Queen Margaret University

Postgraduate study opportunities at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.

Based six minutes by train from the centre of Scotland’s beautiful and vibrant capital, Edinburgh, Queen Margaret University (QMU) offers a wide range of flexible, career-focused postgraduate courses designed to enable to you progress in your current career path or to change career direction.

Workplace learning is central to most of our courses, along with the ability to tailor your degree to your particular interests.

Our courses encompass a wide variety of in-demand career routes, including the allied health professions (physiotherapy, podiatry, radiography etc); business, marketing, media, communications and public relations; the cultural and creative industries; education; and global health and development.

You will be taught by industry experts in a friendly and supportive environment.  On-campus accommodation is available. Many of our postgraduate courses have a particular focus on enabling you to combine study with your existing work priorities and personal life. A high number can be studied part-time or have an element of online learning, offering you a variety of flexible learning options.

You don't need to commit to a full named award (eg MSc, MA) at QMU. You can opt to study individual modules from many of the courses listed on our website (see individual course pages for information). As little as one module will enable you to further your knowledge in your chosen area. 

Interested in finding out more? Sign up for a QMU Postgraduate Open Day today!

Postgraduate Study at Queen Margaret University - Overview

Whether you want to take your career to the next level or change direction, QMU's flexible postgraduate study options are designed to enhance your employability, knowledge and skills, and provide a stimulating study environment in which you can thrive.

There are lots of reasons to study at Queen Margaret University – from our friendly and supportive staff to our purpose-built campus with sports facilities; and from our award-winning Learning Resource Centre to the career-enhancing extracurricular opportunities that we offer. And our courses are designed to ensure that our graduates have the skills and knowledge that employers value, reflected in our strong graduate employment statistics.

As well as taught courses, we offer research degrees and continuing professional development (CPD) and short courses for those looking to upskill or retrain and switch career paths.

Located only six minutes by train from Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city, our vibrant campus offers a friendly and supportive community environment, where you can become your best you.

Find the right course for you.

We understand you need to juggle study and other commitments, and so many of our courses have a particular focus on upgrading your qualifications and skills whilst limiting disruption to your existing work priorities and personal life. A high number can be studied part-time or have an element of online learning.  On many of our courses, you can also tailor your studies based on your interests and career goals.

Our teaching is informed by our research activity, and our academic staff have close links with industry, professional bodies, governmental and non-governmental agencies. This ensures that we’re listening and responsive to the needs of employers and that our teaching - and your skills - are up to date and relevant.

See our full range of postgraduate courses or read more about reasons for studying with QMU.

Why QMU?

Reason #1: Career-focused courses

Queen Margaret University delivers relevant degrees to prepare you for a successful and rewarding career. Offering the perfect blend of both theory and practice, many of our courses include practical work placements and/or are accredited by professional bodies.

Reason #2: Friendly Campus Community

Thanks to our size, you will never get lost in the crowd at QMU.

There is a strong sense of community at our campus, and you will quickly get to know our staff and your fellow students. Plus, our broad range of societies and clubs means you will have plenty of opportunities to make lifelong friends.

As the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 puts it:

"QMU’s campus “bubble” so close to the buzz of Edinburgh’s rich culture and nightlife is a persuasive combination." - Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Interested in visiting our campus? You can sign up for a campus tour today or check out our virtual campus tour.

Reason #3: First Class Learning Facilities

Located in beautiful, landscaped grounds just 6 minutes away from the centre of Edinburgh, our modern campus has everything you need for a fulfilling and fun student experience.

Our purpose-built facilities boast innovative spaces for teaching and learning, while our on-campus student accommodation offers a secure and comfortable living space just a short walk away from your classes.

And don’t forget the students’ union and state-of-the-art sports facilities, all within easy reach in one vibrant academic village.

Reason #4: Learn from the Experts

Our staff are renowned in their field and are actively involved in research activities, ensuring that our courses are up to date and relevant. Queen Margaret University is home to strategic research that informs policy and practice which impacts everyday life.

Reason #5: Ideal Location  

Our green campus is perfectly situated with both a breathtaking coastline and the centre of Scotland’s capital within easy reach. Fewer than six minutes by train from Edinburgh city centre, we are within walking distance of Musselburgh town centre and have easy access to East Lothian's beautiful coast and countryside. Want to explore further? Rent out one of our affordable bikes, available right on campus.

Reason #6: Innovative Teaching Methods

As a student at Queen Margaret University, you will benefit from a range of teaching methods to enable you to make the most of your chosen course, including work-based learning and an online virtual learning environment.

Reason #7: Feel Supported

As part of our comprehensive range of student support services, every student is assigned a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) who will help guide you through your studies. Your PAT will normally be your main source of advice and guidance relating to your academic studies and can also refer you to other support services if needed.

Student Stories

But don’t just take it from us, visit our ‘student stories’ page to hear what Queen Margaret University graduates, and our current students have to say about their time at QMU.

"The lecturers at Queen Margaret University have been phenomenal.

Their support goes beyond traditional teaching—they offer personalised feedback, engage in insightful discussions, and provide practical guidance that bridges theory and practice.

Their dedication to my learning journey has been a constant source of motivation and inspiration." - Meeha Sakthivel (MSc Strategic Communication and Public Relations)

At Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh we offer a range of career-focused, postgraduate degrees and continuing professional development (CPD) and short courses for those looking to upskill, retrain or switch career paths.

Watch the video to find out more: