From the early 17th century, the governing body of the University of Edinburgh was the Senatus Academicus. By Act of Parliament this was transferred to the University Court in 1889. The Court had come into existence following the Act of 1858 but from 1889 it became a body corporate, with perpetual succession and a common seal.

The current positions of Rector, Chancellor and Principal & Vice Chancellor also stem from the 1858 Act, as does the General Council which elects the Chancellor and four Assessors on the Court. The Curators of Patronage continue the link between the university and the city, though their powers are now largely formal.