Edinburgh University is one of the oldest educational institutions in the UK. It is located in the southeastern part of Scotland, in the ancient city of Edinburgh. Thanks to its innovative methods, this educational institution has become one of the most prestigious places where students from all over the world strive to complete their studies.
A bit of history
The official date of foundation of this educational institution is considered to be 1583. The University of Scotland began as a college of law. Thanks to the inheritance received from one of the college graduates, the educational institution was able to expand to the size of a standard European university. The city of Edinburgh, in the person of its most respectable citizens, sent a petition to King James IV. The result was the famous royal charter, which laid the foundation for the University of Edinburgh. This is the first university in Europe, which was founded by royal decree, and not by papal bull, so for a long time was the title of King James College. The new school opened its doors to its first students in October 1583.
From the very first days of its existence, the university belongs to the category of "Prestigious universities in the UK." This was already the fourth higher educational institution in Scotland, which had a strong reputation (only two universities existed on English lands at that time).
By the middle of the 19th century, it became clear that the former premises of the educational institution were crowded, and it was necessary to look for opportunities to expand hostels, lecture halls and laboratories. The Faculty of Medicine was commissioned to equip the Rovanda Rowanda, who brilliantly coped with this task: in 1875, the medical college was rebuilt and equipped with the latest equipment.
Other areas also expanded their area: the Institute of the University of Geography took over the premises that once belonged to the Royal Infirmary; New College was built for the school of theology, and old buildings of historical value, as in ancient times, were given to future lawyers.
Famous graduates
In the mid-18th century and subsequent years, this university became the leading center for Scottish education. The names of R. L. Stevenson, J. Bell, A. K. Doyle, J. Maxwell and other celebrities are still adorned with honorary boards. Among the scientists who graduated from the University of Edinburgh, there are many who have written their names in school textbooks, and nine graduates of the Scottish University have become Nobel Prize winners.
University present
In the modern world, the University of Edinburgh is confidently in the top positions of various world rankings: according to the classification of Times Higher Education, it occupies the 36th line, and according to QS estimates - the 20th line among all world-famous educational institutions.
Currently, the university is popular with applicants who have already decided where to study: annually it accepts over forty thousand applications with a request for admission. Despite the high payment, only one out of 12 applicants can become a student at a Scottish university. Such attractiveness is based on the confidence of graduates in obtaining high-quality higher education and in further career growth.
The university is also known for its research work. By the number of different scientific areas, it ranks fifth in the UK. Researchers at the university have shown particular success in such fields as medicine, veterinary medicine, computer science, humanities, linguistics, mathematics and chemistry.
University structure
Currently, the University of Edinburgh consists of three colleges, which, in turn, are divided into many faculties. Three main areas of study are:
- College of Social Sciences and Humanities.
- College of Natural and Engineering Sciences.
- School of business.
- College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine.
All areas have a modern laboratory base and apply advanced teaching methods to students, of which Edinburgh University is famous. The faculties of this educational institution have gained fame as the most advanced in terms of methodology and methods for presenting materials. A University of Scotland diploma is recognized worldwide, and its graduates may not worry about their future: according to various estimates, about 94% of bachelors and masters who graduate from Scotland universities find work in their specialty within six months after receiving the diploma.
What to choose?
The University of Edinburgh offers more than three hundred specialties and their various combinations. Studying for a bachelor's degree in Scotland lasts four years. The first two courses are devoted to the study of general disciplines - so the student is invited to decide on a further choice of specialty and get the necessary amount of knowledge. The last two courses are presented by special subjects and direct practice.
Students living conditions
The University of Edinburgh campus is located in the historic quarters of old Edinburgh. Mostly students who do not need laboratories to conduct research are involved here - these are the departments of sociology, linguistics, law and other humanities. Separate buildings are also being erected in modern parts of Edinburgh, where it is possible to build new buildings and equip them with innovative scientific devices.
In total, more than 6 thousand places for students are provided. All the rooms in the hostel are comfortable and designed both for study and for relaxation. The course begins in September, and each year of study is divided into three semesters.
How to proceed
For admission to the University of Edinburgh, it is necessary to meet the nominal requirements that are presented to applicants.
Those who have a secondary education equivalent to A-Level can study for a bachelor's degree. You also need knowledge of the English language at the level of 6.5-7.0 on the IELTS scale.
People with higher education not lower than a bachelor's degree in the profile of study can enter the master's degree. English proficiency is at least 6.5-7.0 on the IELTS scale. In addition, there should be a letter of intent in the portfolio of recommendations, and you must also have two letters of recommendation from people who are somehow related to an educational institution such as the University of Edinburgh.
Cost of education
The amount invested in training depends on several factors. For example, the cost of a bachelor's study is £ 12,650-17,500 per year. This figure depends on the faculty where you are going to continue your studies, the availability of laboratory classes, as well as the degree you wish to receive. Masters of the University of Edinburgh spend over £ 22,000 a year on their education.
The cost of living on campus is paid separately. You can pay for your own room or share it with another student, you can take a boarding house or eat separately.
Study grants
Those who cannot afford the University of Edinburgh should consider getting grants. This is the name of special scholarships that are designed for international students. Such programs are not uncommon in foreign universities. They are aimed at developing the skills necessary for the further career of graduates - teaching, conducting research, public relations or individual entrepreneurship.
The grant fully covers the cost of training, in addition, there remains a certain amount that students can receive as a scholarship (about 14 thousand pounds). The main requirements for applicants are convincing scientific achievements, the potential of a real researcher and fluent English - at least 7.0 on the IELTS scale.
To apply, you must contact the department in which the student is interested in continuing education. There you need to check whether the grant applies to the chosen specialty. A competition must be announced to receive a grant. To participate in it, you should fill out an online application, attach a scanned copy of a diploma of higher education and two letters of recommendation to it. Candidate applications are usually collected in the first two winter months.
Those candidates who have passed the selection committee are invited to an individual interview by phone. The selection results, as a rule, are already known by April. More information is available on the university website.