If you’ve ever wondered where theory of evolution scientist Charles Darwin or comedian and TV show host Michael McIntyre studied, we’ve got the answers for you.
How many of the famous faces in our photo gallery did you know went to the University of Edinburgh – and did any attend at the same time as you or your children?
. The University of Edinburgh's famous alumni
Clockwise from left, Michael McIntyre, Kate Forbes and Charles Darwin. Photo: Third Party
. Charles Dawrin
Surprisingly, Charles Darwin did not study biology or “natural history”. Instead, he enrolled at Edinburgh University to study medicine in 1825, when he was just 16 years old. Darwin’s father and grandfather had both studied medicine. Back then, Edinburgh had the reputation of providing the best medical education in Britain, but Darwin did not enjoy his studies. He left after two years without graduating. Photo: Third Party
. Michael McIntyre
Now one of Britain's biggest comedians and TV gameshow hosts, Michael McIntyre attended Edinburgh University for one year before dropping out to pursue a career in script writing. He has said that he cannot remember whether it was biology or chemistry that he studied while there. Photo: Third Party
. Ian Rankin
Scotland's greatest living crime writer was born in the Kingdom of Fife in 1960. He graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 1982, and then spent three years writing novels when he was supposed to be working towards a PhD in Scottish Literature. After uni, and before his success with his Inspector Rebus novels, Ian had a number of jobs including working as a grape-picker, a swineherd, a journalist for a hi-fi magazine, and a taxman. Photo: Third Party
. Alexander Graham Bell
Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, was born at 16 South Charlotte Street in Edinburgh. At the age of 16, he became a pupil-teacher of elocution and music at Weston House Academy in Elgin. The following year he attended the University of Edinburgh, and later graduated from the University College of London. Photo: Third Party
5. Alexander Graham Bell
Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, was born at 16 South Charlotte Street in Edinburgh. At the age of 16, he became a pupil-teacher of elocution and music at Weston House Academy in Elgin. The following year he attended the University of Edinburgh, and later graduated from the University College of London. Photo: Third Party
6. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Author of Sherlock Holmes series of novels and stories, physician, alumnus. Conan Doyle plaque Background Arthur Conan Doyle is known around the world as the creator of Sherlock Holmes, the fictional Baker Street detective. Born in Edinburgh in 1859, Sherlock Holmes author Arthur Conan Doyle studied medicine at the University between 1876 and 1881. It was one of his professors at Edinburgh Uni, Dr Joseph Bell, who is said to have inspired Conan Doyle's most famous character. Photo: Third Party
7. Sir Chris Hoy
Edinburgh-born Sir Chris Hoy, with a total of seven Olympic medals, six gold and one silver, is the second most decorated Olympic cyclist of all time. He grew up in Murrayfield, and was educated at George Watson's College, followed by two years at the University of St Andrews studying Mathematics and Physics until 1996. He transferred to the University of Edinburgh, from which he graduated BSc (Hons.) in Applied Sports Science in 1999. Photo: Third Party
8. Pippa Middleton
Kate Middleton's younger sister Pippa Middleton graduated with a degree in English literature from the University of Edinburgh. Photo: Third Party