More about University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow
Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow has been inspiring great minds for over 560 years. From its origins in the 15th century, it has been a pioneering university, a role which it continues to fulfil to the present day. If you choose to study here, you’ll be following in the footsteps of a litany of world changers from economist Adam Smith and engineer James Watt to the inventor of television, John Logie Baird and the writer and producer of Doctor Who and Sherlock, Steven Moffat. In addition, the University has fostered the talents of one Prime Minister, seven Nobel Laureates and Scotland’s current First Minister. We have a diverse and growing student population with around 25,000 students from almost 130 different countries.
Research
The University is ranked in the top 1% of world universities and is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive UK universities. It enjoys a long-standing reputation as a research powerhouse with a focus on research excellence. It is one of the UK’s top 10 earners of research income with total earnings over £180m per year and has a base of over 2000 active researchers.
Study
At Masters level, the University offers a hugely diverse portfolio of around 300 postgraduate taught programmes including a growing portfolio of online programmes. Undergraduate programmes, which generally last for four years, span a range of subjects including arts, engineering, life sciences, modern languages, professional degrees, science, teaching and social sciences.
University facilities
The past decade has seen heavy investment in the campus with over £300m being spent on facilities. It is currently being transformed as part of a £775m development plan which has included the opening of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, the current development of The Hunterian at Kelvin Hall (due to open autumn 2016) and the planned development of the neighbouring Western Infirmary site. The Hunterian is recognised as one of the world’s finest university museums and encompasses both an art gallery and museum.
Student support and resouces
The University of Glasgow places great importance on providing our students with the right resources from dedicated teaching staff to academic support services. We have an excellent library with long opening hours (0715 – 0200 daily) with collections numbering over 2.5 million books and journals, comfortable individual and group study areas and social learning spaces. In addition, our Student Learning Service provides consultations and workshops on successful learning whilst the Student Services Enquiry Team advises on the general support services available to all students.
Student Life
The University of Glasgow is somewhat unique in offering two student unions, both with their own personality and characteristics. The award-winning Glasgow University Union is the most successful university debating institution in the world, having won 5 World University Debating Championships. It now offers a new nightclub complex with bars, disco and café space which will add to the Glasgow student experience. The Queen Margaret Union is a renowned musical venue in the city having hosted Nirvana and Biffy Clyro amongst others as well as offering a variety of events throughout the year. Outside of the unions there are more than 120 clubs and societies, a range of student-led media and the Students’ Representative Council which provides a voice for the student body.
The University certainly loves sport, both serious and social. Almost 4000 students participate across our 49 sports clubs and we offer two sports facilities, one of which has benefited from a £10m renovation programme to incorporate sports hall with viewing gallery and increased exercise and conditioning space.
Accommodation
Most new students and all international students are guaranteed University accommodation (provided you’ve applied before 22 August). Living in student residences is a great way to settle into university life and to make new friends when you arrive in the city. There’s a choice of residences, with many of them served by a free shuttle bus service.
Careers
Our Careers Service provides assistance to students to ensure they are fully prepared for employment. This includes one-to-one support from advisers, access to employers for work experience, guidance on CV preparation and interviews and the opportunity to meet recruiters at a number of events throughout the year.
Rankings
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2014 – 94th
1st in Scotland (National Student Survey 2015)
15 subject areas ranked in the UK top 10 (National Student Survey 2015)
The city
Glasgow is Scotland’s biggest city (3rd largest in the UK) and, as such, hosts the largest student population in Scotland. Our campus is located in the west end of the city, just over a mile from the city centre and so students can enjoy the combination of living and studying in a compact, campus-style environment while being part of a major city.
It is renowned as a city of culture through the variety of theatre, cinema, music, museums and galleries as well as offering a vibrant nightlife. It is also consistently voted as offering the best shopping in the UK outside of London with the choice of a ‘style mile’, designer outlets and quirky markets and boutiques.
Glasgow was voted as the ‘World’s Friendliest City’ (Rough Guides 2014).
With Glasgow as a base, you’ll be well placed to explore Scotland – Edinburgh is a 45 minute train ride away and magnificent Loch Lomond is only about 40 minutes away so is always a popular day-trip destination. A number of west coast islands are accessible for a day trip from the city and the Highlands can be reached in 3 – 4 hours.
Travel
Glasgow is easily accessible by air, rail and road. The international airport is 7 miles from the city and offers connections to major British (journey time from London of one hour) and European cities, North America and the Middle East. Within the city the campus is served by a number of bus routes and the city’s underground system.
Visit our Research Hub below to learn about some of our recent research highlights:
