Edinburgh retains a special status in Scotland, where the university is regarded as the nearest thing to Oxbridge north of the border.

Although having to play second fiddle to St Andrews in our League Table recently, it is seldom far from the top ten in the UK and was in the top 25 universities in the world in the last The Times Higher Education/QS global rankings.

Like Oxbridge, Edinburgh has been trying to widen its intake, especially since the arrival of Professor Tim O’Shea as Principal – the first non-Scot to hold the ancient office in modern times.

More than £10 million has been raised for access bursaries of £1,000 a year, with the university steadily increasing number of awards, which now stand at 150.

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Access

Other measures include an eight-week summer school for teenagers from local schools and support for students in the transition to higher education and later in their courses. The university has always attracted a high proportion of middleclass candidates – many from England – and is a favourite in independent schools, whose students take about a third of the places. Selection guidelines aim to look more broadly at candidates’ potential, reducing minimum entry requirements and placing more weight on references and personal statements.

The measures appeared to have an instant impact, with a succession of big increases continuing in the last two years, when several Scottish universities experienced a decline. The 8 per cent increase in 2007 included healthy rises in generally problematic areas such as engineering and modern languages. There are plans for further increases in overseas students, who already number more than 6,000, testifying to Edinburgh’s worldwide reputation.

Development

The university, which is a member of the Russell Group of 20 UK research universities, has stepped up its fundraising activities. They have already produced a new Medical Research Centre, alongside the recently relocated medical school. A new Informatics building is also nearing completion. The incorporation of Moray House, whose Holyrood site houses education, made Edinburgh the largest university in Scotland, now with more than 24,000 students. Yet, despite the new approach to selection, entry standards for the 500 undergraduate degree programmes remain high, whether in A levels or Highers. The university’s buildings are scattered around the city, but most border the historic Old Town.

The science and engineering campus is two miles to the south. The last research assessments showed a big improvement on a disappointing outcome in 1996, when only two subjects reached the top grade. In the last Research Assessment Exercise, in 2001, nine were awarded the coveted 5* and another 19 achieved grade 5, accounting for three quarters of those entered for assessment.

The 15 subjects rated as Excellent for teaching already amounted to the biggest haul in Scotland. Medicine is a traditional strength and the law faculty is the largest north of the border. The university enjoys a reputation for high quality across the board. Departments organise visiting days in October for those thinking of applying and in the spring for those holding offers. There is also an annual open day in June and regular student-led guided tours. New students join one of three Colleges, which are divided into 21 Schools, and generally take three subjects in both their first and second years.

Every student has a Director of Studies to help them narrow down the selection of a final degree and give personal advice when necessary. Considerable sums have been spent making the university more accessible to the 1,600 disabled students, who can also call on the services of a disability office.

Student scene

All students are issued with a smart card for access to university facilities, which can be loaded with money to pay for a variety of goods and services. The students’ union operates on several sites and sports facilities are excellent. The city is a treasure-trove of cultural and recreational opportunities, even away from the Festival period. Most students thrive on Edinburgh life, even though the cost of living can make it difficult to do it justice. Some scientists complain of isolation, although there is a regular bus link with the main university area around George Square. The plentiful stock of residential accommodation was increased recently. The newest rooms are not only en suite, but come with their own television.

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