The Program

The University of Edinburgh, founded in 1583, is one of the largest in the UK.  A member of Universitas 21 and one of our newest exchange partners, The University of Edinburgh has an international reputation for academic excellance and research.  It is ranked 20th in the world in the recently published THE-QS World University Rankings 2009, and is renowned for its sciences, engineering, humanities and social sciences.  Edinburgh is also a major center for computer science and Scottish studies. Students are encouraged to apply for the full academic year that runs from September through May.   

The university is very much a part of the city, a thriving financial and commercial center, the home of the new Scottish Parliment and a gateway to Scotland's stunning coastline and Highlands.  As one of the greenest and most architecturally beautiful cities in Europe, Edinburgh has been designated as a World Heritage Site. The famous Edinburgh Castle dominates the skyline from each of the seven hills on which the city is built. 

The Academics

Students on this exchange program can receive a full year's worth of academic credit. Courses are available in a wide range of fields, including the Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities, Art History, Islamic Studies, Philosophy, and Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Environmental Engineering. Please take time to look at the undergraduate course offerings and then meet with your academic advisor and a study abroad advisor to discuss your academic needs and plans. 

In order to earn credit at UConn for courses completed on this program, individual courses must be approved by a designated UConn course evaluator and assigned a UConn course number. Click here for a list of Scotland-Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh Course Equivalents.  Please go to Getting Academic Credit on our website for more information. 

A university education in the UK differs somewhat from the U.S. pattern and you are given more independence than you are used to here. Attendance at seminars and lectures is required, but you will also be expected to learn on your own. Instead of course syllabi that direct you to specific readings, you will have reading lists from which it is up to you to choose a certain number of books and articles to read each week. Class meetings may be less frequent than here, but you will be expected to devote the available time to reading and preparing essays. Credit is earned both by submitting essays and by taking end of year examinations. UConn students are normally required to take four courses (officially called modules) per semester.

All students who study in the UK must get a visa.  Click on UK Visa Information for information about the Student Visitor Visa (for students who study in the UK for less than six months and who don't plan to work) and the Tier 4 General Student Visa (for students who plan to stay in the UK for more than six months or who want to work or do an internship).

The Experience

Exchange students are guaranteed places in university housing and there are many different options available. You can choose to live in a traditional residence hall with a meal plan or in a student flat in which you will share cooking responsibilities with four or five other students.

The Edinburgh University Students Association (EUSA) supports over 200 societies, runs four fantastic unions and offers advice on all aspects of life on campus.  It's easy to get involved any activity that interests you, ranging from sports to ballroom dancing to volunteer opportunities.     

Edinburgh is both an old, historic city with winding medieval streets and an exciting modern metropolis with excellent cultural and sporting facilities, shopping, restaurants and clubs.  It has the accessibility of a small town where most activities are within walking distance, but the diversity and attractions of a major cultural center.  Edinburgh is also home to many festivals held throughout the year, including the famous International Festival that takes place each August.