Edinburgh Napier University
Introduction
We pride ourselves on being the home of difference makers—an enterprising and innovative community, renowned internationally, with an unrivalled student learning experience.
With more than 300 undergraduate and postgraduate courses and nearly 20,000 students from over 140 countries studying on campus in Edinburgh, online, and at partner universities worldwide, we deliver meaningful, difference-making education and research for a rapidly changing world.
As a forward-thinking institution, we offer exceptional careers to both colleagues in professional services roles and academics conducting world-class research and education.
We support ambition, recognize achievement, and encourage innovation in every one of our people. Whatever your role, working at Edinburgh Napier is beyond a job, it’s a future full of progression and reward.
Values and strategy
"Our vision is compelling – to be an enterprising and innovative community, renowned internationally, with an unrivalled student learning experience."
Professor Andrea Nolan, Principal and Vice-Chancellor
Environmental sustainability
Edinburgh Napier University was named the top university in Scotland for environmental sustainability and ethics by the People and Planet University League 2021 & 2022. Find out what we're doing to achieve net carbon zero in our operations by 2030.
Our History
Now home to over 19,500 students from over 140 countries, we first welcomed 800 students at Napier Technical College in 1964. However, our story goes back to the time of John Napier, the brilliant 16th-century mathematician and philosopher from whom we take our name.
A great location
We have three campuses in Edinburgh offering advanced facilities for learning, teaching, and research. Based in an iconic, prosperous city and a stunning, ambitious, forward-thinking country, Edinburgh Napier is a great place to live, work and study.Academic and research excellence Edinburgh Napier comprises five schools with an international focus, each committed to growing our academic reputation, delivering an excellent personalized student experience, and building innovation, enterprise, and citizenship.
Campus Features
We have three campuses across Edinburgh offering state-of-the-art facilities for learning and research. All are easily accessible by public transport and home to diverse, international, collaborative communities.
Craiglockhart Campus
Home to the Business School, the Craiglockhart campus blends the old and the new. Set within attractive grounds overlooking Edinburgh, facilities include 200- and 400-seat lecture theatres and language and multimedia labs.
Merchiston Campus
Engineering and built environment, computing and creative industries students are based at Merchiston. Here you’ll find the Jack Kilby Computing Centre, the Edinburgh Napier Students’ Association, a computer games lab, a newsroom, TV, radio and photography studios and soundproofed industry-standard music studios.
Sighthill Campus
Our Sighthill campus serves more than 5,000 students and staff of the School of Applied Sciences and the School of Health & Social Care. Facilities include life-like hospital wards, a clinical skills suite, sports science labs and our [EN]GAGE sports centre.
[EN]GAGE
[EN]GAGE is our state-of-the-art sports facility, open to everyone. With a gym, sports hall for hire and fitness classes across all our campuses, we provide a fitness experience that's fresh, invigorating and fun.
Screen Academy Scotland
Screen Academy Scotland is a collaboration between Edinburgh Napier University and Edinburgh College of Art. It provides full production and post-production facilities including screening rooms, Avid Media Composer suites, Pro Tool suites, a dubbing suite and up-to-date camera equipment.
Venue hire
Our campuses are available for weddings, meetings and corporate functions. We also offer summer accommodation and access to specialist, industry-standard equipment.
Libraries and Heritage Collections
Our three libraries provide millions of online resources as well as books and comfortable places to study –with computers, laptops to borrow and 24/7 access available. Our outstanding Heritage Collections explore, explain and engage with the cultural history of Edinburgh and beyond.
Visa Requirements
If you're coming to study at Edinburgh Napier University from outside the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you will usually need to get a visa. Get in touch for advice through the visa process, or on-programme support while you are a student.
Scholarships and Funding
Rankings
Edinburgh Napier is the #1 Modern University in Scotland (THE World University Rankings 2024). We have also been voted the #1 University in Edinburgh for overall student satisfaction for four years in a row (NSS 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023) and we are the top Scottish modern university for research power and research impact (REF 2021). We are also a top 5 UK modern university for career prospects (Guardian University Guide 2024).
Why study at Edinburgh Napier University
We are an ambitious, innovative and inclusive University based in the vibrant capital of Scotland. All our courses are designed in consultation with business and industry to give you the academic and practical skills to succeed.
- We are the number one university in Edinburgh for student satisfaction
- We are a top ten modern university in the UK in the Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide
- We are ranked the number one modern university in the UK for Computer Science, Criminology, English, and Nursing (ST GUG 2023)
- We are in the top five UK Modern universities for: Communications and Media Studies, Drama, Dance, and Cinematics. Also for Information Systems and Management, Law, and Mechanical Engineering
- The Guardian University Guide also gives us the top five in the UK for Film Production, Photography, and Journalism (GUG 2023)
- We are internationally recognized: in the 2019 QS Stars international university rankings, the quality of our teaching, internationalization, and employability were all officially recognized, with the University scoring five stars in each category and four stars overall
- In 2015, we were awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for our internationally acclaimed work in timber engineering, sustainable construction, and wood science. This is the most prestigious award for the UK higher education sector for the impact of research on business, industry, environment, and society – nationally and internationally. This was the second triumph for our School of Engineering & the Built Environment following a previous success.
- 95.7% of our undergraduate students and 96.7% of our postgraduate students are in work or further study 15 months after graduation (HESA 2017/18)
- More than half of our research was rated either “world-leading” or “internationally excellent” in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF)
- We have supported more than 500 student start-up companies and a report by Biggar Economics named us the most successful university in Scotland for graduate enterprises and start-ups
- In 2014, we celebrated 50 years of learning, having opened in 1964 as Napier Technical College
- Our Craiglockhart campus is home to the War Poets Collection, commemorating the works of Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen who met there during the First World War
- Some of our well-known graduates include BBC broadcaster Catriona Shearer, photographers David Eustace and Colin Baxter, Commonwealth Games Silver medallist Lynsey Sharp, and film director Lynne Ramsay
Awards & Accreditations
Edinburgh Napier shortlisted for three awards at 'higher education Oscars'
Widely dubbed the ‘Oscars of higher education’, THE Awards draw hundreds of entries from across the UK and the Republic of Ireland and recognize the full range of academic and professional services.
No Scottish university has been shortlisted for more categories in this year's edition, which covers the academic year, with the University of Strathclyde also achieving three nods.
Campus Life & Facilities
Discover the life that awaits you as an Edinburgh Napier student
Live and study in the beating heart of the Scottish capital, and revel in its pulsating nightlife. Develop your skills in world-class facilities, across three innovative campuses. Settle into your comfortable, stylish, and safe accommodation. Learn about our comprehensive student support.
Accessable
We are committed to making our campuses accessible for all. Find out about our campus accessibility for disabled people, carers, and wheelchair users.
Edinburgh Napier University’s official online shop for clothing and accessories
We have a range of exciting products and designs that reflect the Napier energy and style. All profits generated will go back into the University to directly support our students through the hardship and scholarship funds.
Accommodation
Edinburgh Napier currently houses 1,240 students over three sites in and around the city centre. Our accommodation is affordable, modern and supported by a dedicated team of University staff.