Our collection of real, honest student reviews of unis and courses is the largest in the UK, and help you make well-informed decisions about your future. Student reviews also form the basis of our annual Whatuni Student Choice Awards(WUSCAs), which highlight great work carried out by institutions for their students.
2023 WUSCA winners
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A small campus and small class size makes QMU a great place to study. It would have been a little more helpful if there is session (Scottish words) hosted specifically for international students, as the language is tricky to grasp.
The course is blended learning with a balanced mixture of online and in class. The practicals are in person which is very ideal to gain an understanding of patient interaction, patient centred care and role of radiographer. This environment is helpful as it resembles the work environment. Moreover, the lecturers are available via email to clarify any doubts or questions. If necessary they hop online to help the students.
A private room included with en-suite shower is most basic need and I like that accommodation has paid attention to the incisional privacy of the students. Most of all, you can choose your neighbours next door during the application process at the beginning of the academic year. The least favourite has to be interfering with the cutlery and utensils that the roommates tend to use without permission.
The fact that it is a campus uni means that there is a very strong feeling of community throughout, and because it is relatively small it means that you get to know all of your peers and lecturers on a personal level. The main building itself is very pleasant to be in due to its open plan nature. Maggie's, the on-campus bar and grill, is fantastic for catching up with friends and family, doing group study work, or grabbing a really cheap but delicious meal. Lots of events happen in Maggie's throughout the year, run by the student union and individual sports and societies. The communication between all departments could be improved, as a few times there has been last minute changes to timetables, late assessment feedback etc. but this I think may be partially a result of the ongoing strikes.
I like the way my course is delivered (3x3hr in person classes a week with work to complete over the next week) as it means that I have a lot of flexibility in what I do with the 4/5 days a week I'm not in class. Though we only see each lecturer for 3 hours a week, due to the class sizes you get to know them well and have the opportunity to speak to them about anything relating to the course. It is easy to contact the lecturers outwith class time as well. The course covers all aspects of drama - in first year each semester there is 1 module focussing on performance, 1 on textual and performance analysis/theory, and 1 that is 1/2 lectures and 1/2 practical production skills. This means that you get to explore absolutely everything to do with the subject area, you might be constructing set one day then analysing classical texts the next. As previously stated, one particular issue I've encountered is he time it takes to get marks and feedback, which is possibly partially due to the strikes, and the smaller number of staff, but still affects the students in a large way. This is the weakest part about my course, but apart from that, I don't have many other complaints.
The halls are fantastic and I would recommend to anyone to go for them. There are several blocks and are all on campus, just a 3 minute walk to any class. I have a standard room which is amazing value for money (at its current price) as being slightly out of the city means we get the same amenities for over £1000 less a year compared to those I know at Napier and Edinburgh. There is lots of storage space in the room itself and a good-sized shared kitchen between 6. The only thing about the facilities themselves is that the bathroom is very small. I have had no issues with the property management - we are given a timetable at the start of each semester for when access will be needed to the flat to carry out planned maintenance. I've also had any unexpected maintenance issues be resolved quickly and efficiently. The Reslife team also organise lots of events for residents throughout the year, generally around 5/6 per month. The internet access is great as we are connected to eduroam due to being on campus. There is 24/7 security that reside in the main building and conduct patrols throughout the night, and each block needs a keycard to enter. This mixed with the fact that I don't live in the city means I feel safe all the time in halls. Though the location is perfect for getting to classes, it is a little bit out of the way - a 20 minute walk to the nearest supermarket and the opposite end of town to the Musselburgh high street. However, there are very good transport links (a bus stop on campus and train station 2 minute walk)
I have really enjoyed my time at this university due to the friendly and entrepreneurial atmosphere. The lecturers and staff always encourage you to do your best and to seek as many opportunities as possible. Compared to other universities, Queen Margaret really helps you to integrate into the world of work with a variety of courses with practical elements, such as placements or client projects. There is also a wide range of clubs and societies to choose from, so there is something for everyone. TGIThursday is a great event which provides students with free meals and food packages to take home, and the cafeteria has a wide range of affordable food options. I also really like that the campus is so close to the city of Edinburgh, yet still in a quiet location where you can relax. I can't say that I have anything bad to say about this university, I've had a great experience!
I have two or three in person classes per week, as well as an occasional online class. I do like this structure, which I believe is a standard for a lot of postgrad programmes. However, because I like the course so much, I do wish that there were more classes! We do not have placements or internships in this degree, however this is not a disadvantage because the course content is very engaging, and I feel like my career prospects have improved greatly just from studying this course alone. The only thing I would like on this course would be some sort of field trip surrounding the media or creative industries. However, there is a wide range of guest speakers from several creative industry sectors, therefore, we still get a great insight into the industry and we can engage with professional expertise. Overall, I am very glad that I chose this course, as it encourages you to pursue your preferred creative industry sector, yet to also have an open mind on others. I have been able to take some marketing and project management classes to, which show how flexible your focus can be.
I would definitely recommend this accommodation! The standard rooms are definitely worth the money - all bills are included in the rent and you get your own ensuite bathroom. The ResLife/Accommodation team are always setting up events, they are the most involved and friendly accommodation team I have experienced. I have seen the premier rooms too, they are a bit more expensive but you get a much bigger room, which to me, means that the price is worth it. Some people may not like the location as it is outside of the city, but it is only a 5-10 min trip to Edinburgh on the train, plus the train station is at the university campus. It is a very quiet place to live, I have lived in very noisy student halls in the past and this is much better! The student union is nearby if you want to socialise with your friends and the accommodation reception has a nice lounge too.
My impression of QMU is that it is a uni constantly trying to improve students' experience; by no means are they perfect. However, they constantly seek out ways to factor in the desires of students when delivering their courses. Student Union tries its best to create events. It's relatively small in size, meaning lecturers and students engage very closely.
Best aspect of the course : Genuine attempts by the university to develop a course co-created with students. Worst aspect: Lack of clarity about the direction of travel with regards to course achievement goals and clear guides on the pathway to achievement
Right inside uni! Great network reception on mobile and WiFi networks.
Due to it being a smaller university, it made me feel involved in a community and I felt more comfortable to come into this with an open mind and it built my confidence up.
The communication of my course was awful, we are always left in the dark and unknown of changes.
I was able to request my friend whom I had met through the course beforehand this made me feel a lot more settled. I found the amenities a bit questionable, I feel the kitchen could have more resources, it is quite limited and not very cosy.
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Very inclusive university, great range of sports and society. Great campus feel
Great course and teaching staff, great opportunities
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QMU really feels like a community. The students get to know each other from across the range of degrees, the staff make an effort to get to know the students, and there is always someone to say hi to. The uni has also made clear and good efforts to support students during the cost of living crisis including 'Thank God it's Thrusdays' during which students are encouraged to come together, use the uni's warmth and electricity, and are given a free evening meal to eat as well as a recipe kit and ingredients to keep you going for the next day or two, also for free. They put entertainment on at these nights such as bingo or movies but also make it clear that if you want to chill out on your own after a long day, you are still welcome. In general, the support keeps coming from QMU! They have an Effective Learning Service for all students to access at any time and they can support with every aspect of academia from who to plan an essay, to how to organise your time, to referencing and giving feedback on what you've written. For life outside of academia, they have student support and disability support, both of which are caring and efficient in my experience. I have been to a larger university before to study a previous degree and I very much prefer this experience. I feel welcome, safe and happy at QMU.
I do the four year MSLT course and am currently in my second year. So far, I have thoroughly enjoyed it. One of the key highlights for me is that the vast majority of our lecturers are SLTs who either recently left the field or are still working alongside teaching us. This means that they can relate everything that they are teaching back to real-life experience and share their top tips. It genuinely feels like all the teaching staff want you to do well and will help you in whatever way they can.
It's an amazing school; so much different from other schools and it's a beautiful, safe place to be; you have lecturers who see you and are extra committed to making you employable, and a much better person really. I've had mostly good experiences - and the bad one i've got, was due to a misunderstanding, and I'm sure everyone is doing their best on both sides to create a safe space for all students. Can't imagine myself studying anywhere else!
no complaints I have really fabulous lecturers and the content is immediately applicable in the real world and the world of work!