Edinburgh Napier University

Tag: Research

Fancy Doing a Edinburgh Napier University Postgrad?

Fancy Doing an Edinburgh Napier University Postgrad?

You may be a student with us who is coming towards the end of their studies and university journey, or you may be a student who has just graduated and is wondering what the next chapter in your career pathway is going to look like. What if we told you that your university career does not have to end here? A postgraduate degree or a Master’s course is essentially a qualification that can be undertaken once you have obtained an undergraduate degree. It allows you to gain specialised knowledge and skillset within a specific area or field of study. Edinburgh Napier University offers a wide range of postgraduate degree courses and qualifications – all of which tie in with our five prominent schools: The Business School, School of Applied Sciences, School of Arts and Creative Industries, School of Health and Social Care and School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment. Find out more about postgraduate courses and degree programmes we offer on our Courses webpage.

Fun Fact

Fun fact: Edinburgh Napier University graduates and alumni are offered a 20% discount on tuition fees for any Master’s or postgraduate course of their choice. There are, of course, many more reasons why doing a postgraduate qualification with us can be beneficial to your career progression, employability and skills enhancement.

Benefits of doing a Postgraduate course with us…

  • It can make you a stand-out candidate in terms of employability and career progression. The specialised knowledge and transferrable skills which you can gain from undertaking and completing a postgraduate degree is often very attractive to potential employers whether you are looking to enter a specific career field or progress within an area which you may already work in. It can open many promotional opportunities in the workplace for you, or alternatively, give you the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in a new field or area if you are only just getting started with your career journey, or maybe even looking to retrain and change careers or direction. Many postgraduate courses that we offer are vocational and offer work placement opportunities as part of their course curriculum, which can ultimately give you the opportunity to acquire invaluable experience in a specific industry or field which can be an effective talking point in CVs, job applications and future interviews. In general, pursing and completing a postgraduate or Masters qualification demonstrates and shows dedication, commitment and ambition, and that you embrace new challenges and opportunities to progress – all of which can make you a stand-out candidate in job applications, interviews and the hiring process overall.

 

  • Network Building Opportunities. Doing a postgraduate or Master’s qualification is also great for networking and can sometimes even lead to paid employment or positions being offered within the specific company or industry that your assigned work placement was. Building expertise and a specialised knowledge in a specific area or subject also opens many doors in terms of integrating into a specific academic community or industry. You will often liaise and interact with academics and lecturers who can provide you with guidance and encouragement with your studies as well as exploring your options after university and future pathways. You will also come across many fellow students during your postgraduate course or Masters degree as well, where a chance to build a specialist and professional network may arise!

 

  • Building expertise in a specific field or industry. You may be a student who has just graduated from an undergraduate course, either with us or a different academic institution entirely. There may be a specific area or subject in your field which you feel you barely scratched the surface of and would like to study in further depth. A Master’s degree or postgraduate course usually provides the perfect opportunity to pursue a more specialised knowledge within a specific area or field of study and research. A higher level of independent study, in-depth research and analysis is often expected from individuals who choose to undertake a postgraduate or Master’s. This may sound overwhelming at first, but it provides a great opportunity for you to get stuck in with delving into a topic or subject area that interests you to an extent more than you would at the undergraduate level. This can often lead to further study and the chance to pursue a PhD, should research and academia be where your key interests lie.

 

  • Postgraduate study and Master’s programmes are often quick progression routes. While an undergraduate course can take up to four or more years to complete, a master’s or postgraduate qualification will often only take a year or two at most. This offers a relatively fast and time-efficient route to gain a qualification and transferable skillset to progress in your chosen career path, whether you are a new graduate waiting to start their career in a specific field, looking to advance within your current field or change direction entirely.

Postgraduate Information Event…

If this blog post has made you consider pursuing further study, whether it be a postgraduate degree or a Master’s course, we have a Postgraduate Information Event coming up on Thursday the 20th of November 2025. You can find all the information you need about enrolling on and what it is like to undertake a postgraduate course here. You will have the chance to speak to academics and staff about the degree programme you have an interest in pursuing, as well as advice regarding funding, admissions and student support available. You will also have the opportunity to talk to current postgraduate students about their experience at Edinburgh Napier University.

 

You can find more information and register by going to the link here.

 

By Rachel Downie

Discovering the Future: Research at Edinburgh Napier University

Discovering the Future: Research at Edinburgh Napier University

When you think of cutting-edge research, you might picture sprawling labs, scientists in white coats, and complex algorithms running on glowing screens. You’ll find all that—and much more—at Edinburgh Napier University (ENU).

Whether it’s developing AI systems to solve real-world problems, helping veterans reintegrate into civilian life, or leading the charge in sustainable construction, ENU is quietly making a big impact. It’s not just a place to study—it’s a place where ideas come to life.

Let’s take a look at some of the exciting research happening across the university—and how you can get involved.

Research with Purpose

One of the things that makes research at ENU so dynamic is its clear focus on real-world challenges. The university’s work is guided by four key themes:

  • AI & Advanced Technologies

  • Health

  • Culture & Communities

  • Environment

These aren’t just buzzwords. They shape everything from collaborative projects to the kinds of PhDs being offered. You can read more on our research webpages.

Cutting-Edge Tech on Campus

In 2024, ENU took a big leap forward by launching ENUCC—a brand-new high-performance computing (HPC) and AI cluster. It gives researchers and students serious computing power to run simulations, analyse big data, and build AI models.

It’s part of a wider push to make sure students and staff have access to the kind of tech that fuels innovation. Read more about it here: ENU launches new HPC and AI cluster

Cool Projects You Should Know About

Cool Projects You Should Know About

ENU is home to some seriously innovative projects and research centres. Here are just a few standouts:

Swarmchestrate: An EU-funded project using swarm computing and blockchain to develop smart, autonomous digital systems. Think of it as nature-inspired tech!

In 2023, a team of Edinburgh Napier University students participated in a pioneering construction project in Guangxi, China. They collaborated with local universities to build the world’s first bamboo-timber composite gridshell structure. This innovative project aimed to explore sustainable building methods to combat climate change. Among the participants were female students like Devika Vijayan, Alice June Davyson, and Zara Anam Rafiq, who contributed their expertise in architectural technology and civil engineering. The project was led by PhD student Yanghao Pei and supervised by faculty members, including Dr. Ahmed Mohamed.

Research into supporting Scotland’s armed forces at the Centre for Military Research and Public Engagement: Housed at the historic Craiglockhart campus, this centre explores topics like PTSD, military transitions, and veteran education.

Innovation Support & Opportunities

If you’re a student, early-career researcher, or even an entrepreneur, ENU has support for you through its Innovation Hub. From Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) to funding for start-ups and seed grants, the university is serious about turning ideas into action.

You can check out what’s on offer here:
ENU Innovation Hub
Research, Innovation & Enterprise Blog

Events & Community

From the ENclusion Conference on equity and inclusion to innovation meetups, ENU offers loads of opportunities to get involved, network, and learn.

One highlight is the annual ENclusion Conference, a day-long event packed with talks, panels, and practical sessions.

The Library

Libraries are essential to research because they provide access to high-quality, credible resources—books, journals, databases, and archives—that researchers need to build on existing knowledge. They offer expert support in information literacy, data management, and referencing, helping researchers work efficiently and ethically. Libraries also preserve knowledge and ensure long-term access to scholarly work, including open-access materials and institutional repositories. Simply put, libraries are the backbone of academic research, connecting people with the information and tools they need to discover, question, and innovate. Start your research journey at one of our campus Libraries or by using our wealth of online resources found at librarysearch.napier.ac.uk.

Don’t forget all the useful information on our Library webpages, including study guides and lists of resources.

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Edinburgh Napier University is fast becoming a major leader in Research. Whether it’s AI, sustainability, social justice, or health tech, ENU’s research is focused on creating a better future.

So if you’re curious, creative, and ready to make a difference, this is a great place to start.

Want to know more? Dive into ENU’s Research and Innovation pages or explore funding and partnership opportunities through the Innovation Hub.

By Juliet Kinsey

Read more on research at Edinburgh Napier University here on our Blog, with our latest post on Women in Stem

Scottish Women in Science

Scottish Women in Science  

To celebrate International Women and Girls in Science Day, let’s celebrate some amazing Scottish female Scientists.

Scotland has a rich history of scientific achievements and Scottish women have played a pivotal role in shaping these accomplishments. From groundbreaking discoveries to innovative research, these remarkable women have defied societal norms and overcome countless obstacles to leave an indelible mark on the field of science.

Historical Scottish Women Pioneers in Science

Even in times when opportunities for women were severely limited, Scottish women managed to push the boundaries and excel in various scientific disciplines. One such pioneer was Mary Somerville, who became a renowned mathematician and astronomer in the 19th century. Her work in celestial mechanics and her influential book “The Mechanism of the Heavens” significantly contributed to our understanding of the universe.

Another trailblazer was Elizabeth Blackwell, who became the first woman to graduate from medical school in the United States in 1849. Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, Blackwell faced immense challenges and discrimination in her pursuit of a medical career. Her determination and resilience not only opened doors for women in medicine but also paved the way for future generations of female physicians.

In the field of medicine, Dr. Elsie Inglis revolutionized healthcare by establishing the Scottish Women’s Hospitals during World War I. Her tireless efforts saved countless lives and challenged the prevailing gender norms of the time.

Modern Scottish Women Making Strides in the Scientific World

Professor Linda Bauld is a public health expert, Bauld has been instrumental in shaping Scotland’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her research on public health behaviour and interventions has had a significant impact on policy both in Scotland and internationally.

In the realm of environmental science, Professor Sheila Rowan has made groundbreaking discoveries in gravitational wave detection. Her research has opened up new possibilities for studying the universe, earning her international acclaim and recognition.

The primatologist and neuroethologist Professor Dame Anne Glover is a world-leading expert on animal behaviour and cognition. She has served as Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK Government and has received many honours and awards.

Scientists of Edinburgh Napier University

Edinburgh Napier University is home to many talented women scientists who are making significant contributions in various fields.

  • Prof Yvonne Kuipers, Professor of Midwifery, has over 20 years of experience in women’s reproductive health. She has conducted research on a variety of topics, including home birth, traumatic childbirth experiences, and midwifery-led care.
  • Dr. Fiona Lees, Professor of Occupational Therapy, is an expert in disability studies. She has conducted research on a variety of topics, including wheelchair use, falls prevention, and social care.
  • Prof Emma Hart is a professor of computational intelligence here at Edinburgh Napier. She is known for her work in artificial immune systems (AIS)evolutionary computation and optimisation.
  • Dr. Clare Taylor is a Senior Lecturer in Medical Microbiology and is a passionate advocate of equality and inclusion

These are just a few examples of the many accomplished women scientists working at Edinburgh Napier University. Their research is making a real difference in the world, and they are inspiring the next generation of female scientists. In addition to these individual researchers, Edinburgh Napier University is committed to supporting women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) more broadly.

The university has several initiatives in place to encourage girls and young women to pursue careers in science. Such as the EQUATE Scotland program, which provides mentoring and support to women in the built environment, engineering, technology, and science sectors.

Celebrating the Achievements of Scottish Women in Science

Scottish women have played a vital role in shaping the scientific world. Defying societal expectations and making groundbreaking discoveries. From the pioneers of the past to the trailblazers of today, their contributions have paved the way for future generations of scientists. It is crucial to celebrate and recognize their achievements, while also working towards creating a more inclusive and equitable scientific community. By supporting and empowering Scottish women in science, we can ensure that their remarkable legacy continues to inspire and drive scientific progress for years to come.

Join us in celebrating the achievements of Scottish women in science by sharing their stories and advocating for gender equality in STEM fields. Together, we can break down barriers and create a more inclusive scientific community.

By Juliet Kinsey

Read more on Women in Science here.

 

Introducing Digimap

Introducing Digimap

Digimap is an online mapping and data delivery service available to UK academic subscribers. The Digimap platform provides access to online maps and spatial data from the Ordnance Survey, as well as the British Geological Survey, OpenStreetMap, and other sources.

At Edinburgh Napier University, we subscribe to OS Maps in various scales, as well as selected collections which focus on specific map types. Our collections are Environment, Historic, and Society.

Figure 1 [EDINA Digimap Society Collection. https://digimap.edina.ac.uk/society]

Environment

The Environment collection includes coverage of Land Cover data. It classifies sea and inland waters, urban areas, farmland, and more. It is particularly useful for students and researchers interested in conservation, environmental studies, and urban planning.

Historic

The Historic collection includes OS maps and County Series maps going back to 1846. Explore how urban and rural spaces have changed over the centuries and discover the history of town planning in the UK.

Society

The Society collection is an important resource for anyone interested in studying contemporary society in the UK. The maps include data from the 2011 Census. The data is available in over 40 map layers and provides an innovative way of visualising demographic information.

How to use

Digimap is a great tool to experiment with analysing information and creating new projects. Why not have a go at viewing habitat information, downloading data for 3D designing using GIS, or comparing urban development across historical maps.

  • Use the ‘Roam’ feature to view, customise, and download maps.
  • Download map data to use with software such as GIS or CAD.
  • Import your own research data to add to maps.

For more guidance, take a look at the tutorial videos on the Digimap YouTube channel.

How to access

Digimap and selected collections are free to use through the University subscription.

To access Digimap, log in with your ENU username and password. You will need to register your details with Digimap and accept the license agreements for each collection. You will then be prompted to verify your email.

By Catriona Robertson

Why not check out our post on the AM Explorer Database

Charles Darwin Day

Charles Darwin Day

What an adventure! Virgin jungles, unclimbed mountains, teeming oceans, tropical rainforests, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes – Charles Darwin saw it all on his five-year voyage around South America. And all the time the young gentleman naturalist was exploring the pristine wildernesses and the unexplored islands, he was taking assiduous notes, writing up his observations more than 20 years later.

Nothing escaped his notice: the flatworms, spiders, and parasitic ichneumon wasps fascinated him every bit as much as the giant tortoises and the massive bones of extinct beasts that he strapped to his horse and hauled back to his study.

He explored, observed and thought about it all. The primaeval world in all its glory and grotesqueness was laid out before him. By the end of his trip, he’d written a 770-page diary, 1,750 pages of notes, and collected nearly 5,500 skins, bones and carcasses. But it wasn’t only the natural world that impressed itself upon Darwin’s consciousness. He saw naked poverty and the horrors of slavery and genocide up close and personal. He realised, once and for all, that nature – including every manifestation of human behaviour – was not the result of a benign creator but rather a long journey through adaptation and evolution.

Natural Selection

No wonder he blew apart the received wisdom on the origins of creation when he published his “On the origin of species by means of natural selection” in 1859. It sold out immediately and rocked the scientific and religious communities to their very foundations. Those reverberations are still being felt today.  

Something that is perhaps unknown is that Darwin had a strong connection to Edinburgh. It was while studying medicine at Edinburgh University that Darwin learned how to classify plants, stuff birds and identify rock strata and colonial floral and fauna.

It’s Darwin’s birthday today. He was born in Shrewsbury, Shropshire on 12th February 1809.  Why not celebrate by reading all about him and his works. (I’ll be honest – I’m starting with “Darwin for beginners”.)

By Lesley McRob

Sources and further reading 

Photo by Misael Moreno

Further reading available on LibrarySearch

Read our blog post on another Victorian trailblazer names Charles: Charles Dickens 

Edinburgh Napier’s Repository – a home for the university’s research

Edinburgh Napier’s repository – a home for the university’s research

A repository is a kind of digital archive for storing all the research outputs created by a university’s academics and researchers. Most importantly, it also makes much of this research publicly available for everyone to read and download. The Edinburgh Napier Research Repository is the home for Edinburgh Napier’s research. We moved to the current repository platform earlier this year, so it might look a little different now if you were familiar with the old one.

Open Access

Making research open access in the repository benefits researchers whose work can be more widely read and cited. It’s also great for students who can access research much more easily. Almost every university has a repository now.  so you can use aggregator services like CORE to find research from around the world. CORE includes the 20,000+ outputs from Napier’s repository and millions more as well. Take a look at our open-access LibGuide with more tips for finding open-access research.

 

 

Screen shot of the University Research Repository

Screenshot of the University Research Repository

 

 

WorkTribe

For Edinburgh Napier academics and researchers who want to curate their own profile or add new research outputs to the repository, just log in to Worktribe using your usual university credentials. If you need any help, check out the support pages on the intranet or feel free to email repository@napier.ac.uk with any questions about open access – including publishing open-access journal articles using one of the library’s publisher deals.

The repository is not just for academic staff though. In fact, Research students can be set up with a profile if they have publications to share. Furthermore, all postgraduate theses awarded by Edinburgh Napier are made available in the repository and then included in the British Library’s national thesis collection for anyone to read.

And that’s what repositories are all about. Making it easier for everyone to find and share the knowledge our universities create.

 

By Stuart Lawson

 

Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash

Studying over the Christmas Holidays?

The Christmas holidays have finally arrived, and you might be thinking it is time to get those feet up, relax, enjoy a hot drink and binge-watch all your favourite Christmas movies!

 

A cosy Christmas

A cosy Christmas

 

But wait a moment… as there is still studying to be done. Here are some tips on how to motivate yourself whilst studying over the festive season:

 

Break it up:

Spend a few hours each day or every other day to break up your study period- you can set some time during the morning or evening then you have the rest of the day to enjoy your break and catch up on those movies!

 

Read and Research:

Set time in your schedule for reading and researching in your comfiest chair, you can do this along with your cup of coffee or tea for extra comfort. You can check out some of our books to help you with your studies via our Library Search

 

Christmas Treats:

 

Treat yourself in between breaks (by this we mean opening the celebrations tubs, eating mince pies, gingerbread men, and anything festive to motivate you throughout the Christmas period).

 

Christmas Star Biscuits

Christmas Star Biscuits

 

Family and Friends: 

Ask a friend or family member to proofread your essay, project, or dissertation. You could engage in a conversation about your current topic and share your opinions which you never know…may end up being the main outcome of your work!

 

Organising and Planning:

 

Use your home space to organise your work, create study note tips, and plan your schedule throughout the week using a calendar, a table, or a ‘to-do list’.

 

Christmas Planning

Christmas Planning

 

 

Edinburgh Napier Information Services sends their best wishes to everyone studying!

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