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Edinburgh Napier University

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

  • Cost of Living£ 18,156
  • Tuition Fee From£ 9,260
  • Country Rank#73
  • Batch Strength10,812
  • Global Diversity32%
  • Gender Ratio45:55

Overview

About

Founded in 1964, Edinburgh Napier University is a public higher education institution located in Edinburgh, Scotland. The institution began at Napier Technical College, with 800 students enrolled in courses such as cabinet making, chemistry, engineering, and boat building. In 1992, it was granted university status as Napier University. The name of the institution was changed four times before it finally adopted the current title in 2009. The university is affiliated with MillionPlus and is named after John Napier, the inventor of the decimal point and logarithms.

 

The university has 3 locations in Edinburgh and multinational education overseas. The academic structure is divided into six specialist schools and six Institutes of Research and Innovation. A plethora of programmes in accounting, education, law, arts, applied sciences, engineering, business, tourism, management, health, social service and computer science are offered to students.

 

It also offers a variety of creative studies courses such as graphic design, music, communication, publishing, filmmaking, acting and product design. Students can pursue various degree programmes either on-campus or online. Sighthill, Merchiston, and Craiglockhart are the university's three campuses. More than 5,000 students and staff from the Schools of Applied Sciences and Health & Social Care are served by the Sighthill Campus. Life-like hospital wards, a clinical skills suite, sports science labs and the [EN]GAGE sports centre are some of the amenities. 

 

Craiglockhart Campus is home to law and business schools, as well as the Craiglockhart Hydropathic Hospital. The Schools of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment, and Arts and Creative Industries are located on the University's third campus in Merchiston. A 500-seat Computing Centre, a video games lab, a newsroom, television and radio studios, and state-of-the-art music studios are also included. For teaching, learning and research, the university library provides a huge amount of printed and digital resources. The on-campus apartments are close to entertainment venues, shopping malls, and recreational facilities. They are also well-connected to university campuses via public transportation.

Ranking

Edinburgh Napier University, situated in the vibrant city of Edinburgh, Scotland, has demonstrated a mixed performance in various university rankings over recent years. In the QS World University Rankings for 2025, the university maintains its 801st position globally, consistent with its rankings in 2024 and 2023. The Complete University Guide Rankings for 2025 place Edinburgh Napier at 86th among UK universities, showing a steady improvement from its 89th position in 2024 and 97th in 2023. This upward trend is also reflected in the US News & World Report Global Universities Rankings, where the university climbed to 814th in 2024 from 943rd in 2023 and 1122nd in 2022. However, the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings show some fluctuation, with Edinburgh Napier ranking 501st in 2024, consistent with its 2022 position but a drop from 401st in 2023. Similarly, The Guardian University Rankings indicate a decline, with the university placed 92nd in 2024, down from 83rd in 2023 and 73rd in 2022. Despite these varying rankings, Edinburgh Napier University remains known for its strong focus on employability and industry connections. Popular courses at the university include Business Management, Computing, Nursing, and Creative Industries programmes, reflecting its commitment to providing practical, career-oriented education in a diverse range of fields.

 

Edinburgh Napier University - QS Ranking 2025

In the QS World University Rankings for 2025, Edinburgh Napier University is ranked 801st globally. This consistent position follows its 2024 and 2023 rankings, where it was also 801st worldwide. The university is not ranked in Europe for 2025.

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

Europe

-

336

-

World University

801

801

801

 

Edinburgh Napier University - US News & World Report Ranking

In the US News & World Report Global Universities Rankings for 2024, Edinburgh Napier University is ranked 814th. This is an improvement from its 2023 position of 943rd and its 2022 ranking of 1122nd.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

Global Universities

1122

943

814

 

Edinburgh Napier University - THE (Times Higher Education) Ranking 2024

In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings for 2024, Edinburgh Napier University is ranked 501st. This ranking is consistent with its 2022 position, while it improved from 401st in 2023.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

University

501

401

501

 

Learn More About: Edinburgh Napier University Admissions

 

Edinburgh Napier University - The Guardian Ranking 2024

In The Guardian University Rankings for 2024, Edinburgh Napier University is ranked 92nd. This marks a decline from its 2023 position of 83rd and its 2022 ranking of 73rd.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

University

73

83

92

 

Edinburgh Napier University - The Complete University Guide Ranking 2025

In The Complete University Guide Rankings for 2025, Edinburgh Napier University is ranked 86th among UK universities. This reflects an improvement from its 2024 position of 89th and its 2023 ranking of 97th.

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

UK University

97

89

86

 

Edinburgh Napier University - QS Ranking 2025

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

Global MBA

251

201

-

Masters in Supply Chain Management

-

51

-

 

Edinburgh Napier University - THE (Times Higher Education) Ranking 2024

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

Clinical and Health

401

301

401

Engineering

201

201

401

PG Business and Economics

301

301

501

PG Computer Science

401

301

401

Psychology

201

201

301

 

Edinburgh Napier University - The Guardian Ranking 2024

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

Accounting and Finance

98

98

96

Architecture

-

51

51

Business and Management

63

56

61

Civil Engineering

32

48

33

Electronic and Electrical Engineering

59

-

59

Journalism

1

3

8

Law

16

16

43

Mechanical Engineering

59

63

57

Media and Film Studies

5

22

67

Sociology and Social Policy

45

75

84

 

Edinburgh Napier University - The Complete University Guide Ranking 2025

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

Accounting and Finance

51

78

69

Architecture

53

42

50

Art and Design

30

39

33

Biological Sciences

80

75

68

Business and Management Studies UK

88

76

68

Civil Engineering

43

39

33

Communication and Media Studies

43

34

27

Computer Science

47

59

64

Electrical and Electronic Engineering

66

60

57

Law

99

46

50

Mechanical Engineering

73

59

59

Nursing

61

45

58

Psychology

97

65

54

Sociology

35

34

39

 

Course Ranking

B.A.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Sociology and Social Policy

45

75

84

The Complete University Guide - Sociology

-

35

34

The Complete University Guide - Art and Design

-

30

39

 

B.Arch

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

The Guardian - Architecture

51

51

-

The Complete University Guide - Architecture

53

42

50

 

B.E. / B.Tech

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Civil Engineering

32

48

33

The Guardian - Electronic and Electrical Engineering

59

-

59

The Guardian - Mechanical Engineering

59

63

57

The Complete University Guide - Electrical and Electronic Engineering

-

66

60

The Complete University Guide - Mechanical Engineering

-

73

59

The Complete University Guide - Civil Engineering

-

43

39

The Complete University Guide - Computer Science

-

47

59

 

B.J.M.C.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Media and Film Studies

5

22

67

The Guardian - Journalism

1

3

8

The Complete University Guide - Communication and Media Studies

-

43

34

 

B.Sc.

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

The Complete University Guide - Biological Sciences

80

75

68

The Complete University Guide - Psychology

97

65

54

 

BBA

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Business and Management

63

56

61

The Guardian - Accounting and Finance

98

98

96

The Complete University Guide - Accounting and Finance

-

51

78

The Complete University Guide - Business and Management Studies UK

-

88

76

 

Learn More About: Edinburgh Napier University Courses

 

BSN

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

The Complete University Guide - Nursing

61

45

58

 

LL.B.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Law

16

16

43

The Complete University Guide - Law

-

99

46

 

MBA/PGDM

Ranked by

2023

2024

QS - Global MBA

251

201

 

MIM

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Masters in Supply Chain Management

-

-

51

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics

301

301

501

 

MS

 

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

THE (Times Higher Education) - Engineering

201

201

401

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science

401

301

401

 

MSN

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Nursing

101

101

201

 

Others PG

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

THE (Times Higher Education) - Psychology

201

201

301

THE (Times Higher Education) - Clinical and Health

401

301

401

 

Accounting & Commerce

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Accounting and Finance

98

98

96

The Complete University Guide - Accounting and Finance

-

51

78

 

Architecture & Planning

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

The Guardian - Architecture

51

51

-

The Complete University Guide - Architecture

53

42

50

 

Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing )

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

The Complete University Guide - Art and Design

30

39

33

 

Business & Management Studies

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Masters in Supply Chain Management

-

-

51

The Guardian - Business and Management

63

56

61

The Complete University Guide - Business and Management Studies UK

-

88

76

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics

301

301

501

QS - Global MBA

-

251

201

 

Engineering

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

THE (Times Higher Education) - Engineering

201

201

401

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science

401

301

401

The Guardian - Civil Engineering

32

48

33

The Guardian - Electronic and Electrical Engineering

59

-

59

The Guardian - Mechanical Engineering

59

63

57

The Complete University Guide - Electrical and Electronic Engineering

-

66

60

The Complete University Guide - Mechanical Engineering

-

73

59

The Complete University Guide - Civil Engineering

-

43

39

 

Humanities & Social Sciences

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Complete University Guide - Psychology

-

97

65

THE (Times Higher Education) - Psychology

201

201

301

The Guardian - Sociology and Social Policy

45

75

84

The Complete University Guide - Sociology

-

35

34

 

Law

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Law

16

16

43

The Complete University Guide - Law

-

99

46

 

Mass Communication & Media

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Media and Film Studies

5

22

67

The Guardian - Journalism

1

3

8

The Complete University Guide - Communication and Media Studies

-

43

34

 

Medicine & Health Sciences

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

THE (Times Higher Education) - Clinical and Health

401

301

401

 

Nursing

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Nursing

101

101

201

The Complete University Guide - Nursing

-

-

61

 

Science

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

The Complete University Guide - Biological Sciences

80

75

68

The Complete University Guide - Computer Science

47

59

64

 

Biology

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

The Complete University Guide - Biological Sciences

80

75

68

 

Business Economics

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics

301

301

501

 

Civil Engineering

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Civil Engineering

32

48

33

The Complete University Guide - Civil Engineering

-

43

39

 

Computer Science

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

The Complete University Guide - Computer Science

47

59

64

 

Computer Science Engineering

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science

401

301

401

 

Electrical Engineering

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

The Complete University Guide - Electrical and Electronic Engineering

66

60

57

 

Electronics Engineering

Ranked by

2022

2024

The Guardian - Electronic and Electrical Engineering

59

59

 

Mechanical Engineering

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Mechanical Engineering

59

63

57

The Complete University Guide - Mechanical Engineering

-

73

59

 

Supply Chain

Ranked by

2024

QS - Masters in Supply Chain Management

51

 

Accounting

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Accounting and Finance

98

98

96

The Complete University Guide - Accounting and Finance

-

51

78

 

Journalism

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Journalism

1

3

8

 

Psychology

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Complete University Guide - Psychology

-

97

65

THE (Times Higher Education) - Psychology

201

201

301

 

Sociology

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Sociology and Social Policy

45

75

84

The Complete University Guide - Sociology

-

35

34

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2023

#801 - 1000

#943

2022

#801 - 1000

#943

2021

#801 - 1000

#1122

Facilities

The university campuses and facilities are outfitted with cutting-edge technology and resources to help students reach their full potential. It has friendly student support teams that are always there to help students with anything from academic assistance to career advice or simply someone to talk to when they need it. Several Edinburgh Napier University facilities are available to students, including -

 

Libraries And Services:

  • All three Edinburgh Napier campuses have libraries, which reflect the academic schools' main areas of expertise.
  • Print and audiovisual materials, quiet and silent study areas, self-service kiosks and computer suites are all available to students.
  • During trimesters one and two, a 500-seat computing centre on the Merchiston campus is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • With the excellent special interest collections, students can investigate, explain and engage with cultural history.

 

Student Assistance - Each campus has a student help desk where students can get a variety of services. They can provide assistance with obtaining student ID cards, requesting student status letters, scheduling appointments with student services, answering programme administration questions and submitting coursework.

 

Assistance With Finances - A finance office assists students with any issues concerning tuition and housing fees.


Restaurants And Cafes - Each campus has a variety of eating and drinking options that cater to special dietary needs, ranging from hot meals in cafés to snacks and drinks in coffee shops.

Notable Alumni

John Barrett
John Barrett
Scottish Liberal Democrat politician
Neil Poulton
Neil Poulton
Scottish product designer
Carol Kirkwood
Carol Kirkwood
Scottish weather presenter

Courses

Admission

Acceptance Rate

Edinburgh Napier University acceptance rate is 55.8%. It admits over half of the students who apply each year. Out of about 11,000 annual applicants, around 6,100 are accepted. The university offers a reasonably good chance of gaining admission for both domestic and international students looking to study in the fields of business, creative industries, engineering, health & life sciences, and computing.

 

Entry Requirements

Students must have earned a Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) with an overall 60% score or higher on the Intermediate (10+2) (XII Standard) exam in order to apply for our bachelor's programmes. Whereas, for postgraduate courses, students must have earned an undergraduate degree taught and reviewed in English within the last two years, and have a 70% score or higher English score on their HSC Intermediate (10+2) (XII Standard) exam. If it has been more than two years since graduation, the student’s application will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Depending on the country, requirements might change. Following are the essential Edinburgh Napier University entry requirements, academic standards and language competency tests required for applying to the various programmes the university provides -

 

Application Portal

  • UG: UCAS
  • PG: University website

Acceptance Rate

55.8%

Academic Requirement

  • A general or pass bachelor's degree (3 years) with a 60% score or higher.
  • A three-year bachelor's special/honors degree with a grade point average of at least 55%.
  • A four-year bachelor's degree in a professional field with a grade point average of at least 55%

English Language Requirement

  • IELTS:  6.0
  • Cambridge English: 169
  • TOEFL: 80

Additional Documents

  • Transcripts
  • 2-3 LORs
  • SOP
  • CV/Resume
  • Copy of passport or visa
  • Copy of CAS (if applicable).

 

Fees

The university provides a huge selection of graduate and undergraduate programmes. Whether a student is a domestic or international applicant, the type of course specialisation and the level of the degree affects the Edinburgh Napier University fees for each programme. Additionally, universities charge for the amenities and services offered on-campus. Here is a breakdown of the costs according to each course per year -

 

  • M.Sc Healthcare Management: £17,090 /Yr
  • M.B.A Strategic Project Management: £19,820 /Yr
  • M.B.A: £19,820 /Yr
  • M.Sc Data Science: £17,090 /Yr
  • M.Sc Business Management: £18,540 /Yr

 

Placements

Edinburgh Napier Uni is a member of the Santander Universities SME Internship Program, which connects graduates and students with promising businesses in the United Kingdom as a springboard for their careers. According to HESA data from 2017, 95% of undergraduates and 96.2% of graduates were continuing their education or working six months after graduation. The average yearly salary of Edinburgh Napier graduates is approximately 29,789 GBP. Edinburgh Napier graduates working as Finance Control & Strategy professionals earn an annual average of 56,000 GBP. The university collaborates with various industries to provide students with internships and jobs. With Edinburgh Napier University placements there is a portal for connecting employers and students where they can choose a suitable job.

Scholarship

These are the two scholarships available to international students at Edinburgh Napier:

 

Name Of The Scholarship

Eligibility

Grant

South Asia Scholarship

Open to self-funding students from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, excluding MBA (Engineering Management), MBA (Strategic Project Management), and MBA (Leadership Practice) students

£2,000 to £3,000

 

Scotland’s Saltire Scholarship

Available to students from Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Pakistan, and the United States of America pursuing a master's degree

£8,000 (individual value) for one year of study

 

Finances

Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds in order to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at Edinburgh Napier University. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!

Accommodation

There are several student accommodations in Edinburgh near Edinburgh Napier University that are fully equipped for your needs. Student accommodation near Edinburgh Napier University offers a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, ensuites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.

UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from an array of available student accommodations near the university, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are inexpensive and fully furnished with 24/7 staff support.

Cost of Living

Although there are many convenient and affordable options for students in Edinburgh, living there might be pricey. Whether a student chooses to live in university housing or off-campus, it's essential to consider the costs they might come across while living in the city. The breakdown of the cost of living in Edinburgh is as follows -

 

Item

Cost (Per Month)

Off-Campus Accommodation

£784

On-Campus Accommodation

£636

Transportation

£60

Food 

£420

Entertainment

£40

Groceries

£128

Clothes

£70

Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation (Per Month)

£1,502

Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation (Per Month)

£1,354

Annual Cost of Living

£18,024

 

The above data is sourced from Cost of Living in Edinburgh on UniAcco.

FAQs