12 famous faces educated at Edinburgh University, including Charles Darwin, Ian Rankin and Michael McIntyre

Edinburgh University boasts an impressive list of famous alumni, some of whom have acquired legendary status.
Gary Flockhart
By Gary Flockhart
Published 29th Mar 2023, 13:17 GMT

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?

Clockwise from left, Michael McIntyre, Kate Forbes and Charles Darwin.

1. The University of Edinburgh's famous alumni

Clockwise from left, Michael McIntyre, Kate Forbes and Charles Darwin. Photo: Third Party

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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.

2. 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