The Chancellor confers degrees and enhances the profile and reputation of the University on national and global levels. The position of Chancellor is the highest in the University. The Chancellor is elected by the University’s General Council, and remains Chancellor for life. Degrees are conferred by him/her, or by the Vice-Chancellor.

The Principal is responsible for the overall operation of the University. As Vice-Chancellor he/she confers degrees on behalf of the Chancellor. The Principal is President of the Senatus Academicus and ex-officio, a member of the University Court. He/she is nominated by the Curators of Patronage and appointed by the University Court. As Vice-Chancellor he/she confers degrees on behalf of the Chancellor HRH The Princess Royal.

The primary role of the Rector is to preside at the University Court. The Rector also chairs meetings of the General Council in absence of the Chancellor. They work closely with students and the Edinburgh University Students’ Association (EUSA).

The University Secretary is Secretary to the University Court, the University’s governing body, and has overall responsibility for a range of central professional services. These include development and alumni, international, communications and marketing, student services, governance and strategic planning, human resources and internal audit.

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