Edinburgh Futures Institute

University of Edinburgh

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Edinburgh Futures Institute (EFI) is a large, new and future-facing part of the University of Edinburgh. We give students the chance to explore different and ambitious ways of thinking, collaborating, learning and working. Rather than being a discipline-based School, our cross-sector, interdisciplinary approach draws together the very best of the University of Edinburgh to enable students to learn and connect across many fields and areas of expertise. We are collaborating with industry, government and communities to build project-led, flexible and innovative degree programmes linked to leading research and enquiry from across disciplines. We are opening up education in new ways with innovative, flexible approaches to study. Across the portfolio, you can choose to study online or on-campus, focus your work on addressing issues you care about, and study full-time or part-time.

Why study at Edinburgh Futures Institute?

You’ll dig deep into some of the world’s most complex challenges and develop vital career skills, gaining valuable experience as you work across different disciplines.

We are part of a world-renowned, Russell Group university, founded in 1583.

Challenge, create and make change happen by studying the challenges and opportunities of the future in education, democracy, narrative, equality, and in the service, design and creative industries.

25

courses

27th

QS World University rankings 2025

Edinburgh United Kingdom

main campus

About Edinburgh Futures Institute

The biggest challenges facing societies globally are complex and interconnected. The Edinburgh Futures Institute approach is participatory and future-facing. Recognising that insight, innovation and impact come from bringing people and knowledge together, and that addressing the challenges of our time requires radical and creative collaborations.

We offer fundamentally interdisciplinary learning, research, and collaboration opportunities and draw on diverse disciplines to support creative and ethical work with all kinds of data. We support interdisciplinary perspectives that enable transformational, sustainable, and ethical innovation and change.

Our masters programmes include:

Student life at Edinburgh Futures Institute

We want our students to help us build a vibrant and exciting community, and to experience all the Futures Institute, the University of Edinburgh, and the city have to offer. We want you to find the space to grow and contribute to a meaningful and intentional community. Co-creation is in our DNA and this means that student participation is at the heart of the Institute and the way everyone experiences it. It means we are serious about student roles and opportunities, about involvement in our events and with our partners, and about listening and responding to feedback.

Frequently asked questions

Are the synchronous classes recorded?

Yes, lectures or presentations given during the intensive sessions are recorded and made available after the session. Group work and group discussions are not recorded.

Can I take courses from different programmes?

Yes you can. Options courses are open to students across programmes and outside of particular subject areas. However, this is always subject to availability and enrolment requirements and particular programmes will have precedence for some options courses related to their programme.

What is the average weekly time commitment?

The weekly time commitment for students depends on several factors, including your programme, course choices, and mode of study. For guidance, we expect full-time students to study for approximately 35 hours per week, and part part-time (2 year) students to study for approximately 12-15 hours per week. For students studying the part-time (3 year) programmes, the weekly time commitment will vary depending on their own preferences or circumstances.

What does fusion teaching look like?

Fusion learning and teaching involves a mix of synchronous sessions (where all students work together at the same time), and asynchronous activities (where students work at their own pace). During synchronous sessions, students on the Edinburgh campus work with online students who join the session via Microsoft Teams.

Register your interest with Edinburgh Futures Institute

Main campus

University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh

Scotland

United Kingdom

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Edinburgh Futures Institute