Open days, events and visits

Postgraduate Discovery Days

The Postgraduate Discovery Day event runs three times a year and offers a general introduction to on-campus study at the University of Edinburgh.

Each session was very informative. The speakers and moderators explained things clearly and answered questions thoroughly. The event was well-structured and well-timed. All the staff and speakers were very polite and helpful. It gave me the information and reassurance I needed to bolster my confidence to apply.

Event attendee, 29 March 2023

Who can attend

This event is particularly relevant for those who have not yet applied to an on-campus postgraduate programme at the University of Edinburgh. But even if you have already applied, you will find many of the sessions useful (for instance on funding or Edinburgh life).

Only interested in Online Learning?

If you are only interested in studying a Postgraduate online programme most of the sessions at this event may not be relevant to you. Instead, you can join our mailing list to receive a reminder email when booking opens for our May 2024  Postgraduate Online Learning Open Days

Join us live or watch a recording

The sessions will take place at UK local time (British Summer Time, or BST), so please check what time the sessions will take place in your local time zone.

You will get the most out of this event by attending the live sessions, as you will have the chance to participate and ask questions.

However, the event will also be recorded. If you register but can't make the live event, you will be send a link to these recordings so you can watch them in your own time.

Next event 

18 April 2024. 09:00am-6:00pm BST. Online on Microsoft Teams.

We will give you a comprehensive overview of postgraduate study and life at Edinburgh. This event will include sessions which will give you:

  • a chance to talk to current students and graduates about their experience 
  • a chance to text-chat with our student support staff
  • information on how to apply
  • information on scholarships and funding
  • information on the support services we offer all our students 

When you register, you will be asked which sessions you want to attend. You can find more detail on each session under 'Session details'. 

Register for the Postgraduate Discovery Day event

Session details

The Postgraduate Discovery Day event is divided into nine sessions. You can attend as many sessions as you want. 

Time Session Title Session Description
09:00am - 10:00am BST How to Apply for Postgraduate Study Information and advice on what you need to consider before applying and how to apply via our online application system, including the offer-making process.
10:00am-11:00am BST Supporting Postgraduates at Edinburgh: Student Support Services question and answer session

Find out all about the support that is available to ALL postgraduate students. This session will include information about student well-being and how we cater for your health, emotional and pastoral needs.

We'll also provide an overview of the support available from our Careers Service (support and advice for finding employment after your studies), Library Services (the support and resources available for students) and the Institute for Academic Development (developing your study and research skills). The session will commence with each panelist outlining the support they provide to postgraduate students.

This session is not relevant for those considering ONLY Postgraduate Online study. While we do provide these services to online learning students, the panel today will be discussing on-campus provision.

11:00am-12:00pm BST Postgraduate Student Life at Edinburgh (Edinburgh University Students' Association) Join the Students' Association, the Sports Union and our Sport & Exercise team for an introduction to Postgraduate student life at the University of Edinburgh, from societies and social events, to the gym and sports our postgraduate students can participate in it all!
12:00pm - 1:00pm BST Ask our Students and Graduates: Question and Answer session

Current Postgraduate students will take centre stage to share their particular experiences, ready to answer any questions you may have about postgraduate life. If you have any further queries about applications, staff from Student Recruitment & Admissions will also be on hand to chat to you.

This session will not be relevant for those considering ONLY Postgraduate Online study as the student panellists will all be studying on-campus programmes.

1:00pm - 2:00pm BST

Fees and options for Funding your postgraduate studies

Information about postgraduate programme fees and advice on funding your studies at the University of Edinburgh. This session comprises a short presentation which will include two students sharing their personal experiences. You will also have the opportunity to ask your questions by text chat to our experts in the Fees and Funding teams.

1:30pm - 3:00pm BST Introduction to Postgraduate Study 

This session is ideal for those who are less familiar with Edinburgh and life in Scotland and want to know more about the University and postgraduate study more generally. We will introduce the fantastic city where we're based and the University itself and what makes it special. 

This session may not be relevant for those considering ONLY Postgraduate Online study.

3:00pm - 4:00pm BST Choosing A Research Degree

This session is for anyone interested in pursuing a research degree (PhD or research Masters). Come along to find out what a research degree is all about, what you need to consider before applying, where to find more information and some of the key dates and deadlines. Current research students will join us to share their personal experiences of postgraduate research at Edinburgh.

This session may not be relevant for those considering ONLY Postgraduate Online study.

4:00pm - 5:00pm BST Finding a Place to Live

In this session you'll learn more about accommodation available for postgraduate students that is owned by the University. We'll also offer advice for those looking for privately owned accommodation.

During the session, students will share their own experiences of finding and living in University-owned and private accommodation while studying at Edinburgh.

This session may not be relevant for those considering ONLY Postgraduate Online study.

5:00pm-6:00pm BST Applying for Postgraduate Study: personal statements and references Information on what makes a strong personal statement and how to request references for your application to Postgraduate study. There will be opportunity for questions after the presentation.

Sessions run by Schools

As well as general sessions, you may want to attend a programme-specific session on the same day.

You must register for these sessions separately using the links below.

Masters programmes at Moray House School of Education and Sport 

18 April 2024, various times. Online on Blackboard Collaborate. 

  • Physical Activity for Health (11:00am-12:00pm BST)
  • Comparative Education and International Development (1:30pm-2:30pm BST)
  • Outdoor and Environmental Education programmes at Moray House (3:00pm-4:00pm BST)

Register for the Masters programmes at Moray House School of Education and Sport event

How to take part in online events

When you register, you will be sent an email with instructions on what platform will be used to host the event and how you can access it.   

To get the most out of the event, we recommend: 

  • attending the event using a laptop or desktop computer, rather than a mobile phone or tablet 

  • making sure you have a reliable internet connection 

  • using the Google Chrome browser, or Firefox if you don’t have access to Chrome   

You can find more hints and tips, including information on how to use the main platforms we use to host our events, on the Taking part in our online events page. 

Taking part in our online events - technical requirements and tips