5 Best Universities in Glasgow

5 Best Universities in Glasgow

Glasgow is considered to be an epic historic and vibrant city. It is defined by its incredible natural beauty making it the perfect destination.

This city is not only loved by travellers but also by students who are attracted by its high quality of education.

Glasgow has been the top destination for students and its universities have been ranked among the best in England.

There is a total of five universities in this city that are among the top 300 in the world.

The University of Glasgow happens to be one of the world’s oldest, it was founded more than five centuries ago. 

Choosing to study in a university in Glasgow is a perfect choice for students passionate about culture, history, commerce, research, music, academia among many other fields.

While not in a class, spend time exploring the city, marvel at its historical architecture dating from the pre-Roman era.

Here are the 5 best universities in Glasgow.

1. University of Glasgow

By Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin- Wikimedia

This university is credited with Glasgow’s lively cultural scene and nightlife. The University of Glasgow is one of the top research universities in the UK.

Founded by papal bull in 1451, it is the fourth-oldest university in the United Kingdom.

Other old institutions other than this are the universities of Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and St Andrews.

The university was part of the Scottish Enlightenment during the 18th century. It produces a massive quantity of internationally recognised papers.

Seven Nobel prize winners and three British prime ministers have studied at the University of Glasgow.

One unique thing about this university is it has two students’ unions.

It is a tradition that dates back to the time when male and female students attended different institutions.

Glasgow University Union is famous for sports, while Queen Margaret Union’s music venue hosts internationally famous bands.

Glasgow University has five main faculties that prepare the students for their professional careers.

These faculties are law, medicine, civil service, teaching, and the church.

The university was originally located in the city’s High Street since 1870 but moved to Gilmorehill in the City’s West End.

There are other campuses in Bearsden and Dumfries.

2. University of Strathclyde

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The University of Strathclyde was founded in 1796, making it the second-oldest higher education institution in Glasgow.

It was initially founded under the name The Andersonian Institute and was the first technological university after it received the distinction in 1964.

The John Anderson campus is the main one named after its founder.

Another large campus of the University of Strathclyde is found close to the city centre.

There are several student unions and sports-related facilities such as football and rugby pitches, indoor badminton courts and gym facilities.

Academic amenities include a Technology and Innovation centre as well as specialised pharmaceutical facilities.

Its proximity to the city centre makes it convenient for students to access transport links and other social activities.

The campus has about 2,000 rooms primarily for first-year undergraduates.

Its main field of focus is on technological and scientific studies. Research is also another important area that the university focuses on.

The main research areas are on health, manufacturing and energy.

Its alumni include Team GB swimmer Robbie Renwick, inventor John Logie Baird, explorer David Livingstone and comedian Ed Byrne.

3. Glasgow School of Art

The Glasgow School of Art offers undergraduate degrees, post-graduate awards and PhDs in architecture, fine art and design.

This institution has several campuses in Glasgow city centre. Its first campus was opened by William Harley of Blythswood in the early 1800s.

One of its most famous buildings was designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh between 1896 and 1906.

This building was the city’s iconic landmark and had been around for more than a century.

It got destroyed by fire twice first in 2014 and in 2018 which left a burnt-out shell.   

In 2019, this institution was ranked 8th in the 2019 QS World Rankings for Art and Design. It maintained its 8th place ranking in 2020.

The School of Architecture is highly rated by the architecture profession while the School of Design has been described as leaders in design education.

The school has produced most of Scotland’s leading contemporary artists including five recent Turner Prize winners: Simon Starling in 2005, Richard Wright in 2009, Martin Boyce in 2011, Duncan Campbell in 2014 and Charlotte Prodger in 2018.

4. Glasgow Caledonian University

Photo by Knwwsss-Wikimedia

Glasgow Caledonian University referred to as GCU, was founded in 1993. This was after Glasgow Polytechnic merged with The Queen’s College.

The student population at this university is about 20,000 students making it the most populous university in Scotland.

It has invested in state-of-the-art facilities at the main campus and is one of the most modern campuses in the United Kingdom.

The university has three schools: the school of engineering and built environment, Glasgow school for business and society and school of health and life sciences.

GCU has campuses in New York and in London that offers postgraduate degrees in fashion.

This institution prides itself in offering a range of degree programs that impart practical skills.

It is the only university to offer an Honours degree in Risk Management.

Popular programs in GCU are its courses in nursing and midwifery, it also has strong links with the NHS.

5. Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

By AlasdairW – Wikimedia

Last, on our list, today is the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. This institution has been included in one university ranking which ranks the overall university.

It has also been included in 4 subject-specific university rankings.

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland was formerly known as the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.

This institution is a conservatoire of dance, drama, music, production and film. It is a member of the Federation of Drama Schools.

The institution was founded in 1847 and has become the busiest performing arts venue in Scotland.

Over 500 public performances are held here each year.