About Queen Margaret University
Queen Margaret University is a small, specialist Scottish university near Edinburgh, known for health sciences, creative industries, and social sciences. With strong graduate employability, supportive campus community, and excellent location near Edinburgh, QMU offers focused, professional education in a modern campus environment.
Key Information
Student Statistics
- • 6,000 total students
- • 1,200 international students
- • 30 student societies
Location
- • Located in Musselburgh
- • Public university
- • Established 1875
Subject Rankings
Academics & Faculties
Degrees Offered
Bachelor, Master, PhD, Foundation
Popular Subjects
NursingPhysiotherapySpeech and Language TherapyDramaPublic RelationsBusiness ManagementDieteticsFilm and MediaPsychology
Student-Staff Ratio
15 : 1
Faculties & Departments
School of Health Sciences
Dietetics and Nutrition, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Speech and Language Therapy
School of Arts, Social Sciences and Management
Business, Enterprise and Management, Drama and Performance, Film, Media and Journalism, Psychology and Sociology, Public Relations and Events
Entry Requirements
Undergraduate
Academic: AAB - CCC depending on programme (Scottish system: AABB - BBCC)
Alternatives: IB: 26-32 points depending on programme, BTEC: DDD-MMM depending on programme, HNC/HND accepted for advanced entry
IELTS: 6
R 5.5 / W 5.5 / L 5.5 / S 5.5
TOEFL iBT: 72
PVG check for health programmes • Audition for Drama • Interview for some programmes
Postgraduate
Minimum Qualification: UK Honours degree (2:1 or 2:2 depending on programme)
GPA: 2.7
IELTS: 6.5
R 6 / W 6 / L 6 / S 6
TOEFL iBT: 85
Two references • Research proposal for PhD
Fees & Funding
Tuition (International)
- Undergraduate: £13,000
- Postgraduate: £13,000
- Foundation: £12,000
Living Costs (Annual)
- Accommodation: £5,000
- Food: £2,200
- Transport: £500
- Entertainment: £1,000
- Other: £700
- Total: £9,400
Scholarships
QMU International Scholarship
MeritMerit-based scholarship for international students.
Value: £3,000 (Partial)
International students • Strong academic achievement
Scotland's Saltire Scholarship
MeritScottish Government scholarship for international students.
Value: £8,000 (Partial)
Students from Canada, China, India, Japan, Pakistan, USA • Postgraduate programmes
QMU Bursary
Need-basedFinancial support for students in need.
Value: £1,000 (Partial)
Students in financial hardship
Campus & Facilities
Queen Margaret University Drive, Musselburgh EH21 6UU
Purpose-built modern campus opened in 2007, located in Musselburgh, 6 miles from Edinburgh city centre. Compact, friendly campus with all facilities on site and excellent transport links to Edinburgh.
Size: 35 acres
Facilities
Academic
Learning Resource Centre, Health sciences simulation suites, Drama studios and theatre, TV and radio studios, Science laboratories
Research
Institute for Global Health and Development, Centre for Person-centred Practice Research, Scottish Centre for Food Development and Innovation
Student Life
QMU Students' Union, The Venue (student bar), Campus cafes, Social spaces
Libraries
Learning Resource Centre
Modern library with 24/7 study spaces and digital resources.
24/7
Sports Facilities
QMU Sports Centre
Gym, fitness studios, and sports facilities.
Outdoor Facilities
Sports pitches and outdoor spaces.
Student Services
Student Services
Academic support, financial advice, and welfare services.
studentservices@qmu.ac.uk
Wellbeing
Mental health support and counselling services.
wellbeing@qmu.ac.uk
Careers
Career guidance with strong health sector connections.
careers@qmu.ac.uk
Accommodation
QMU Student Village
University-managedOn-campus accommodation with excellent facilities.
Cost: £120 - £150 (per week)
En-suite rooms • Shared kitchens • Social spaces • Laundry
Distance: On campus
Contract: 40-51 weeks
First-year undergraduates can apply for accommodation. Apply through QMU accommodation portal after receiving offer.
International welcome programme, airport pickup, peer mentoring.
Student Life & Support
Clubs & Sports
Clubs: 30
Teams: 15
Cultural Activities
- Edinburgh Festivals — Annually (August)
- Drama Productions — Throughout the year
- Edinburgh Culture — Ongoing
International Support
- Visa support: Yes
- Language support: Yes
- Orientation: Yes
- Buddy program: Yes
- Contact: international@qmu.ac.uk
Health & Wellbeing
- Medical centre: No
- Counselling: Yes
- Disability support: Yes
- Emergency: +44 (0)131 474 0000
Careers & Outcomes
Employability Rank
300
Graduate Outcomes
Employed: 85%
Further study: 8%
Unemployed: 4%
Average Salary
£26,000
per year (graduate)
Top Employers
NHS ScotlandScottish GovernmentPR agenciesTheatre companiesMedia organisationsHealthcare providers
Career Services
- Careers and Employability: Strong links with health and creative industries.
- Clinical Placements: Extensive NHS placement networks.
- Industry Links: Strong connections with PR, media, and creative sectors.
Location & Transportation
Nearest Airport
Edinburgh Airport
20 km • 45 minutes by bus
Public Transport
- Train: Musselburgh station adjacent to campus with services to Edinburgh Waverley (15 minutes). • £3.50 to Edinburgh
- Bus: Lothian Buses direct to Edinburgh city centre. • £1.80 single
Local Area
Musselburgh is a historic town on the Firth of Forth, just 6 miles from Edinburgh city centre. Easy access to Edinburgh's world-class attractions while enjoying lower costs and quieter surroundings.
Cost of Living: Medium
Attractions: Edinburgh city (15 mins), East Lothian beaches, Arthur's Seat (nearby), Musselburgh Racecourse, Scottish coastline
Shopping: Musselburgh town centre, Fort Kinnaird retail park, Edinburgh city centre
Entertainment: Edinburgh nightlife, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh theatres, Local pubs, Coastal walks
Additional Information
Accreditation
Scottish Funding Council, NMC (Nursing), HCPC (Allied Health), BDA (Dietetics), RCSLT (Speech Therapy)
Partnerships
- NHS: NHS Lothian — Clinical training for health students.
- Industry: Scottish creative industries — Links with PR, media, and drama sectors.
- Food: Scottish Food and Drink — Scottish Centre for Food Development partnerships.
Research Highlights
- Person-Centred Care — Research on person-centred practice in healthcare. (2024)
- Global Health — Institute for Global Health and Development research. (2024)
- Food Innovation — Scottish Centre for Food Development and Innovation research. (2024)
Notable Alumni
- Health professionals — Strong representation in NHS Scotland and UK healthcare (2024)
- Drama graduates — Alumni in Scottish theatre and creative industries (2024)
Metadata
Source: Queen Margaret University official website, QS Rankings 2025, HESA data 2023/24
Last Updated: 2025-12-03T00:00:00Z
Verified: Yes
Contact Email: profiles@ukuni.io