When it comes to universities in Glasgow, the first one that comes to many people’s minds is the University of Glasgow due to its world-renowned fame. However, there are maybe more universities than you think. In this blog, we’ll discover the universities in Glasgow, including universities and other famous specialist institutions. You’ ll know their location, campus, facilities, and strong subjects in detail. Hope you’ll get some inspiration on which one to choose. Let’s dive in!
Study in Glasgow
Glasgow is one of the biggest cities in the UK and the biggest city in Scotland. With the University of Glasgow, this city attracts millions of students to study here. Besides, Glasgow boasts many fascinating museums, galleries, music, comedy, arts and its famous festivals like the Celtic Connections. Studying in Glasgow means you can receive high-quality education and opportunities to experience the diversity and cultural atmosphere of the largest city in Scotland.
Universities in Glasgow UK Overview
Generally, the number of all universities in Glasgow is 4, and with several other specialist institutions and further education institutions. Below is the list of universities in Glasgow Scotland and several other institutions. We’ll list the detailed information about these unis in Glasgow, including universities in Glasgow ranking, their location, top-ranked subjects, etc. in following paragraphs.
| Institutions | Types |
|---|---|
| University of Glasgow | University |
| University of Strathclyde | University |
| Glasgow Caledonian University (GCV) | University |
| Glasgow School of Art | University |
| Royal Conservatoire of Scotland | Specialist Institution |
| City of Glasgow College | Further Education Institution |
University of Glasgow
Ranking
THE World University Rankings: 2
The Times Good University Guide: 3
The Guardian League Table: 3
Location
As one of the largest unis in Glasgow, The University of Glasgow is located in the West End of the city of Glasgow.
- Surroundings: The West End is one of the most vibrant areas in Glasgow due to its popularity among college students. The Victorian-style buildings and architecture in Glasgow also attract many tourists. There are also many beautiful and charming cafes, restaurants and parks nearby. The nearby Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and Kelvingrove Park are ideal places for relaxation.
- Transport: it takes you 15-20 minutes to walk to the main campus from the city centre. The Glasgow International Airport is about 20 minutes drive.
Campus
Gilmorehill Campus: the core and central campus among the three campuses. It’s a campus that blends history and modern facilities, and is full of academic atmosphere. School buildings are famous for their Gothic Revival style. It has the signature Gilbert Scott Building.
Garscube Campus: 4 miles north of the main campus. Mainly for the School of Veterinary Medicine, which has a Small Animal Hospital and an Equine Hospital.
Dumfries Campus: located in the southern part of Scotland, Dumfries, about 90 minutes drive from Glasgow. It’s an exclusive and smaller campus for the School of Interdisciplinary Studies.
Facilities
University Library: one of the biggest libraries in Scotland, has millions of books, manuscripts, and other resources.
Leaning Hub: study space is dotted across the campus
Sports Facilities: It’s one of the colleges in Scotland Glasgow that has world-class sports facilities, including gyms, 25-metre swimming pool in Stevenson Building, and many grass pitches, and tennis courts.
Accommodation
The university provides various types of accommodations, from boarding, university hall of residence, to modern apartments, mainly around the West End, and within minutes of walking to the main campus.
University of Strathclyde
Ranking
THE World University Rankings: 6
The Times Good University Guide: 5
The Guardian League Table: 5
Location
As one of the four universities in Glasgow, the University of Strathclyde is located in the city centre of Glasgow.
- Surroundings: located in the city centre, it has a super convenient living area. You can enjoy all the city centre facilities like the shopping mall, theatre, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes just in front of your door. The campus is adjacent to George Square and Glasgow Central Station.
- Transport: the nearby train station Glasgow Central Station allows you to go freely and easily to any part of Glasgow and Scotland. There are also tube, bus, and airport options.
Campus
John Anderson Campus: the main and core campus, named after its founder, John Anderson. It’s a vibrant, modern campus, with modern buildings. The Technology and Innovation Centre combines with historical buildings like the Royal College, embodying its “Place of Useful Learning” motto.
Strathclyde Sport Campus: located near Glasgow Green, is where all the giant sports facilities are located.
Jordanhill Campus: located in the West End, is where the School of Education is located, and it has its own library, facilities and dorms.
Facilities
Andersonian Library: It’s one of the colleges in Glasgow that has the biggest libraries in Scotland, has over 1 million book collections and resources, and it has a cafe in the library for students to recharge.
Strathclyde Sport: it has one of the best sports facilities in Scotland, equipped with a 25-metre swimming pool, indoor football pitches, courts, etc.
Learning and Teaching Building: it’s a newly built signature building, functioning as a study space, seminar room, student service centre, and oratory room, etc.
Accommodation
The university offers a variety of accommodation options, and has easy accessibility to public transport.
Glasgow Caledonian University
Ranking
THE World University Rankings: 13
The Times Good University Guide: 7
The Guardian League Table: 6
Location
GCU is located in the Glasgow city centre, is one of the four universities in Glasgow.
- Surroundings: located on the Cowcaddens Road, close to the bus station and train station, there are also shopping areas nearby, like Buchanan Galleries and Argyle Street.
- Transport: the nearby Buchanan Bus Station is the biggest long-trip bus station in Scotland. The Queen Street Station nearby offers convenient commuting ways to Edinburgh and other regions.
Campus
Glasgow Campus: main campus, University Square connect every part of the campus, campus buildings are very modern and multi-functional.
GCU London: located in the City of London, Spitalfields. This campus is mainly for postgraduate courses in fashion, luxury brands, finance, etc.
Facilities
Saltire Centre: signature library building, contains over 1,200 seats for study, and has a cafe.
ARC: an advanced wellness and fitness centre, 25-metre swimming pool, and other indoor sports rooms.
Teaching Facilities: The “HosplTAL” offers a real mock ward, which is one of the best facilities in the UK.
Accommodation
The university provides various accommodation options, most of which are located in the Campus Village in the city centre, only a few minutes walk from the main teaching buildings.
The Glasgow School of Art
Ranking
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities: 17
Location
It’s one of the four universities in Glasgow, located in the West End of Glasgow, the signature Mackintosh Building is situated on the Renfrew Street.
- Surroundings: the vibrant surroundings are full of Bohemian atmosphere, there are many galleries, a bookstore, cafes, and pubs nearby. The Glasgow Film Theatre, Scottish Opera, and Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) add the artistic vibe.
- Transport: it’ll take 15-20 minutes to walk from the city centre to the campus, you can also take the nearest subway station Cowcaddens.
Campus
The Mackintosh Building: the symbol of GSA, an artistic architecture, does not serve as the main teaching building.
Garnethill Campus: the main teaching area, which contains Reid Building, Bourdon Building, Foulis Building, Stow Building, etc.
High Street Campus: located in a historical part of Glasgow, is the hub for Master’s in the School of Fine Art.
Facilities
Studios & Workshop: facilities in GAS are highly specialised, designed for art and design, every student has their own studios, and the campus has many workshops.
Other facilities: there are also many other facilities like a library, their own shop, and an exhibition space, etc.
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Ranking
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities: 18
Location
It’s one of the specialist colleges in Glasgow.
- Surroundings: located on the Renfrew Street, the cultural heart of the city centre, and just opposite the Glasgow School of Art, adjoining to the Glasgow Film Theatre. Within several minutes of walking, you can also reach places like Theatre Royal Royal Concert Hall, CCA, multiple galleries, bookstores and cafes.
- Transportation: it’ll take you 5-7 minutes to walk to Buchanan Bus Station and Queen Street Station. The easy accessibility of transport allows students to immerse themselves in the world of art fully and facilitates their performance, internships.
Campus
Renfrew Street Campus: a highly function-focused modern building, have many multi-function halls, classrooms, rehearsal rooms, etc. Outside the teaching building, the university also has close cooperation with local performance halls like Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall, these places can also be their study space.
Facilities
Facilities in RCS are world-class, including facilities like New Athenaeum Theatre, which is a professional proscenium arch holding 344 people at the same time. Chandler Studio Theatre, Guinness Room and Convert Hall.
City of Glasgow College
Ranking
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities: 19
City of Glasgow College is a further education college, which focuses on vocational and technical education studies.
Location
CGC is one of the colleges in Scotland Glasgow, located on the River Clyde, close to the International Financial Service District and Digital Media Quarter.
- Surroundings: there are many companies related to finance, tech, creative products, etc. that offer unparalleled intern and employment opportunities.
- Transport: close to Glasgow Central Station, Glasgow Queen Street Station, and Buchanan Bus Station.
Campus
City Campus: close to High Street Station, has the biggest and most conspicuous building, also known as “Vertical Campus”. It’s a hub for students studying business, finance, catering, tourism, etc.
Riverside Campus: mainly focuses on practical subjects like energy, architecture, auto, beauty and hairdressing, etc.
Facilities
Trading Floor: mock the real trading situation
Marine Simulation Centre: one of the most advanced simulation facilities in the whole world, serves as a vocational training base.
City Eyes: the vocational training restaurant, has panoramic views of the whole city.
Other facilities: library, IT facilities, fitness centre, etc.
Highest Subject Rankings of Universities
| Institutions | Subjects | Rankings | Ranking Body |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Glasgow | Zoology | 1 | The Guardian University League Tables by Subject |
| University of Glasgow | Animal Science | 1 | The Times Good University Guide by Subject |
| Glasgow Caledonian University | Social Work | 1 | The Guardian University League Tables by Subject |
| Glasgow Caledonian University | Physiotherapy | 1 | The Times Good University Guide by Subject |
| University of Glasgow | Sports Science | 1 | The Times Good University Guide by Subject |
| University of Strathclyde | Electrical And Electronic Engineering | 2 | The Guardian University League Tables by Subject |
| University of Glasgow | Law | 3 | The Times Good University Guide by Subject |
| University of Glasgow | Celtic Studies | 4 | The Times Good University Guide by Subject |
| Royal Conservatoire of Scotland | Education | 5 | The Times Good University Guide by Subject |
| Royal Conservatoire of Scotland | Performing Arts | 6 | QS World University Rankings by Subject |
Tuition Fees of Universities in Glasgow
The tuition fees of all the universities in Glasgow and other institutions vary across different study levels, different subjects and course types, etc. Below, we have listed the average tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate studies. These are just for reference, you need to visit school websites to check the detailed specific information.
| Institutions | Tuition Fee (Undergraduate) | Tuition Fee (Postgraduate) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Glasgow | ₤23,520-₤35,000 | ₤22,140-₤35,000 |
| University of Strathclyde | ₤18,700-₤24,300 | ₤18,900-₤26,500 |
| Glasgow Caledonian University | ₤13,500-₤16,500 | ₤15,500-₤18,500 |
| The Glasgow School of Art | ₤21,168-₤24,336 | ₤21,168-₤24,336 |
| Royal Conservatoire of Scotland | ₤21,936-₤24,936 | ₤21,936-₤25,416 |
| City of Glasgow College | ₤8,000-₤12,000 | ₤8,000-₤12,000 |
Living in Glasgow
Glasgow is an affordable city compared with other cities in the UK. So the accommodation expenses are comparatively lower. Students have a variety of accommodation options when studying in Glasgow. And the daily expenses on groceries, transportation, and entertainment are relatively lower than in other cities in the UK, which is one of the reasons why students flock to Glasgow.
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Transport Links
| Average Train Journey Times from Glasgow | |
|---|---|
| Birmingham | 4 hours 55 minutes |
| Cardiff | 7 hours 20 minutes |
| Edinburgh | 1 hour 20 minutes |
| London | 4 hours 30 minutes |
| Manchester | 3 hours 25 minutes |
| Oxford | 6 hours 30 minutes |
| Southampton | 7 hours |
Getting Around Glasgow
As the biggest city in Scotland, Glasgow offers a wide range of options for public transport, making it easy to travel across the city, and from city to city.
Airport
The 3 international airports: Glasgow Airport, Prestwick Airport and Edinburgh Airport significantly benefit students and local people.
Bus
The First Bus offers discounted student tickets for students to travel across cities and campus. Citylink and other coach operators are also a nice choice to explore the city.
Subway
You can also take a subway to get around Glasgow, which is cheaper and quicker. Glasgow has one of the oldest underground systems in the world.
Train
The train is also one of the most commonly used modes of transport if you live in Glasgow. There are two main train stations in Glasgow: Glasgow Queen Street and Glasgow Central. You can get a one-third off train ticket if you buy a 16-25 Railcard.
Bicycle
In Glasgow, if you don’t have a bicycle of your own, you can ride a shared bicycle. Nextbike make it easy to get around the city. These bikes are scattered around the city, you just need to download the app and sign up to rent a bike.
Walk
You can also try to walk to explore the city. Which is a cheap and healthy way to get around.
Other
Other transport ways like taxi, and Uber are also available.
Conclusion
Studying in Glasgow can be a great choice if you have a limited budget and want to receive a high-quality education at the same time. There are several universities in Glasgow Scotland UK options to choose from. The University of Glasgow and other colleges in Scotland Glasgow provide you with an excellent academic environment and resources, offering an unforgettable study life in Glasgow. In addition, life in Glasgow can be different from UK cities like London, and Birmingham. You can enjoy the distinct culture in Glasgow while staying within your budget.
FAQs:
In the level of university, Glasgow Caledonian University is the cheapest university in Glasgow for international students. About ₤13,500-₤16,500 for undergraduate students, and ₤15,500-₤18,500 for postgraduate students. However, despite the university, the City of Glasgow College, which is a further education institution is the cheapest study place, with a tuition fee of only around ₤8,000-₤12,000.
The best-ranked university in Glasgow is the University of Glasgow for sure. As one of the members of the Russell group, it ranked 2 in the THE World University Rankings, ranked third in The Times Good University Guide and The Guardian League Table. The University of Glasgow has rich and world-class educational resources and remarkable academic achievements.
Strictly speaking, there are 4 universities in Glasgow, which are the University of Glasgow, the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow Caledonian University, and the Glasgow School of Art.
There are many subjects worth studying in University of Glasgow, the subjects ranked in the top 10 includes Nursing & Midwifery, Art & Design, Manufacturing & Production Engineering, Food Science, Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering, Accounting & Finance, Drama, Dance & Cinematics, Dentistry, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Veterinary Medicine, Social Policy, Sociology, Medicine, Education, Pharmacology & Pharmacy.
Yes. The University of Glasgow is a member of the Russell Group for its leading research strength and academic achievements.
Glasgow Caledonian University is known for its strong professional and vocational focus. Its strength lies in Health and Life Sciences, especially Nursing and Midwifery. In addition, the Sir Alex Ferguson Library and the “Saltire Centre” are famous buildings.
The University of Glasgow is listed in most university rankings, and it’s also one of the members of the Russell Group. And it consistently ranks among the top tier in major world university rankings: QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, and ARWU. Besides, on the national rankings like The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide, The Guardian University Guide, and The Complete University Guide, University of Glasgow also ranked among the top tier.
The University of Strathclyde is ranked the best in Glasgow for Business (Marketing) and also one of the best in the UK and Europe. Its Strathclyde Business School (SBS) is one of the fewer than 1% of business schools worldwide to hold triple accreditation from three major international bodies: AMBA, AACSB, and EQUIS. Business at the University of Strathclyde is frequently ranked in the UK’s top 10, and its MBA program is often ranked among the best in the world.
