Rankings of The University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is located in the Scottish city of the same name, and is one of the oldest universities in the entire United Kingdom, having opened in the year 1583. The university enjoys a strong reputation for its contributions to international research efforts, which is reflected in their inclusion in the Russell Group, Universitas 21, and Una Europa. Edinburgh offers its residents a historic yet modern city, with a lively nightlife scene, reliable public transport, and friendly locals.

Latest ranking updates for The University of Edinburgh
  • September 2023: The University of Edinburgh ranks 30 in the latest THE World University Rankings from THE Times Higher Education, UK.
  • September 2023: Publication of The Guardian University League Tables by Subject (Business and Management). Ranking position #6.
  • September 2023: The University of Edinburgh ranks 14 in the latest The Guardian League Table from The Guardian News and Media Limited.
  • August 2023: The University of Edinburgh ranks 38 in the latest ARWU Academic Ranking of World Universities - ShanghaiRanking from ShanghaiRanking Consultancy.

University rankings

    • #2 
    • #10 
    The Times Good University Guide
    [Published 16 September, 2022]
    • #4 
    • #14 
    The Guardian League Table
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #2 
    • #12 
    CUG The Complete University Guide
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #30 
    THE World University Rankings
    [Published 27 September, 2023]
    • #2 
    • #22 
    QS World University Rankings
    [Published 27 June, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #49 
    QS Employability Rankings
    [Published 23 September, 2021]
    • #1 
    • #137 
    THE Global Employability University Ranking
    [Published 23 November, 2022]
    • #1 
    • #32 
    THE World Reputation Rankings
    [Published 16 November, 2022]
    • #1 
    • #34 
    US News: Best Global Universities
    [Published 24 October, 2022]
    • #1 
    • #38 
    ARWU Academic Ranking of World Universities - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 15 August, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #22 
    THE World’s Most International Universities
    [Published 25 January, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #108 
    CWTS Leiden Ranking
    [Published 22 June, 2022]
    • #1 
    • #73 
    Scimago Institutions Rankings
    [Published 06 March, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #45 
    CWUR Center for World University Rankings
    [Published 25 April, 2022]
    • #1 
    • #74 
    Nature Index - Academic
    [Published 15 June, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #51 
    NTU Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers
    [Published 11 July, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #57 
    URAP World Ranking - University Ranking by Academic Performance
    [Published 28 November, 2022]
    • #1 
    • #35 
    RUR World University Rankings
    [Published 25 May, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #42 
    RUR Reputation Ranking
    [Published 25 May, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #51 
    RUR Academic Rankings
    [Published 25 May, 2023]
    • #12 
    • #471 
    StuDocu World University Ranking - EMEA - Europe, the Middle East and Africa
    [Published 06 September, 2021]
    • #1 
    • #52 
    UniRank 4icu: Top 200 Universities in the World
    [Published 11 August, 2022]
    • #1 
    • #37 
    Reuters Most Innovative Universities Europe
    [Published 30 April, 2019]
    • #1 
    • #49 
    UniRank 4icu: Top 200 English-Speaking Universities
    [Published 11 August, 2022]
    • #1 
    • #4 
    QS World University Rankings: Sustainability
    [Published 26 October, 2022]
    • #1 
    • #41 
    Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
    [Published 31 July, 2023]
    • #3 
    • #52 
    THE World University Impact Rankings - Overall
    [Published 01 June, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #65 
    THE Top Universities for a Digital Education
    [Published 10 May, 2022]
    • #1 
    • #22 
    THE China Subject Ratings Overall
    [Published 11 May, 2022]

Historic rankings in TOP global university rankings

Subject rankings

Agriculture

    • #68 
    Agriculture
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]

Architecture, Building & Planning

    • #1 
    • #6 
    Architecture
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #6 
    Architecture
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #144 
    Architecture
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]

Arts Visual & Performing

    • #1 
    • #16 
    Music
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #5 
    • #58 
    Music
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]

Business

    • #1 
    • #112 
    Business
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #101 
    Finance
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 19 July, 2022]
    • #1 
    • #46 
    Public Administration
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 19 July, 2022]

Computer Science

    • #1 
    • #8 
    Computer Science
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #24 
    Computer Science
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 26 October, 2022]
    • #1 
    • #196 
    Computer Science
    NTU Rankings by Subject
    [Published 11 July, 2023]
    • #15 
    Data Science
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 22 March, 2023]

Design

    • #1 
    • #10 
    Graphic Design
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]

Education

    • #3 
    Education
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #8 
    Education
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #13 
    Education
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 22 March, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #31 
    Education
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 26 October, 2022]
    • #1 
    • #45 
    Education
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #76 
    Education
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 19 July, 2022]

Engineering

    • #1 
    • #51 
    Biotechnology
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 19 July, 2022]
    • #2 
    • #13 
    Chemical Engineering
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #2 
    • #14 
    Chemical Engineering
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #201 
    Chemical Engineering
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 19 July, 2022]
    • #1 
    • #209 
    Chemical Engineering
    NTU Rankings by Subject
    [Published 11 July, 2023]
    • #221 
    Chemical Engineering
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #2 
    • #14 
    Civil Engineering
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #2 
    • #17 
    Civil Engineering
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #2 
    • #101 
    Civil Engineering
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 19 July, 2022]
    • #174 
    Civil Engineering
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #2 
    • #233 
    Civil Engineering
    NTU Rankings by Subject
    [Published 11 July, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #93 
    Engineering
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 26 October, 2022]
    • #1 
    • #159 
    Engineering
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #112 
    Environmental Engineering
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #2 
    • #351 
    Materials Science
    NTU Rankings by Subject
    [Published 11 July, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #8 
    Mechanical Engineering
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #9 
    Mechanical Engineering
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #4 
    • #201 
    Mechanical Engineering
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 19 July, 2022]
    • #238 
    Mechanical Engineering
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #3 
    • #278 
    Mechanical Engineering
    NTU Rankings by Subject
    [Published 11 July, 2023]

Languages & Literature

    • #2 
    • #9 
    English
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #5 
    • #34 
    English
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #2 
    • #14 
    French
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #2 
    • #7 
    German
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #2 
    • #11 
    Italian
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #4 
    Linguistics
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 22 March, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #5 
    Linguistics
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]

Law

    • #2 
    • #13 
    Law
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #2 
    • #14 
    Law
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #15 
    Law
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 26 October, 2022]
    • #1 
    • #17 
    Law
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 22 March, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #101 
    Law
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 19 July, 2022]

Mathematics

    • #2 
    • #4 
    Mathematics
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #2 
    • #9 
    Mathematics
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #27 
    Mathematics
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 19 July, 2022]
    • #1 
    • #36 
    Mathematics
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 22 March, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #145 
    Mathematics
    NTU Rankings by Subject
    [Published 11 July, 2023]

Medicine & Health

    • #3 
    • #5 
    Medicine
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #2 
    • #8 
    Medicine
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #22 
    Medicine
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 22 March, 2023]

Natural Sciences

    • #3 
    • #6 
    Biology
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #2 
    • #5 
    Chemistry
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #2 
    • #6 
    Chemistry
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #64 
    Chemistry
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 22 March, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #151 
    Chemistry
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 19 July, 2022]
    • #1 
    • #351 
    Chemistry
    NTU Rankings by Subject
    [Published 11 July, 2023]
    • #2 
    • #8 
    Geology
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #22 
    Geology
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 22 March, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #90 
    Geology
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #14 
    Physics
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 19 July, 2022]
    • #3 
    • #15 
    Physics
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #70 
    Physics
    NTU Rankings by Subject
    [Published 11 July, 2023]

Social Studies & Humanities

    • #3 
    • #13 
    Anthropology
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #16 
    Anthropology
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 22 March, 2023]
    • #47 
    Anthropology
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #12 
    Economics
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #6 
    • #36 
    Economics
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #76 
    Economics
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 19 July, 2022]
    • #94 
    Economics
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #2 
    • #5 
    Geography
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #19 
    Geography
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 22 March, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #26 
    Geography
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 19 July, 2022]
    • #1 
    • #14 
    History
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #2 
    • #15 
    History
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #21 
    History
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 22 March, 2023]
    • #4 
    • #36 
    History
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #3 
    • #17 
    Psychology
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #26 
    Psychology
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 22 March, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #29 
    Psychology
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 26 October, 2022]
    • #7 
    • #29 
    Psychology
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #47 
    Psychology
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #51 
    Psychology
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 19 July, 2022]
    • #1 
    • #38 
    Social Sciences
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 26 October, 2022]
    • #1 
    • #40 
    Social Sciences
    NTU Rankings by Subject
    [Published 11 July, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #4 
    Social Work
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #2 
    • #6 
    Social Work
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #2 
    • #12 
    Sociology
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #20 
    Sociology
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 22 March, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #28 
    Sociology
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #36 
    Sociology
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 19 July, 2022]
    • #2 
    • #4 
    Theology & Religious Studies
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]

Sports Science

    • #2 
    • #8 
    Sports Science
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #4 
    • #26 
    Sports Science
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]

Highest subject rankings for The University of Edinburgh

Education CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
#3 
Education
Social Work CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
#4 
Social Studies & Humanities
Linguistics QS World University Rankings By Subject
#4 
Languages & Literature
Mathematics The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
#4 
Mathematics
Chemistry The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
#5 
Natural Sciences
Medicine The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
#5 
Medicine & Health
Architecture CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
#6 
Architecture, Building & Planning
Computer Science CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
#8 
Computer Science
Sports Science CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
#8 
Sports Science
Mechanical Engineering The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
#8 
Engineering

About The University of Edinburgh

PROS

  • The university offers a 24 -hour library service, which uses a traffic light system to indicate how busy it is at any particular time. Users find that due to these two factors, they can almost always find the opportunity to get work done.
  • Both the university and the city of Edinburgh itself offer an internationally diverse experience, ensuring that you meet people from all walks of life.
  • The Lothian Bus service is reliable and affordable, with many resident students expressing the same opinion: that owning a car in Edinburgh will bring you more problems than it resolves.

CONS

  • Numerous students recommend living in accommodation outside of the student residences, as this university’s accommodation is more expensive than living in a private flat. In addition to being more affordable, the general opinion is that you also get more for your money in private accommodation.
  • A recurring criticism from alumni is that some teachers follow a curriculum, while others seem to improvise. This results in an inconsistent level of quality in the classroom experience.

Key facts

Foundation year:
1583
Telephone:
+44 (0) 1316 504 360
Address:
Old College, South Bridge
EH8 9YL, Edinburgh
Scotland
Website:
https://www.ed.ac.uk/
Social:

THE Student Experience Survey by Times Higher Education

Times Higher Education has surveyed 20251 undergraduate students in the UK about their study experience. 337 students of The University of Edinburgh participated in the survey.

Below you'll find the results for each of the survey questions for The University of Edinburgh in comparison to the average for all UK universities.

Overall score: 76.7

Map of The University of Edinburgh

Other universities in Edinburgh:

FAQ

The University of Edinburgh ranks #1 in Scotland in our meta ranking of 112 university rankings. See rankings of all 20 universities in Scotland.

The University of Edinburgh ranks #1 in Edinburgh in our meta ranking. See rankings of all 5 universities in Edinburgh.

The University of Edinburgh is listed in The Times Good University Guide, The Guardian League Table, CUG The Complete University Guide, THE World University Rankings, QS World University Rankings, QS Employability Rankings and more. See all 38 rankings of The University of Edinburgh.

The University of Edinburgh achieved #4 in QS World University Rankings: Sustainability. This is the university’s highest ranking in the 112 rankings tracked on our website. See all rankings for The University of Edinburgh.

The University of Edinburgh achieved the highest ranking for Medicine & Health. It is ranked #1 in The Guardian University League Tables by Subject (General Nursing). See all subject rankings for The University of Edinburgh.

A large number of university rankings include surveys among academics on reputation. In our meta ranking of 112 university rankings The University of Edinburgh ranks #1 among universities in Edinburgh and #1 among universities in Scotland. See all rankings of The University of Edinburgh.

In our meta ranking The University of Edinburgh ranks #1 among all universities in Scotland and University of St Andrews ranks #2. See all rankings of universities in Edinburgh. Apart from rankings you may also want to see the ratings from students who attended the universities.