Programs

Energy, Society and Sustainability MSc

The MSc in Energy, Society and Sustainability at the University of Edinburgh is designed for students interested in the complex relationship between energy and societal development. This program provides a comprehensive understanding of how different societies can address the crucial challenge of balancing energy needs with sustainability goals. You will explore the social, political, economic, and environmental dimensions of low-carbon technologies, examining the risks, costs, and benefits of transitioning to sustainable energy systems in a global context. The curriculum focuses on key questions such as achieving environmental sustainability, energy security, and energy justice across diverse contexts, and how societal factors influence the energy transition. The program equips students with a critical awareness of local, regional, and global debates, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. You will benefit from access to real-world case studies and connections with various organizations and communities, ranging from local Scottish initiatives to international corporations, showcasing global best practices in sustainable energy management. Studying in Scotland, a leader in renewable electricity generation with a rich history in hydro, North Sea oil, and emerging tide and wave energy, provides an ideal backdrop for investigating energy and society. The program is associated with the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute (ECCI), offering networking opportunities with professionals and potential employers in the high-demand field of low-carbon development. Delivered in collaboration with the School of Social and Political Science, it provides access to diverse academic expertise.

Engineering Programmes

The University of Edinburgh's School of Engineering offers a variety of undergraduate (BEng/MEng), postgraduate (MSc), and research (PhD/MPhil/MRes) programmes. These programmes are delivered in a purpose-built environment designed to foster learning and research through collaboration between academics, students, and industry partners. The school focuses on excellence in teaching and research across various engineering disciplines.

Illustration - MA

The MA Illustration program at the University of Edinburgh's Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) is designed for students seeking to deepen their understanding and practice of contemporary illustration within an international context. This one-year, full-time master's degree combines theoretical exploration with hands-on studio practice, encouraging students to challenge traditional boundaries and explore new techniques. You will engage with contemporary issues through a range of methods, from traditional image-making to experimental approaches, all within a collaborative studio environment. The program fosters individual development through dedicated workspaces and aims to equip graduates for diverse professional roles or further doctoral studies.

Illustration - MA

Informatics: AIAI: Foundations and Applications of Artificial Intelligence, Automated Reasoning, Agents, Data Intensive Research

The Informatics PhD program at the University of Edinburgh, with a specialization in the Artificial Intelligence and its Applications Institute (AIAI), focuses on advancing computer systems to mimic and augment human capabilities, foster human-computer interaction, and support collaborative efforts. You will engage in cutting-edge research across the foundations of AI, including knowledge representation, reasoning, ontology change, and computational creativity, as well as its practical applications in intelligent systems like autonomous agents, social computing, and web semantics. The research emphasizes developing understandable and usable AI models to address critical issues such as fairness, accountability, transparency, and safety. The program combines theoretical exploration with strong applied research, tackling real-world challenges in diverse sectors such as healthcare, scientific collaboration, emergency systems, transportation, and aerospace. The School of Informatics consistently ranks among the top globally for Computer Science and was rated 1st in the UK for research power in Computer Science and Informatics by the REF 2021, ensuring you learn from leading experts. You will join a large and dynamic department situated in Edinburgh city centre, a vibrant tech hub.

Integrative Physiology (Biomedical Sciences - Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences)

The Integrative Physiology PhD and MScR programs at the University of Edinburgh focus on understanding the fundamental mechanisms of human function in both health and disease. Students will explore these processes throughout the lifespan within a highly dynamic research environment. The curriculum emphasizes practical, hands-on laboratory experience, guided reading, one-to-one supervision, and participation in group seminars, societies, and workshops to foster comprehensive learning and research skills. This program is designed for postgraduate researchers seeking to contribute to cutting-edge biomedical science.

International Development (Online Learning) MSc

The MSc in International Development is a part-time online learning programme designed to deepen your understanding of critical challenges facing the Global South. This multidisciplinary program equips you with the analytical skills needed to examine development processes, inequalities, and responses across diverse international, national, and local contexts. You will explore fundamental theories, major debates, and critical concepts in International Development, learning to apply this knowledge to contemporary development challenges, policy processes, and initiatives. The program can be completed over two or three years, offering flexibility for students to manage their studies alongside other commitments.

Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies MSc

The MSc in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Edinburgh offers an advanced, interdisciplinary exploration of the history, politics, society, and culture of the Islamic and Middle Eastern world. The program is designed to deepen your understanding of the field's diverse disciplines, whether you have prior experience or are new to the subject. You will engage with critical readings, develop research skills, and choose from a wide array of optional courses, including language learning opportunities in Arabic, Persian, or Turkish. This intensive one-year program culminates in a substantial dissertation. Edinburgh boasts over 260 years of expertise in this subject area, establishing it as a global leader in Islamic Middle Eastern studies. The university provides exceptional research facilities, including a dedicated Islamic Library and extensive collections. Students also benefit from the Alwaleed Centre, which fosters a deeper understanding of Islam through research and outreach. Upon completion, the best master's dissertation is recognized with the prestigious Yasir Suleiman Prize.

Law LLM by Research

The LLM by Research in Law at the University of Edinburgh is a postgraduate research degree designed to significantly enhance your legal research and writing skills. This program enables you to undertake and complete a substantial 30,000-word dissertation in a legal or criminological research area of your choice, under expert academic supervision. It is available for full-time study over one year or part-time over two years. This degree will develop your ability to engage critically with primary legal sources and academic literature, construct compelling legal arguments, and maintain coherence in extensive written work. It's an excellent opportunity to specialize deeply in a legal field and contribute to academic discourse.

LLM in Comparative Private Law

The LLM in Comparative Private Law at the University of Edinburgh is designed for professionals and academics who need to understand different legal systems. This program provides an essential foundation in private law from a comparative perspective, preparing you for careers in international legal practice, academia, or global institutions. You will gain in-depth knowledge and advanced qualifications that are both academically rigorous and professionally beneficial. Studying at Edinburgh is particularly advantageous because Scotland operates a mixed legal system, drawing from both civil and common law traditions. This unique environment makes it an ideal place to explore comparative private law. The curriculum offers a wide range of subjects, allowing you to tailor your studies to specific interests within comparative private law, including specialized courses on trust law.

LLM in Information Technology Law (Online Learning)

The LLM in Information Technology Law by online learning explores the legal frameworks governing information technology across international, European, and domestic contexts. This highly relevant program delves into evolving regulatory strategies, examining how they have developed since the early days of the internet and how new technologies continue to reshape society and legal responses. You will gain a deep understanding of the interplay between different jurisdictions and learn to contextualize regulatory approaches. The program is designed to equip you with the skills to analyze current and historical regulatory methods, enabling you to effectively engage with emerging and future issues in IT law. You will explore a range of topics including regulatory approaches to information technology, cloud computing, information rights, online privacy, media law, e-commerce, and communications law. By the end of your studies, you will understand information technology law within its broader social, ethical, cultural, and commercial dimensions. This program welcomes a diverse group of professionals from around the world, including lawyers specializing in IT, information professionals, computer scientists, IT professionals, those in technology and telecommunications companies, and researchers interested in pursuing a PhD in this field. Your professional experience will be an invaluable contribution to the online learning community.

LLM in Intellectual Property Law

The LLM in Intellectual Property Law at the University of Edinburgh provides advanced knowledge of intellectual property law and policy within UK, European, and international contexts. This program takes an interdisciplinary approach, allowing you to explore IP from legal, social, economic, ethical, cultural, and commercial perspectives. You will study core intellectual property laws covering copyright, trademarks, designs, patents, and common law protections, as well as the international treaty framework. The curriculum also addresses contemporary issues and tensions related to IP in areas like technology, medicine, education, and human rights, preparing you for a diverse range of careers in law, industry, policy-making, or academia. This one-year full-time (or two-year part-time, subject to visa) program consists of 120 credits of taught courses and a 60-credit dissertation on an intellectual property topic of your choice. You'll have opportunities to tailor your studies with optional courses from Edinburgh Law School.

LLM in Law (Online Learning)

The LLM in Law by online learning at the University of Edinburgh offers a flexible and comprehensive program designed for both legal and non-legal professionals. You can tailor your degree to align with your academic and career goals by choosing from a wide range of courses. The program aims to deepen your understanding of law within international, European, and domestic contexts, allowing you to develop a skillset grounded in ethical, social, and theoretical frameworks. This general LLM provides breadth, enabling you to explore various legal areas without strict specialisation, or to focus on specific fields such as Commercial Law, Medical Law and Ethics, or Information Technology Law. The program is supported by a highly interactive online learning environment, offering direct academic guidance from experienced tutors and a dedicated team of online learning specialists. As a student, you will benefit from Edinburgh Law School's reputation for research excellence, with all courses taught by academics actively involved in cutting-edge research in their fields.

Masters Programmes

The University of Edinburgh offers a wide variety of taught Master's degrees designed to deepen your specialised knowledge, act as a stepping stone to a PhD, or help you transition into a new field. Some programmes are practice-focused, offering industry connections and work placements, and many are professionally accredited. You can choose from various award types, including MSc, MA, LLM, MBA, MVetSci, and MMus. In addition to taught Master's degrees, the university also offers Master of Science by Research (MScR) degrees, which are research-focused with a taught component on research skills.

MBChB Medicine (6-year programme)

The six-year Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) program at the University of Edinburgh is designed to develop you into a competent, ethical, and reflective Foundation Year 1 doctor. This modern and innovative curriculum focuses on preparing you for contemporary medical practice, with a strong emphasis on patient care, communication, teamwork, and leadership. You will gain a deep understanding of medical research and evidence-based medicine, making you well-equipped for various medical career paths, including academic medicine as a physician-scientist. This is a full-time, intensive degree program requiring full commitment to on-campus studies and placements across Edinburgh and Scotland. The curriculum integrates an academic year of research-based study in a biomedical or related subject of your choice, meaning you will graduate with two qualifications: a BMedSci (Hons) and an MBChB. This unique offering provides hands-on experience in laboratory-based scientific research alongside extensive clinical training. Clinical training is a core component throughout your studies, involving placements in Edinburgh's teaching hospitals, regional sites across Southern Scotland, general practices, and state-of-the-art clinical skills and simulation suites. The University of Edinburgh has a long-standing history of medical education and innovation, with a legacy spanning over 300 years and significant contributions to stem cell research, cancer, and immunology.

MPhil

MSc by Research

MSc Data and Decision Analytics

The University of Edinburgh's online MSc in Data and Decision Analytics offers a comprehensive blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This program is designed for students seeking to deepen their understanding of data analysis and its application in decision-making processes. Through a mix of live online sessions, recorded lectures, tutorials, and computer labs, you will gain hands-on experience and the flexibility to study from anywhere. The curriculum balances real-time participation with adaptable learning, making it suitable for international students with varying schedules. All course materials, including videos, slides, and additional resources, are accessible via the university's online platform, Learn. Assessments are coursework-based, focusing on projects, essays, and assignments submitted through online platforms.

MSc in Astrobiology and Planetary Sciences

The MSc in Astrobiology and Planetary Sciences at the University of Edinburgh is a comprehensive one-year program designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and research skills in the exciting fields of astrobiology and planetary science. This program delves into the origins of life on Earth and the potential for life elsewhere in the universe, exploring planetary environments, space missions, and the methodologies used to detect and characterize extraterrestrial life. Students will engage with a curriculum that covers the interdisciplinary aspects of physics, astronomy, biology, and geology as they relate to planetary systems. Through a combination of advanced-level courses and an independent research project, you will gain a deep understanding of the scientific challenges and opportunities in this rapidly evolving area. The program fosters critical thinking and analytical skills, preparing graduates for a variety of careers in research, academia, or related industries within space exploration and scientific development. Edinburgh provides a vibrant academic environment, and the School of Physics and Astronomy offers state-of-the-art facilities and expertise. This MSc is ideal for students with a strong scientific background who are passionate about the search for life beyond Earth and understanding the universe's planetary systems.

MSc Operational Research with Data Science

The MSc Operational Research with Data Science program at the University of Edinburgh is designed to equip students with the skills to tackle the increasing demand for advanced data analysis techniques. It combines the fundamental principles of operational research and optimization with a broad selection of courses in statistics and data science. This program is ideal for students interested in applying computational optimization and operational research methods to large datasets. Students will benefit from the School's strong Optimization and OR group, which has a long history of working on data science applications and is actively involved with the Alan Turing Institute. The curriculum is structured to provide a solid theoretical foundation in Semester 1, followed by flexible optional courses in Semester 2, culminating in a significant dissertation project over the summer. The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in an increasingly data-driven world, enabling them to analyze complex problems and develop innovative solutions using advanced analytical tools.

PhD in Business

The University of Edinburgh Business School offers doctoral programmes designed for students who wish to pursue original research and make a significant contribution to their chosen field. As part of a globally recognized university, the Business School provides a dynamic and supportive research environment for its diverse graduate community. The programmes offer supervision from acclaimed academic faculty, courses to enhance knowledge and research strategies, and access to modern facilities with specialist resources. Students benefit from a peer network and a vibrant research environment with regular seminars and events.

PhD in Financial Technology

This PhD program in Financial Technology allows you to conduct independent research in this rapidly evolving field. You can choose to focus on your own research topic or engage with specific industry projects, addressing complex challenges and gaining practical experience. The program aims to equip you for a variety of careers in the finance sector. For those on an industry pathway, there's a strong possibility of securing a permanent role within a partner company or the broader industry after graduation, supported by networking opportunities at international partner locations.