Study PhD Programmes in Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Edinburgh at a glance

Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, UK, located near the Firth of Forth and close to the North Sea. It has a population of over 500,000 inhabitants, including more than 62,000 university students.Edinburgh is one of the largest university centres in the United Kingdom, recongised for its excellent academic research and rich international outlook. You can attend a Bachelor’s, Masters’ or Ph.D. degree in your subject of choice, in business administration, engineering, medicine, humanities, arts or social sciences. The city blends a wide array of festivals celebrating its culture, with fascinating architecture and a long history of scientific enquiry, and storytelling. Study abroad in Edinburgh and immerse yourself in the cheerful Scottish atmosphere that fills this magnificent city.

440K

Population
725 - 1170 GBP/month

Living Costs
2

Universities

Studying

Studying in Edinburgh

Edinburgh has long been known as a centre of education, particularly in the fields of medicine, law, the sciences and engineering. Universities in Edinburgh have some of the most comprehensive ranges of subjects on offer in the UK, across more than 100 academic disciplines. These include: business and management, accountancy and finance, international law, medicine and dentistry, media and communication, mathematics and computer sciences, textiles and design, languages and arts, and many more.

Courses in Edinburgh range from Bachelors and combined undergraduate studies (which give you the possibility to mix the academic modules that interest you), to taught Master’s degrees and postgraduate research studies (MPhil, PhD, EngD, etc.). The academic curricula also includes: short courses, certificates, summer schools, online and part-time programmes, and continuing professional development (CPD) trainings for industrial, commercial and public sector professionals.

Universities provide foundation and pathway courses for international students whose high school qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to an undergraduate degree. Undergraduate degrees at universities in Edinburgh last four years and schools here produce some of the most employable graduates in the world.

Career

Career opportunities in Edinburgh

Edinburgh has the strongest economy of any city in the United Kingdom outside of London. With 43% of the population holding a degree-level or professional qualification, you can be sure you’ll be learning in a highly educated environment, from teachers with vast industry experience.

The city’s economy is now based mainly on financial services, law, scientific research, higher education, and tourism. Universities in Edinburgh organise a range of job events and offer career and employability services to supports their students.

Large employers for students and graduates in Edinburgh include companies such as: Tesco Bank, CMS Cameron McKenn, KPMG, Edward Jones, NG Bailey, BT Group, WM Morrisons Supermarket, Heineken UK, NHS Lothian, and more. Universities collaborate with top business in the city to offer competitive internships to determined students.

Life

Edinburgh city life

Edinburgh is a city full of iconic sights and historical places, and a mixture of contemporary urban with medieval traces. Edinburgh’s Old Town and New Town are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you plan to visit Edinburgh on a budget, then you should not miss the following opportunities:

trek up Arthur’s Seat and enjoy a 360 degree view of the entire city
explore the Cramond beach and see the remaining World War 2 fortifications
visit the National Museum of Scotland
take a tram trip around the centre of Edinburgh
hill walk in the highlands and taste de delicious Scottish porridge, kippers, or black pudding.

Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Edinburgh include: the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the churches of St. Giles, Greyfriars and the Canongate, the Murrayfield Stadium for rugby fixtures, the National Galleries of Scotland, the Royal Botanic Garden, Holyrood Park, Victoria Street for shopping, and many more.

Edinburgh is also a city that loves festivals and festivities. Between June-September, you can attend the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh International Book Festival, Edinburgh’s International Film Festival, and the Fringe, the largest annual international arts festival in the world.

The main nightclubs are to be found on George Street, and there are plenty of live music venues on Lothian Road and the Cowgate.

International atmosphere in Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s historical, cultural and natural attractions have made it the second most popular tourist destination in UK, welcoming over one million overseas visitors each year. International students come from over 130 different countries, as well as several foreign communities across the globe. Most expats in Edinburgh come from Poland, Republic of Ireland, China, India, Pakistan, United States, Germany, Australia, France, Spain, South Africa and Canada.

Weather Edinburgh

In Edinburgh, the warm season lasts from June to September, with average temperatures of 15°C (59°F) and rarely exceeding 22 °C (72 °F). The cold season lasts from November to March, with temperatures often falling below freezing level; the coldest month is January at 3°C (37°F). Weather in Edinburgh can be sometimes unpredictable, even in the summer.

Universities in Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is one of the world's top universities, consistently ranked in the world top 50. Our entrepreneurial and cross-disciplinary culture attracts students and staff from across the globe.If you agree the future is a place of extraordinary possibilities, bring your limitless potential and join us. Anything could happen – extraordinary futures await.

See 147 PhDs

Heriot-Watt University

Heriot-Watt is a pioneering university with a global presence. We pave the way for radical innovations that benefit business and society by promoting collaboration, knowledge transfer, and industry alliances. 95% of our students are in employment or further study within six months of graduation.

See 27 PhDs