Queen Margret University

About
Academic & Scientific Research
History
Ranking
Student Programmes

About Us

Founded in 1875, Queen Margaret University has a proud and distinguished history of achievement, rooted in its commitment to innovation and excellence.

Over the years, the university has become synonymous with practical contributions that improve lives, enhance well-being, and serve the community in meaningful ways. Guided by the highest ideals, Queen Margaret University remains dedicated to addressing the evolving needs of society, fostering a culture of progress and social responsibility through education, research, and community engagement.

Academic & Scientific Research

Queen Margaret University is proud of its internationally recognized research across various fields:

  • 100% of research impact in Communications, Cultural, and Media Studies, as well as Nursing and Allied Health Professions, is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent.
  • Research in Speech and Language Science and Global Health also achieves high ratings, with 75% rated as world-leading or internationally excellent.
  • The university has also hosted 100 graduate start-ups in its Business Innovation Zone and is the first Scottish university to host a Business Gateway on campus.

Our History

Founded with a vision to address key social issues, educational opportunities for women and the improvement of working-class diets.

Late 1800s

The institution emerged during a period of economic progress, while also addressing social and economic inequalities. Founded as part of the U.K.-wide Women's Movement, which campaigned for better education and improved career opportunities for women.

1972

The College expanded to offer a wider range of degrees, notably in paramedical fields such as Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Occupational Therapy. Additional schools in Drama, Speech Therapy, Podiatry, and Radiography joined the College.

Late 20th Century

Granted full degree powers, allowing it to award its own research and higher degrees.

1999

Known for a person-centred approach to learning, Queen Margaret University distinguishes itself through its dedication to subjects like healthcare, social sciences, creative arts, business, management, enterprise, and teaching.

1875

The institution emerged during a period of economic progress, while also addressing social and economic inequalities. Founded as part of the U.K.-wide Women's Movement, which campaigned for better education and improved career opportunities for women.

Early Lectures

The institution was renamed to Queen Margaret College. This was due to the need for a new title, ensuring that the college was not solely associated with cookery. Queen Margaret, an 11th-century queen, was chosen as the namesake because she embodied the core values of community service and enhancing the quality of life.

1990s

The College began receiving major grants from UK Research Councils, Scottish Executive, medical charities, and the European Community, further strengthening its research focus.

1998

The institution was renamed to Queen Margaret University College, marking its growth and development.

Today

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

reference
Global & European Rankings
  • QS World Rankings 2024

     

    • Ranked in the top 57% of universities globally.
    • Ranked in the top 50% of European institutions.
  • QS UK Rankings 2024

     

    • Queen Margaret University (QMU) is ranked #341 in the UK.
  • Scimago Institutions Rankings 2024

     

    • Ranked 2366 worldwide in March 2024.
Subject-Specific Rankings & Achievements
  • Complete University Guide 2024

     

    • Top 6 UK universities for Complementary Medicine (including Music Therapy and Podiatry).
    • Top 5 UK universities for Counselling, Psychotherapy, and Occupational Therapy.
  • The Guardian University League Tables 2024

     

    • 6th in the UK for Business & Management.
  • The Times & The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024

     

    • Ranked in the top 5 UK universities for social inclusion.
    • Top 20 in the UK for entry standards.
    • Top 40 in the UK for satisfaction with teaching quality.
  •  
National Student Survey 2023 Achievements
  • Overall Satisfaction

     

    • 74% of QMU students are satisfied with the quality of their course.
  • Courses with 100% Satisfaction

     

    • Acting & Performance
    • Physiotherapy
    • Speech and Language Therapy
  • Top Ranked Courses

     

    • Counselling, Psychotherapy, and Occupational Therapy: Top 2 in Scotland.
    • Marketing: Top in Scotland.
    • Drama: Top 2 in Scotland.
  •  
Awards & Recognitions
  • Whatuni Student Awards (WUSCA) 2024

     

    • Ranked 1st in Scotland for Career Prospects.
    • 2nd in Student Support and University Halls.
    • 3rd for Students’ Union in Scotland.
  • Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024

     

    • Ranked 2nd in the UK for Radiography.
    • 5th in the UK for Physiotherapy.
  •  
Graduate Success & Employment
  • Graduate Prospects (Complete University Guide 2025)

     

    • Ranked 1st in the UK (joint) for Graduate Prospects in Nursing and Midwifery.
    • Ranked 1st in the UK (joint) for Graduate Prospects in Physiotherapy and Counselling, Psychotherapy & Occupational Therapy.
  • Graduate Employment

     

    • Top 6 in Scotland for full-time employment 15 months after graduation.
  • Graduate Satisfaction

     

    • 2nd in the UK for Student Satisfaction in Physiotherapy.
  •  
Student Population & Diversity
  • otal Students: 10,198
    • 6% from Scotland.
    • 6% from the UK outside of Scotland.
    • 2% from the EU.
    • 6% international (non-EU).
  • Graduate Employment Rate:
    • 2% unemployment rate for graduates 15 months after graduation.
  •  
Campus & Facilities
  • Location: Situated in Edinburgh, near Musselburgh.
  • Sustainable Design: Award-winning eco-friendly campus design.
  • Accommodation: On-campus housing for 800 students with modern facilities.
  •  
Research & Innovation
  • World-Leading Research

     

    • 100% of research in Communications, Cultural and Media Studies and Nursing rated world-leading or internationally excellent.
  • Graduate Start-Ups

     

    • Hosted 100 graduate start-ups in the Business Innovation Zone.
  • Research Excellence

     

    • 1st Scottish university to host a Business Gateway on campus.
  •  
Looking to the Future
  • Targets by 2025
    • Top modern university in Scotland for graduate employment and student satisfaction.
    • Leader in research and innovation, with an emphasis on sustainability and technology-driven excellence.
  •  

Student Programmes

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