University of Edinburgh
History
The University of Edinburgh was founded by a Royal Charter granted by James VI in 1582, making it the sixth oldest university in the English-speaking world and one of Scotland's ancient universities. The university played a key role in leading Edinburgh to its reputation as a chief intellectual centre during the Age of Enlightenment, contributing to the city being nicknamed the "Athens of the North".
Campus
The university's main campus is located in the city centre, covering a wide area around George Square. The central campus houses the majority of the Schools within the College of Humanities and Social Science, and the College of Science and Engineering. The King's Buildings, located further south, is the campus dedicated to most of the schools within the latter college.
Organisation and administration
The University of Edinburgh is structured into three 'Colleges' which contain a total of 21 'Schools'. These colleges are: the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine; and the College of Science and Engineering.
Academic profile
The University of Edinburgh is ranked among the top universities in the world. It is known for its research output and has been associated with numerous major advancements in science and technology. The university is also known for its prestigious undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
Student life
The University of Edinburgh Students' Association (EUSA) is the students' union. It operates a number of venues across the university, and is responsible for organising events like the Freshers' Week. The university is also home to over 280 student societies, including the Edinburgh University Theatre Company and the Edinburgh Footlights.
Notable alumni
The University of Edinburgh has produced a significant number of notable alumni. These include former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, naturalist Charles Darwin, inventor Alexander Graham Bell, and seven Nobel laureates.