University Ordinances

The University of Edinburgh has no “Charter” in the sense of an instrument from the Privy Council laying down its constitution. The University’s governance and structure depend on Acts of Parliament, supplemented by Ordinances approved by the Privy Council and, since 1966 to a greater extent, by Resolutions of the University’s governing body, the University Court.

Ordinances of the University of Edinburgh

The University (Scotland) Act 1966 sets out the regulations by which the University Court has powers to make new Ordinances or amend existing Ordinances. Draft Ordinances are first considered by Court and thereafter the comments and observations of the Senatus Academicus, the General Council and any other body or person having an interest or concern are sought throughout a period of eight weeks. The months of August and September are not counted when computing the period of eight weeks. During this consultation period notices and copies of any draft Ordinances are available at the link below.

Notices and Draft Ordinances of the University of Edinburgh

The University Court will then consider any comments received at a meeting after the eight week period has expired before authorising the submission of a final version of the Ordinance to the Privy Council for approval.