Glasgow Caledonian University
United Kingdom
Direct PartnerQS Ranking 2025
1001
THE Ranking 2024
601
Guardian University Ranking 2024
40
+12Students Satisfaction
90%
Graduates Employability
93%
Int. Student Percentage
12%
Int. Fee Range
£11,500k/pa
Overview
Glasgow Caledonian University is a prestigious public university located in Glasgow, Scotland, UK. It is one of the most vibrant places in the UK, and it has a massive, diverse community. It is one of the largest universities in Scotland.
Extended Overview
Although it was only granted university status in 1993, Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) has roots that reach all the way back to 1875. With approximately 20,000 international students enrolled from over 100 different countries, Glasgow Caledonian University is not only one of the largest institutions in Scotland, but also one of the top 10 most modern universities in the United Kingdom.
Many courses at Glasgow Caledonian University are recognised by professional organisations and provide internship opportunities because of the university's strong ties to the business community. The university offers optometry degrees exclusively and is the largest provider of healthcare graduates to the NHS in Scotland. Consumer protection, tourism management, and fashion marketing are just a few of the innovative specialised degrees offered at Glasgow Caledonian.
The Chartered Banker Institute (the oldest banking institute in the world), the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment, and the Institute of Operational Risk all recognise GCU's business school as the first and only in the world to offer triple-accredited degrees in financial services.
In addition, GCU has introduced a unique and interesting Global MBA (Master of Business Administration) curriculum, targeted at ambitious, socially conscious individuals with managerial and leadership aspirations. Participation in optional overseas cultural immersion tours to New York and London are also available as part of the programme.
Mission Statement
The mission of Glasgow Caledonian University, UK, is to be the institution for the common good. This means that the university is committed to making a positive impact on society through its education, research, and community engagement. The university aims to transform lives by providing opportunities for students to reach their full potential and by addressing the challenges facing society through its research and partnerships.
History
The Glasgow College of Technology and the Glasgow Polytechnic are the progenitors of the current university. In 1993, they combined to establish what is now known as Glasgow Caledonian University. After a merger between the Scottish College of Commerce and the Royal College of Science and Technology in 1971, the Glasgow College of Technology was born. When compared to the Royal College of Science and Technology, which was established in 1887, the Scottish College of Business was formed much later, in 1946.
A merger between the Scottish College of Textiles and the Scottish College of Commerce in 1975 led to the formation of Glasgow Polytechnic. In 1883, the Scottish College of Textiles was established; in 1946, the Scottish College of Commerce was established.
The Scottish government began consolidating and reorganising the country's universities and colleges in 1992. Glasgow Caledonian University was established in 1993 as a result of the merger of Glasgow College of Technology and Glasgow Polytechnic. Glasgow Caledonian University has developed and broadened its curriculum since it first opened.
Among universities, Glasgow Caledonian stands out for its dedication to social justice and its close ties to business and industry.
Despite Glasgow Caledonian University's brief existence, it has become one of Scotland's preeminent academic institutions. The university is well-positioned to continue making significant contributions to the fields of education and research due to its strong commitment to social justice and its concentration on industrial partnerships and research excellence.
Accreditation
Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) is a highly respected or top-tier UK institution dedicated to academic excellence. Its programmes are often recognised and trusted by many professionals, statutory, and regulatory bodies (PSRBs). This accreditation is a testament to the quality of education and the relevance of its courses to the real world.
- Association for Project Management (APM)
- Chartered Institute for Information Technology (BCS)
- Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Scottish Branch (CIArb)
- Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE)
- Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHIT)
- Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
- Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS)
- Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM)
- Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM)
- Engineering Council (EC)
- Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA)
- Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
- Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders in Scotland (IESIS)
- Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
- Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE)
- Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE)
- Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
- Institute of Measurement and Control (InstMC)
- Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE)
- Joint Audio Media Education Support (JAMES)
- Global Accreditation Centre for Project Management (PMI)
- Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
Campus Facilities
Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland, provides the UK's best learning environments at their modern campus, which is located in the heart of the city of Glasgow. Besides the award-winning “ Sir Alex Ferguson” library, GCU provides a range of ultra-modern facilities to help its students with academic and student support services. Here are some of the key campus facilities available:
Academic facilities
- Vision Centre
- Interprofessional Simulation Centre
- Human Performance Laboratories
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences Laboratories
- Psychology Laboratories
- University Facilities
Conferences, exhibitions, and events
- Accommodate conferences, seminars, and workshops
- Showcasing student work, research projects, or external events
- Dinner parties, banquets, and other special events
The Law clinic
- Offers free legal advice
- Provides practical experience
- ARC health and wellbeing facility
Fitness facilities
- Counselling services
- Health education programmes
Sports and leisure facilities
- Gyms, sports fields, swimming pools, and fitness classes
- Courtyards, gardens, or art galleries
Entrepreneurial hub
- Access to business resources
- Mentoring services
- Workshops
Courses
Undergraduate
- 3D Animation and Visualisation with Pathways for Games and VFX
- Accountancy
- AI and Data Science
- AI and Data Science (with Work Placement)
- Applied Biomedical Science / Biomedical Science
- Applied Biomedical Science / Biomedical Science (with Work Placement)
- Applied Psychology
- Audio Technology
- Audio Technology (with Work Placement)
- Biological Sciences
- Building Services Engineering
- Building Surveying
- Building Surveying (with Work Placement)
- Business Management
- Business Management (with Work Placement)
- Computing
- Computing (with Work Placement)
- Construction Management
- Construction Management (with Work Placement)
- Cyber Security and Networks
- Cyber Security and Networks (with Work Placement)
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Diagnostic Imaging (with Work Placement)
- Digital Design (Direct Entry)
- Digital Security and Forensics
- Digital Security and Forensics (with Work Placement)
- Economic Policy
- Economic Policy (with Work Placement)
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering (3 - 5 Years)
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering (with Work Placement)
- Electrical Power Engineering
- Electrical Power Engineering (5 Years)
- Electrical Power Engineering (with Work Placement)
- Electrical Power Engineering (with Work Placement) (5 Years)
- Environmental Civil Engineering
- Environmental Civil Engineering (with Work Placement)
- Environmental Management
- Fashion Design with Business
- Finance, Investment and Risk
- Fire Risk Engineering
- Food Science
- Food Science (with Work Placement)
- Forensic Investigation
- Games Development
- Human Nutrition and Dietetics
- Human Nutrition and Dietetics (with Work Placement)
- International Business
- International Business and Human Resource Management (Year 3 Entry)
- International Business with Languages
- International Fashion Branding
- International Marketing
- International Supply Chain Management
- International Supply Chain Management (with Work Placement)
- International Tourism and Events Management
- Laws
- Laws (Fast-Track)
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering (with Work Placement)
- Media and Communication
- Multimedia Journalism
- Nursing Studies (Adult)
- Nursing Studies (Adult) (4 Years)
- Nursing Studies (Adult) (with Work Placement)
- Nursing Studies (Child)
- Nursing Studies (Child) (4 Years)
- Nursing Studies (Child) (with Work Placement)
- Nursing Studies (Learning Disability)
- Nursing Studies (Learning Disability) (4 Years)
- Nursing Studies (Learning Disability) (with Work Placement)
- Nursing Studies (Mental Health)
- Nursing Studies (Mental Health) (4 Years)
- Nursing Studies (Mental Health) (with Work Placement)
- Occupational Therapy
- Occupational Therapy (with Work Placement)
- Ophthalmic Dispensing Management
- Ophthalmic Dispensing Management (with Work Placement)
- Optometry
- Oral Health Science
- Orthoptics
- Orthoptics (with Work Placement)
- Paramedic Science
- Paramedic Science (with Work Placement)
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacology (with Work Placement)
- Physiotherapy
- Physiotherapy (with Work Placement)
- Podiatry
- Podiatry (with Work Placement)
- Professional Studies in Nursing
- Professional Studies in Nursing (1 Year)
- Quantity Surveying
- Quantity Surveying (with Work Placement)
- Radiotherapy and Oncology
- Radiotherapy and Oncology (with Work Placement)
- Risk Management
- Social Sciences
- Social Work
- Social Work (with Work Placement)
- Software Development
- Software Development (with Work Placement)
- Software Development for Business
- Software Development for Business (with Work Placement)
Postgraduate
- 3D Design for Virtual Environments
- Accounting, Finance and Regulation
- Accounting, Finance and Regulation (16 Months)
- Accounting, Finance and Regulation (Fast-Track)
- Accounting, Finance and Regulation (Fast-Track) (with Work Placement)
- Accounting, Finance and Regulation (with Work Placement)
- Accounting, Finance and Regulation (with Work Placement) (16 Months)
- Advanced Physiotherapy Practice
- Advanced Practice
- Applied Data Science in Engineering
- Applied Instrumentation and Control
- Big Data Technologies
- Big Data Technologies (1 Year)
- Biological Sciences
- Biological Sciences (with Work Placement)
- Climate Justice
- Cyber Security
- Diabetes Care and Management
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Diagnostic Imaging (with Work Placement)
- Diagnostic Radiography (Pre-Registration)
- Diagnostic Radiography (Pre-Registration) (with Work Placement)
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Electrical Power Engineering
- Environmental Management (Waste, Energy, Water, Oil and Gas)
- Environmental Management (Waste, Energy, Water, Oil and Gas) (1 Year)
- Fashion and Lifestyle Marketing
- Financial Technology
- Forensic Psychology
- Human Resource Management
- Human Resource Management (with Work Placement)
- Human Rights
- Human Rights (with Work Placement)
- Insurance and Sustainable Risk Management
- International Banking and Finance
- International Banking and Finance (1 Year)
- International Business Management
- International Business Management (with Work Placement)
- International Commercial Law
- International Construction Project Management
- International Construction Project Management (1 Year)
- International Economic and Social Justice
- International Economic and Social Justice (with Work Placement)
- International Fashion Marketing
- International Human Resource Management
- International Management and Business Development
- International Management and Business Development (with Work Placement)
- International Marketing
- International Operations and Supply Chain Management
- International Operations and Supply Chain Management (with Work Placement
- International Tourism and Events Management
- International Tourism and Events Management (with Work Placement)
- Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Research
- Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Research (with Work Placement)
- Luxury Marketing
- Marketing
- Marketing (with Work Placement)
- MBA (Global)
- MBA (Global) (with Additional Pathways in Public Health or Insurance)
- MBA (Luxury Brand Management)
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering (with Work Placement)
- Medical Bioscience
- Multimedia Journalism
- Multimedia Journalism (with Work Placement)
- Nursing : Advancing Professional Practice
- Nursing Studies Adult (Pre-Registration)
- Nursing Studies Adult (Pre-Registration) (with Work Placement)
- Occupational Therapy (Pre-Registration)
- Occupational Therapy (Pre-Registration) (with Work Placement)
- Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration)
- Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration) (with Work Placement)
- Professional Accountancy (ACCA Route)
- Public Health
- Public Health (16 Months)
- Quantity Surveying
- Quantity Surveying (1 Year)
- Risk Management
- Risk Management (with Work Placement)
- Social Innovation
- Social Innovation (with Work Placement)
- Social Work
- Social Work (with Work Placement)
- Television Fiction Writing
- User Experience and Interaction Design
Research
- Business Administration
- Business Administration (4 - 6 Years)
- Counselling Psychology
- Counselling Psychology (with Work Placement)
- Health Psychology
- Health Psychology (with Work Placement)
- Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration)
- Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration) (with Work Placement)
- Sports and Exercise Psychology
Divisions and Departments
There are several divisions and departments of Glasgow Caledonian University. For example, they are:
- Economics and Law
- Fashion, Marketing, Tourism and Events
- Finance, Accounting and Risk
- Management
- Media and Journalism
- People and Organisations
- Social Sciences
Faculty and Staff
Glasgow Caledonian University, UK, has many prestigious staff, few of them are:
- Sara Cantillon, Director, Department of Economics and Law
- Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon, MBE, Chancellor
- Professor Steve Decent, Principal and Vice-Chancellor
- Wilfred Obi, Student President
- Laiba Tareen, Vice President SCEBE
- David Halliday, Professional and Support Staff Governor
Student Life
The award-winning library is a popular study area for students, with 1,200 individual study carts and more than 350 computer workstations. Choose from one of their four catering locations for some food or a drink.
Take care of yourself by working out at The Arc, their on-site fitness centre. Some examples of available exercise courses are spin, yoga, body pump, body attack, circuit training, and box circuit. Via the Students' Association, you can sign up for a variety of extracurricular activities and clubs. Use their on-campus resources, including the Careers Team, the Counselling Centre, and the Financial Aid Office.
Student Statistics
- Undergraduate 79%
- Postgraduate 21%
- Full-time 82%
- Part-time 18%
- First year 42%
- Other years 58%
- UK Students 87%
- EU Students 5%
- International Students l8%
- Male 42%
- Female 58%
- Other 0%
Transportation
Glasgow is located in the city centre; students can walk, bike, take the bus, or underground (subway). For those arriving by car, there are parking spots nearby. But be careful, there's a special area in the city centre where you can't drive cars that pollute too much. And those who are coming from the airport, no problem, they (students) can manage or hire a taxi or take a bus straight to the university.
Walking:
- Easily walkable city
- Use WalkIt.com for route planning and distance/calorie estimates
Bicycle:
- Secure cycle racks available on campus
- Refer to cycling guidelines in Glasgow
Bus:
- Located directly opposite Buchanan Bus Station
- Underground (subway):
- Short walk from Cowcaddens underground station
Rail:
- Within walking distance of Glasgow Queen Street and Glasgow Central stations
- Check National Rail Enquiries Service for train times
Car:
- Accessible from Junction 16 (Westbound) or Junctions 15 & 17 (Eastbound) of M8 motorway
- No on-campus parking
- Nearby car parks: Concert Square multi-story and Cambridge street multi-story
- Low-emission zone applies in city centre (check vehicle registration checker)
- Consider car-sharing options (SPT Journeyshare, Liftshare, Carpool World)
Airport:
- Glasgow Airport is approximately 10 miles away
- Direct bus link to Buchanan Bus Station
Housing and Accommodation
All students are assured on-campus housing at Glasgow Caledonian University accommodation at Caledonian Court. There are 660 rooms capable of six to eight students each, but there are guaranteed spots for international students. They're affordable, and most have single rooms with private bathrooms. Students can also find an on-campus gym, cafes, and shops, and the city centre is nearby.
Accommodation options
- Student Halls: Caledonian Court (main residence)
- Private Rental: GCU can help you find off-campus apartments or houses.
- Short Stay: For temporary stays, consider hotels or short-term rentals.
Features
- En-suite rooms
- Self-catered apartments
- Communal facilities
- Support services
Applying for accommodation
- Apply early
- Online application
- Accommodation guarantee for eligible undergraduates
Extracurricular Activities
Glasgow Caledonian University offers a wide range of extracurricular activities to cater to the interests and passions of its students. These activities provide opportunities for students to engage in social, cultural, and athletic pursuits, enhancing their overall university experience.
Following are some of the popular extracurricular activities offered by GCU:
- Football
- Rugby
- Basketball
- Hockey
- Netball
- Modern gym facilities
- Fitness classes
- Choirs
- Bands
- Orchestras
- Drama productions
- Drama performances
- Painting
- Drawing
- Visual arts
- Volunteer programmes
- Community partnerships
- Societies and clubs
- Various interests and hobbies
- Professional societies
- Vibrant Freshmen's week
- sports tournaments
- Concerts
- Cultural celebrations
Partnerships and Collaborations
GCU has established partnerships and collaborations with a wide range of organisations, both nationally and internationally. These partnerships and collaborations enhance the university's research, teaching, and community engagement activities. Here are some examples:
Strategic partnerships
- National University of Science and Technology
- The African Leadership College Mauritius
- China - University of Jinan
- Santander Universities Global Division
- Educare Global Academy – Singapore
- Ace International Business School – Nepal
- International partners
- University College Dublin
- Dublin City University
- Montpellier Business School
- Pompeu Fabra University Barcelona
- University of Florence
- Universität Wien- Kinderbüro
- Technical University Dortmund, Germany
- University of Aveiro, Portugal
- Instituto Superior Technicalo, Portugal
- University of Alicante, Spain
- Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Universidad Villanueva, Spain
- Mekelle University, Ethiopia
- Wollega University, Ethiopia
- University of the Free State
- Nile University, Egypt
- The Egyptian E-Learning University, Egypt
- University of California
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong
- HKU Space, Hong Kong
- Shenyang Normal University, China
- Intelli Education Group, Malaysia
- Ace International Business School, Nepal
- Jinling Institute of Technology, China
- Chitkara University, India
- PSG Institute of Technology, India
- Chandigarh University, India
- Shandong Institute of Commerce and Technology, China
- Kalinga institute of Industrial Technology, India
- Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, India
- University of Hyderabad, India
- The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India
- Amity Kolkata, India
- Maharshi Dayanand University, India
- Lovely Professional University, India
- Banasthali Vidyapeeth, India
- Atma Jaya University, Indonesia
- BINUS University, Indonesia
- SungKyunKwan University, South Korea
- Centre of Social Innovation, UTP, Malaysia
- De La Salle University, Philippines
- University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
- Uva Wellassa University, Sri Lanka
- University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka
- General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka
- Centre for Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship, National Economics University, Viet Nam
- Duy Tan University, Viet Nam
- University of Languages and International Studies, Viet Nam
- VNUHCM-University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam
- Hue University of Agriculture and Fisheries, Viet Nam
- Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Fisheries, Viet Nam
Research Opportunities
Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland, UK’s health research is top-notch. In 2022, a whopping 91% of their health research was rated as world-class or excellent, and over 80% of this research actually made a big difference by REF. As a result, it became the only UK university that did a better job in this specific sector.
Research Groups
- Built Environment Asset Management Centre
- Mary Robinson Centre for Climate Justice
- SMART Technology Centre
Research Areas
- Biosciences
- Nursing and Community Health
- Public Health
- Occupational Therapy
- Physiotherapy and Paramedicine
- Podiatry
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Vision Sciences
Fees and Scholarships
The course fee started at £11,500 for international students.
Glasgow Caledonian University Scholarships
GCU is pleased to offer a £4,000 scholarship.
The goal of the Master of Science (MSc) in User Experience and Interaction Design (UXID) programme is to provide you with the interdisciplinary training you need to create, test, and refine interactive systems that improve users' experiences.
The education is rigorously academic and nevertheless relevant to what employers want now and in the future.
Graduates of the Master of Science in User Experience and Interaction Design (MSc UXID) curriculum will have the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in User Experience (UX) design and research, as well as for those in the fields of interaction design development and usability experts. You'll stand out as a candidate for these positions at tech firms, fintech firms, the public sector, academic institutions, manufacturers, startups, and advertising agencies.
Alumni Network
Glasgow Caledonian University alumni are doing incredible things all over the world. Here are some of our most amazing graduates:
- Gregor Virant, Slovenian politician
- Kevin Bridges, comedian
- Eunice Olumide, model
- Tabitha Nyariki, Project Officer, Co-Founder, Programme Director & Board Member
- Samantha Newell, Co-founder/Director of Operations at Yard + Parish
- Callum Baird, Editor-in-Chief at Newsquest Scotland
- Chloe Gallacher, Consultant at CGI
- Gillian Macdonald, Creative Director Gillie Jean King
- Susan Macdonald, Director of Macdonald Lewis Associates Limited
- Stephen Mulvenna, Senior Director Talent and Development, The Coca-Cola Company
- Iona Barker, Coach and Counsellor
- Norrie Innes, Owner, Barras Art and Design
- Kumar Sekar, Architectural Manager
- Danny Mirza, Head of the Talent Team
Career Services
Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland, UK, offers a vast range of career services for their students to support in career development and job search. GCU's career services team provides guidance and support on a variety of aspects, including:
- Career counselling
- CV and cover letter writing
- Interview preparation
- Job search strategies
- Work experience opportunities
- Employer engagement
- Alumni mentoring
Awards and Recognitions
GCU has received numerous awards and recognitions for its excellence in teaching, research, and student experience. Here are some notable achievements:
- Campaigns award in the NUS Scotland Awards 2024
- GCU wins Green Gown Award in 2023
- Baby Hearts Press People’s Choice Award in 2023
- GCU maintained its investment in Volunteers accreditation 2022
- Achieved Excellent in the NUS Green Impact accreditation in 2019/20.
Rankings and Achievements
- 44th in the Times University Guide 2025
- 46th in the Guardian University Guide 2025
- 1001-1200th in QS World University Rankings 2025
In frequent surveys of British academics, Glasgow Caledonian University consistently ranks among the country's most prestigious universities. The Higher Education Statistics Agency of the United Kingdom ranked GCU as the top university in Glasgow, the second best in Scotland, and the eleventh best in the United Kingdom for graduate employability.
More than 80% of the university's health-related research was rated outstanding for its effect in REF 2021, a figure topped by only one other UK institution.
Location
Being one of Europe's liveliest cities, Glasgow is teeming with exciting nightlife, exciting shopping, bustling entertainment, and exciting international festivals. Glasgow has been ranked among Europe's best cities to visit and among the best two in the United Kingdom by both Frommer's and Condenaste.
Gallery
Frequently asked questions
The Times Higher Education Exceptional Assistance for Foreign Students award is one of several honours GCU has received for its student support services. All of GCU's student support services, including the careers service, finance office, register, etc., are accessible to students through the Campus Life Desk.