Around 40 people are already enrolled on the 10-week Homeless and Inclusion Health course, including 23 bursary students from outside the university who will have their fees paid.

The programme is designed to consider the problem of homelessness on a more global scale, focussing on issues such as undocumented migrants and homeless people who are caught in the asylum system, and then relating these to the local context.

Dr Fiona Cuthill, course director and a nursing practice lecturer, said: “Loads of people who work in the homeless health sector have degrees and a whole range of different things.

“But this gives them an opportunity to take time out, meet with each other and discuss ways in which they can improve the health and wellbeing of people who are homeless.

“They are all frontline workers with some policy people involved as well.”

Dr Cuthill added: “The bursaries were filled up within a week. It’s really exciting it’s one of the best things I’ve done and it’s great to facilitate learning that really is engaging with people at the frontline.

“We are actively looking at ways in which the University of Edinburgh can engage with the needs in the community.

“We make a big difference internationally but we also want to make a big difference to the local community and this is one way in which to bring the skills that we have to do that.”

A number of local organisations have collaborated with the university, including Shelter Scotland.