Queen Margaret University
RankingQS World University Rankings 2027: 1201-1400 · Complete University Guide 2027: 102nd in the UK · Guardian University Guide 2027: 102nd
Established1875
Famous ForHealth Sciences, Speech and Language Therapy, Audiology
Tuition Fees9,725-22,970
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Overview
Queen Margaret University was founded in 1875 as the Edinburgh School of Cookery and Domestic Economy, by Christian Guthrie Wright and Louisa Stevenson, both members of the Edinburgh Ladies’ Educational Association. The school was founded as a women-only institution, with twin aims of improving women’s access to higher education and improving the diets of working-class families. Its first lectures took place before huge audiences in the Royal Museum in Edinburgh’s Chambers Street.
The institution took the name Queen Margaret in 1972, after the 11th-century Scottish queen, who was seen to personify its values of serving the community and enhancing the quality of life. It gained full degree powers in 1998, became Queen Margaret University College in 1999, and was awarded full university status in January 2007. In 2025 it celebrated the 150th anniversary of its foundation.
Today Queen Margaret University is a public university in Musselburgh, East Lothian, near Edinburgh, with around 6,800 students from more than 90 countries. It is known for its person-centred, career-focused teaching in health, the arts, social sciences and management, and for its research in speech science, health and the older person’s agenda.
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Our Services for Queen Margaret University
Queen Margaret University has an international team that advises students on applications, visas and immigration, English language requirements, finance and accommodation before they arrive, and welcomes new students with an induction programme that introduces the campus, academic life and the support services available. The programme helps international students settle into Musselburgh and Edinburgh, and into the university’s friendly community.
Queen Margaret University recognises the online pre-sessional English course at the Oxford International Digital Institute, in 6, 12 or 16-week options, and its Effective Learning Service provides free language support throughout the degree, alongside an International Student Induction and drop-in sessions with the International Team. International students can access wellbeing, counselling and disability support, and the Students' Union and its societies help them build a social life, while careers advisers support placements, internships and graduate employment.
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Rankings & Recognition
QS World University Rankings 2027: 1201-1400
Complete University Guide 2027: 102nd in the UK
Guardian University Guide 2027: 102nd
Queen Margaret University is ranked 1201-1400 in the QS World University Rankings 2027, 102nd in the Complete University Guide 2027 and 102nd in the Guardian University Guide 2027. It is rated highly for student satisfaction, and in the National Student Survey 2025 it was ranked top among all five Edinburgh-based higher education institutions for overall student satisfaction.
In the Research Excellence Framework, Queen Margaret’s research has been recognised for its quality, particularly in health, speech science and the social sciences. Its Speech Science Research Centre and its Centre for Integrated Healthcare Research work with the NHS and with communities in Scotland and around the world.
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Accommodation
Queen Margaret University offers university accommodation on its Musselburgh campus, with halls of residence, flats and studios within walking distance of teaching rooms, the library and the Students’ Union. Rooms include en-suite and shared-bathroom options, and students are advised to apply early once they have accepted their offer, as campus rooms are popular.
The Accommodation Office also helps students who prefer to live off campus, with advice on private rented flats and shared houses in Musselburgh and Edinburgh, tenancy agreements and travel costs. Living on campus places students at the centre of university life, with sports facilities, social events and support close by, and Edinburgh a short bus or train ride away.
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Location
Queen Margaret University is based on a purpose-built campus in Musselburgh, East Lothian, about six miles east of Edinburgh, opened by Queen Elizabeth II in July 2008. The campus is set in parkland beside the River Esk, with teaching buildings, halls, a library and sports facilities all in one place, and views over the Firth of Forth.
Frequent buses and trains link Musselburgh to Edinburgh city centre in about 20 minutes, and Edinburgh Waverley station gives rail links to London, Glasgow and the north of England. Edinburgh Airport is about 30 minutes away by road. Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital, with its castle, Royal Mile, festivals, museums and galleries, and the East Lothian coast, with its beaches and golf courses, is on the university’s doorstep.
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Courses offered at Queen Margaret University
3 verified courses with 2026/27 fees, IELTS & entry requirements — showing 1–3
Please note: Pakistan-domiciled applicants pay 100% of first-year fee before CAS.