland for Social Inclusion and in the top 50 of UK institutions for Teaching Quality.

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