The City of Edinburgh, Coast and Countryside
Edinburgh and the surrounding area is an ideal location to spend your student years.
Edinburgh
Queen Margaret University offers students the best of both worlds: a modern campus in Musselburgh, East Lothian, just minutes from Edinburgh city centre, with easy access to Scotland's coastline, beaches and countryside.
Just six minutes away by train, Edinburgh is one of the UK's leading student cities and is easily accessible from across the UK and beyond. Whether you're looking for culture, entertainment, shopping, green spaces or career opportunities, Scotland's capital offers something for everyone.
Throughout the year, students can enjoy world-famous events, including the and the city's many other summer festivals, when Edinburgh comes alive with comedy, music, theatre and art. In winter, transforms the city into one of the world's biggest New Year celebrations.
From cafés, restaurants and shops to theatres, live music venues, museums, galleries and sporting events, Edinburgh offers something for every interest. With historic landmarks, beautiful parks and a packed calendar of festivals and events throughout the year, there's always something new to experience just minutes from the QMU campus.
Home to four universities and a large further education college, Edinburgh is one of the UK's leading student cities, with a vibrant and welcoming student community. Whether you're looking to make new friends, join clubs and societies, explore the city's cultural scene or gain valuable work experience, there are plenty of opportunities both during your studies and after graduation. Many students choose to stay in Edinburgh and the surrounding area to build their careers thanks to the city's strong graduate employment opportunities.
The city is home to . Dating back to the 12th century, the spectacular landmark sits in the city centre on top of a dormant volcano. Queen Margaret University is named after Queen (Saint) Margaret who died in 1093 at Edinburgh Castle. There, St Margaret’s Chapel was built in her memory by her son, King David I, in the 12th century. It is now thought to be the oldest building in Edinburgh.
If you are seeking culture or history, visit some of the major attractions including Edinburgh Castle, , the Royal Mile, the , and the . Edinburgh is also home to various art galleries and museums, all of which are well worth a visit.
The campus local area
QMU's modern campus is located in Musselburgh, East Lothian, just east of Edinburgh. This unique location gives students the best of both worlds: easy access to Scotland's capital while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of a coastal town.
Musselburgh offers everything students need for day-to-day life, including supermarkets, cafés, restaurants, bars, a theatre, a sports centre with a swimming pool, a public library and a range of independent shops. The town is also home to a picturesque harbour, sandy beach, riverside walks, golf courses and the historic Musselburgh Racecourse, providing plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Just a short walk or bus journey from campus is Fort Kinnaird, one of Scotland's largest retail parks, with a wide range of high-street shops, restaurants, cafés and a multiplex cinema. Several supermarkets are also located nearby, making everyday shopping quick and convenient for students.
Easy access to the wider world
QMU's campus is well connected by road, rail and air, making it easy to explore Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond. Regular train services connect the campus with Edinburgh city centre in around six minutes, while local bus routes provide convenient links across the city and East Lothian.
Scotland's diverse landscapes are also within easy reach. From weekend trips to the Highlands for hiking or skiing to days spent exploring the East Lothian coastline, students have plenty of opportunities to discover the country during their studies.
Edinburgh is well connected to the rest of the UK, with Glasgow around 45 minutes away by train and London approximately four hours away. Edinburgh Airport also offers direct flights to a wide range of UK and international destinations, including Paris, Dublin and Amsterdam, making it easy to travel home or explore Europe during university holidays.
Discover which destinations you can fly to from .
Photos of Edinburgh and the surrounding areas:
