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 departments:

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

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 11,483 students (including 4,988 via partners overseas); 38.8% come from Scotland, 7.3% from the rest of the UK, 32.1 from Europe, and 21.7% from outside Europe (as of 23/24 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

The university is ranked 1st in the UK for graduate prospects in Nursing and Midwifery, and 1st in the UK for graduate prospects in Physiotherapy, in the Complete University Guide 2025.

2nd amongst UK and Scottish HE institutions for Paramedic Science and 2nd in Scotland (11th in the UK) for Drama, in the Guardian University Guide 2025.

Ranked 1st in Scotland for Teaching Quality and Student Experience in Nursing, and 2nd in the UK for Radiography, in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

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