Queen Margaret University

ABOUT UNIVERSITY

Queen Margaret University is a public university located in Musselburgh, East Lothian, Scotland, United Kingdom, near Edinburgh. Established in 1875 as The Edinburgh School of Cookery and Domestic Economy, it was founded by Christian Guthrie Wright and Louisa Stevenson with a mission to expand women’s access to higher education and improve public nutrition and domestic science knowledge. Over time, the institution evolved significantly, expanding its academic scope beyond domestic sciences into fields such as healthcare, speech therapy, physiotherapy, radiography, occupational therapy, arts, and business-related disciplines. It was later renamed Edinburgh College of Domestic Science in 1930 and adopted the name Queen Margaret in 1972, reflecting a broader academic identity beyond its original focus. In 1992, it gained the authority to award its own degrees, and by 1999 it became Queen Margaret University College after achieving full degree-awarding powers. In January 2007, it was granted full university status and became Queen Margaret University. The university now serves thousands of students across undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with enrollment of approximately 6,590 students in the 2024/25 academic year, including both domestic and international learners. The modern campus is located on the outskirts of Musselburgh and is designed with a compact, purpose-built layout to support teaching, research, and student life. The university is known for its focus on applied research, health sciences, social sciences, creative industries, and professional education, maintaining strong links with industry and public services. Over its long history, it has incorporated several specialist institutions, particularly in healthcare and arts education, strengthening its reputation in practice-based learning. Today, Queen Margaret University continues to emphasize employability, community engagement, and interdisciplinary learning while maintaining its historical commitment to widening participation in higher education and supporting social development in Scotland and beyond.