Drawn to meet society’s needs. That is what Queen Margaret University has been doing since 1875. This commitment is etched into its very foundation. Queen Margaret University started as the Edinburgh School of Cookery. Christian Guthrie Wright and Louisa Stevenson founded it. Both were part of the Edinburgh Ladies’ Educational Association.
The school sought to improve women’s access to higher education. It also aimed to improve the diets of working-class families. Teaching began with lectures at the Royal Museum. Public lectures and demonstrations were delivered nationwide. In 1877, the school established a base at Shandwick Place.
In 1891, Queen Margaret University moved to Atholl Crescent. Courses expanded and residential places were offered. HRH Princess Louise became the Patron. In 1909, the school became a central institution. It came under the public control of the Scottish Education Department. Ethel De la Cour was appointed as the first principal.
In 1930, the school became the Edinburgh College of Domestic Science. The college acquired its Corstorphine campus in 1961. It purchased part of the Clermiston estate. Princess Alice opened the campus in 1970. She remained Patron until her death. In 1972, the name Queen Margaret was adopted. This was to move the college away from just domestic science. Queen Margaret broadened its range of courses. Dramatic arts and paramedical healthcare were added. Several institutions have since joined Queen Margaret.
In 1992, Queen Margaret College gained powers to award its own degrees. In 1998, it gained full degree powers. In 1999, the institution became Queen Margaret University College. In January 2007, it achieved full university status. It became Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.
In 2012, Queen Margaret University became the first in Scotland. It had a Business Gateway on campus. In May 2010, Scotland’s First Minister announced that Queen Margaret University would host the archives for Homecoming Scotland 2009.
Before moving to Musselburgh in 2007, Queen Margaret University had three Edinburgh campuses. They were in Corstorphine, Leith, and at the Gateway Theatre. In 2007-2008, the university moved to a new campus near Musselburgh. The new campus cost £100 million. It covers 35 acres. It includes educational buildings, a student union, a gym, and halls. The campus has more than 800 rooms.
Queen Margaret University has been called the country’s greenest campus. Dyer Architects designed the campus to exceed environmental standards. The Queen officially opened the new campus in 2008.
The Learning Resource Centre is at the heart of the campus. It provides library, IT, and AV services. The centre has 1,000 study spaces. The Education Resource Centre provides audio-visual services. This includes equipment in classrooms and lecture theatres. It also offers graphics, photography, and TV studio facilities.
The School of Arts, Social Sciences and Management offers various courses. These include Business, Hospitality, and Public Relations. Queen Margaret University is part of the Scottish Drama Training Network. It offers BA programs in Acting and Performance. It celebrated 50 years of professional drama training in 2021/22.
The School of Health Sciences offers a range of healthcare courses. These include nursing, physiotherapy, and speech therapy. Queen Margaret University is the only institution in Scotland. It offers fully accredited therapy courses as a Master of Science.
Dame Prue Leith became Chancellor in October 2016. Sir Paul Grice became principal in October 2019. Queen Margaret University continues to evolve. It remains dedicated to meeting society’s needs.