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The University of Edinburgh Online


About

Founded by the city of Edinburgh in 1583, we were the first true civic university in the UK and one of the four ancient universities of Scotland. With our rich history, noted alumni and distinguished scholars, we have much to be proud of in our many centuries as a world-renowned university. From Nobel laureates and Olympic champions to space explorers and prime ministers, the University of Edinburgh has been influencing history since it opened the gates to its first students in 1583.

Founded by the city of Edinburgh in 1583, we were the first true civic university in the UK and one of the four ancient universities of Scotland. With our rich history, noted alumni and distinguished scholars, we have much to be proud of in our many centuries as a world-renowned university.

From Nobel laureates and Olympic champions to space explorers and prime ministers, the University of Edinburgh has been influencing history since it opened the gates to its first students in 1583.

Strategy 2030

As a world-leading University, we are here to address tomorrow’s greatest challenges. We do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.

Our vision

Our graduates, and the knowledge we discover with our partners, make the world a better place.

Our purpose

As a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow’s greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.

Why study online at Edinburgh?

The University of Edinburgh is one of the world’s leading institutions and offers online students the same teaching and support as on-campus students.

Career enhancing

Our online programmes are focused on helping you to succeed in your career. An online master's programme from the University of Edinburgh can:

  • Help you learn new skills
  • Make you more attractive to employers
  • Lead to higher earnings
  • Help you change your career

Our online masters programmes involve the same level of work as on-campus ones and the qualification you get is of equal value. Your degree certificate will not mention that you studied the programme online.

Our flexible online learning programmes will enable you to obtain a high-quality degree identical to an on-campus qualification - the only difference being that the course is delivered completely online to suit your individual needs better.

This means that wherever you are in the world, you can achieve a distinguished academic degree from the University of Edinburgh without having to leave the comfort of your own home.

Furthermore, our online masters have been designed to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Our graduates are already having a noticeable impact around the world.

Academic qualifications

To study at the postgraduate level, you must normally hold a degree in an appropriate subject, with an excellent or very good classification (equivalent to first or upper-second-class honours in the UK).

We may also accept equivalent qualifications or work experience.

Check the specific requirements for your programme before you apply.

Where entry requirements specify a required number of credits these are UK credits. 20 UK credits are equal to 10 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credits.

International qualifications

If you are applying with qualifications gained outside of the UK, you will find entry requirements on our country-specific pages for international students.

English language entry requirements

You must demonstrate a level of English language competency that will enable you to succeed in your studies, regardless of your nationality or country of residence.

Postgraduate study can be a significant financial commitment, but you may be surprised by the range of funding sources available.

The University, government agencies, research councils, charitable trusts and external bodies offer several scholarships, studentships and loans to help you pursue your ambitions.

When to apply

Before you can apply for any form of funding, you must have first applied for a place at the University of Edinburgh.

Once you have applied for admission and received your UUN (University User Name) and password, you can apply for scholarships.

Online Learning Scholarships

  • Edinburgh Global Online Learning Masters Scholarships
  • Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships
  • The Anne Rowling Clinic Regenerative Neurology Scholarships
  • Mastercard Foundation Online Learning Scholarships
  • Clinical Management of Pain Scholarship
  • The David and Molly Pyott Foundation Scholarships in Ophthalmology
  • Polish School of Medicine Memorial Fund Scholarships
  • Edinburgh Surgery Online Global Scholarships
  • Patient Safety and Clinical Human Factors Scholarship
  • The Edinburgh Futures Institute Scholarships
  • The Glenmore Postgraduate Scholarship
  • MSc Internal Medicine Masters Scholarships

Top 50 - We're consistently ranked one of the top 50 universities in the world. We're 27th in the 2025 QS World University rankings.

Top 5 - We're ranked 4th in the UK for research power, based on the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

Top 10 - Edinburgh is ranked the 6th best student city in Europe and 13th in the world.

£10m - We provided more than 10 million in financial support for undergraduate students in 2022/23.

24th - Our graduates are ranked 24th in the world by employers.

Top 20 - We're ranked 19th in the world's most international universities.

  • Edinburgh

    Old College, South Bridge, EH8 9YL, Edinburgh

Questions

The University of Edinburgh Online