Edinburgh Napier University

About Us

Edinburgh Napier University is the #1 modern university in Scotland (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023), the #1 in Edinburgh for student satisfaction (NSS 2020-2023), and a top 10 UK modern university (Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023). We are also Scotland’s leading modern university for research power and impact (Research Excellence Framework 2021).

We are a global community of difference makers, offering over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate courses to nearly 20,000 students from 140+ countries.

With campuses in Edinburgh, online programmes, and international partnerships, we deliver education and research that drive change in a rapidly evolving world.

Edinburgh Napier University

Academic & Scientific Research

Built Environment

Ranked 2nd among Scottish modern universities for research in sustainability, architecture, surveying, and civil engineering (REF 2021).

Applied Informatics

Internationally recognized for research in social informatics, with 100% of assessed work rated as world-leading

Computer Science

Ranked 3rd in Scotland for research power, excelling in AI, data science, and software engineering.

Transport Research Institute

Renowned for its work in transport policy, planning, and engineering, with 30+ industry collaborators.

Cybersecurity

Centre for Cybersecurity, IoT, and Cyber-physical Systems (CIC); Focused on research excellence, industry engagement, and high-impact outputs, including successful spin-offs like Zonefox and Cyacomb.

AI

Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics (CAIR); Scotland’s first AI and robotics centre, developing groundbreaking methods and ethical systems with cutting-edge labs and 5G-IoT testbeds.

Our History

The university's name originates from John Napier, the brilliant mathematician and philosopher known for his contributions to logarithms.

1964

Renamed Napier College of Science & Technology.

1974

Officially inaugurated as Napier University.

2008

Renamed Edinburgh Napier University.

The Building Performance Centre receives the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education.

Ranked #1 in Scotland for graduate employability (HESA).

2014

Wins second Queen’s Anniversary Prize for timber engineering and sustainable construction.

Named Top UK University for Adding Value by The Guardian (2017).

Joins Times Higher Education World Rankings, top 5% globally.

2019

Ranked Top Modern University in Scotland by Times and Sunday Times.

Named the #1 University in Edinburgh for Student Satisfaction (National Student Survey).

2021

Celebrates 30 years of being a modern university.

16th Century

Napier Technical College opens its doors to 800 students at Merchiston.

Courses include coopering, cabinet making, boat building, chemistry, and engineering.

1967

Merges with the Edinburgh College of Commerce to become Napier College of Commerce and Technology.

1992

Rated Scotland’s Best Modern University by The Guardian University Guide.

2009

Celebrates 50 years as an institution of learning.

2016

Achieves 4 stars overall in the QS Stars University Ratings, with a maximum of 5 stars in teaching, employability, and internationalisation.

2020

For the second consecutive year, ranked Top Modern University in Scotland (Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022).

Again named #1 in Edinburgh for Student Satisfaction (NSS).

2022

Ranking & Strengthens

Edinburgh Napier University stands out as a leading institution in Scotland and the UK, consistently achieving high rankings and recognition for its innovative approach to education, strong student satisfaction, and excellent graduate prospects. Here are some of the key highlights that showcase the university’s strengths and reputation

University Rankings

#1 Modern University in Scotland (THE World University Rankings 2024).
#1 University in Edinburgh for overall student satisfaction for four years in a row (NSS 2020–2023).
#1 UK Modern University for:
- Building
- Communication & Media Studies
- Computer Science
- Nursing
  (Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024).
#1 UK Modern University for Drama, Dance & Cinematics (Complete University Guide 2024).

Top Achievements

Top 5 UK Modern University:
- Career prospects (Guardian University Guide 2024).
- Criminology (2nd)
- Dance, Drama & Cinematics (3rd)
- Law (2nd)
- Mechanical Engineering (4th)
- Sociology (3rd)
Top 10 UK Modern University:
- Accounting & Finance (8th)
- Civil Engineering (6th)
- Music (10th)
- Hospitality, Leisure, and Tourism (8th).

Subject-Specific Excellence

Top 5 UK University for:
- Biomedical Sciences
- English
- Social Sciences.
Ranked #301 in the Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) for Textile Science & Engineering.

Global Rankings

QS World University Rankings:
- #22 in the UK.
- #801–850 globally (2024).
- #1001 in Sustainability (2023).
Scimago Institutions Ranking: #889 (March 2024).
URAP World Ranking: #1332 (2023).

Academic Research Excellence

2nd Best Scottish Modern University in:
- Engineering (REF 2021).
- Architecture, Built Environment, and Planning (REF 2021).
100% World-Leading Research Impact in Computer Science (REF 2021).
Top 3 in Scotland for Research Power in Computer Science (Times Higher Education 2023).

Awards & Recognitions

2024 Higher Educational Institution of the Year in Scotland.
Winner of the Widening Access Award and Outstanding Contribution from a University Student.

Why Choose Edinburgh Napier?

Exceptional Graduate Success:
- 95% of graduates are employed or in further education within 15 months (HESA).
- 92% of undergraduates gain work-related experience during their course.
Diverse & Inclusive Community: Students from 150+ countries.
Student-Centered Campus:
- Study rooms open 24/7.
- Affordable, central accommodation.

The University Schools

Student Programmes

At Capital Universities Foundation (CUF), we prepare you to launch your career by offering a diverse range of innovative programmes. Gain practical skills, build industry connections, and experience real-world applications.