QMU and the Community

We aspire to be a ‘campus without borders’ and we aim to be a true asset to the local community, and indeed the wider world. Our local community includes people living nearby, local schools, and the businesses who call on our expertise and facilities. We work closely with East Lothian Council and a host of other local partners.

Our campus is open to everyone and we encourage walking, including dog walking, in our grounds. Beyond that though we have a host of activities and services that connect us with the community, as set out below. For example, community members can take advantage of our library and catering facilities. We also run a number of events, for example professional lectures, which are open to the public.

We have a strong track record in outreach and are committed to widening access amongst students who have previously been inhibited from entering higher education for social, economic or cultural reasons.

With around 500 staff, we are one of the largest employers in East Lothian, and according to an economic study by the University of Strathclyde in 2009, employment attributable to the University represents 3% of all East Lothian employment. The same survey calculates that QMU is worth £77 million to the economy as a whole.

More broadly, the University community is international in scope, with students and partner organisations across the world.