What is Queen Margaret University (QMU) and what does its website offer?

Updated

Queen Margaret University (QMU) is a university in Edinburgh, Scotland, and qmu.ac.uk is its official website. The site is the main entry point for prospective students, current students, and visitors who want to find courses, check open days, or learn about the university's approach to teaching. It is most useful if you are considering undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral study, or if you want to explore short courses and online master's options.

What kind of institution is QMU?

QMU describes itself as professionally focused, with a distinctive supportive and career-focused approach to education. Its stated motto is to act with "head, heart, and hand," combining intellectual rigour with compassion and practical action. The university positions itself as modern in outlook and facilities, with a long history behind it.

A recurring theme on the site is that students are "much more than a student number" — the university emphasises a person-centred approach and says it is committed to shaping a better world through accessible education, applied research, and innovation.

What can you do on the website?

The site is organised around a few main purposes:

  • Find a course — the homepage includes a course search tool with separate pathways for undergraduate and postgraduate study. Subject areas listed for undergraduate study include Business (including International Hospitality, Tourism and Events Management), Nursing, Drama and Performing Arts, Education, Film, Communication and Design, Health Sciences, and Psychology and Sociology.
  • Explore postgraduate options — postgraduate subject areas include Advancing Professional Practice Framework, Arts, Culture and the Creative Industries, Business, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dietetics, Education, The Institute for Global Health and Development, and Media, Communications and Public Relations.
  • Check start dates — the site notes that a number of postgraduate courses offer a January 2027 start date, which is relevant if you are planning around a mid-year intake rather than a traditional September start.
  • Attend open days and meet the university — QMU lists several opportunities throughout the year to meet staff and learn about courses.
  • Read student stories — the site features stories from students and graduates about how QMU helped them grow and succeed in their careers.
  • Look into short courses — QMU offers a range of short courses for upskilling and gaining new knowledge.
  • Consider online study — QMU Online provides 100% online master's courses designed for flexible postgraduate study regardless of where you live.

Who is the site for?

The website serves several audiences:

Audience What they will find useful
Prospective undergraduates Course search, subject areas, open days
Prospective postgraduates Postgraduate courses, January 2027 start options, online master's
International students A dedicated international section
Current students Student services including careers, counselling, the Effective Learning Service, and the Disability Service
Professionals seeking upskilling Short courses
Researchers and academics Doctoral studies, conferences and events

What else does the site cover?

Beyond admissions, the site includes sections on:

  • About the University — background, purpose, values, and specialisms
  • Schools and Divisions — how the university is academically structured
  • Campus Life — what studying at QMU is like day to day
  • QMUEmpower — a package of services described as empowering students during and after their time at QMU
  • Community and events — including a QMU Community Forum (Online) and news items such as community health events and food industry guidance

Is it worth browsing further?

If you are looking for a professionally oriented university in Edinburgh with a person-centred teaching philosophy, flexible postgraduate start dates, and online master's options, the site gives you the core information to decide whether to investigate further. The most practical next steps are to use the course search tool for your subject area, check whether your target course has a January 2027 intake, and look for an open day or online forum where you can ask questions directly.