The University of Glasgow

The University of Glasgow's main campus is located in the vibrant and fashionable West End of Glasgow. The focal point of the university precinct is the grandiose quadrangles, cloisters and spires of the Gilbert Scott building. The university's academic departments, offices and student unions are housed in buildings that range in architectural style from neo-gothic to sixties monstrosity and modern styles. Within a couple of minutes' walk from the university precinct lie both the scenic Kelvingrove Park and Glasgow's elegant Botanical Gardens.

  

Background and History

The university can trace its history all the way back to 1451, making it one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world. A member of the Russell Group, Glasgow is very much a research-driven university, whilst at the same time enjoying an excellent reputation for its teaching. The university is especially popular with Scottish students, and has a lower proportion of English students relative to St Andrews and Edinburgh.

Location and Accessibility

Rail: The university is approximately thirty minutes' walk from Glasgow Central and Queen Street stations.

Subway: The subway is the easiest way to reach the university from the city centre, with Hillhead and Kelvinbridge stations located just a couple of minutes from the main campus.

Road: Exit the M8 at Junction 18 for the West End. The main A-roads that pass by through the West End are the A82 and A814.

The majority of the university's buildings (including residences) have wheelchair access. The university's Disability Service is happy to provide further information on access and services for disabled students. (T: 01413305497; E: [email protected])

What's on Offer

BA, BSc, BVMS, BDS, MA, MBChB, MSc, MEng, MMus, MBA, MLitt, PGDE, LLB, Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate.

Entry Requirements

For Arts and Social Sciences: ABB at A Level, ABBB at Highers, 36 Points in the IB. For Science and Engineering subjects: ABB at A Level, BBBB at Highers, 32 Points in the IB. For Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science: AAA at A Level, AAAAB at Highers, 36 Points in the IB.

University Accommodation

The majority of the university's own accommodation is self-catered flats such as the Murano Street Student Village and Queen Margaret Residences, which are dotted around the West End. Wolfson Hall also offers catered en-suite single rooms.

Private Accommodation

The majority of Glasgow students live in private accommodation in the West End after their first year. The standard monthly rental price for a bedroom in a shared flat ranges from £300 to £350.

Faculties and Departments

The University of Glasgow is divided into four main colleges, which are then divided into a large number of schools. The colleges are: the College of Arts, the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, the College of Science and Engineering and the College of Social Sciences.  

Academic Strengths and Research Profile

Glasgow's research strategy is based around interdisciplinary research projects. Its strongest subject areas include Celtic Studies, Veterinary Medicine, Law and Education.

Financial Support

The university has a range of bursaries, scholarships and grants available for undergraduates, postgraduates, domestic and international students.

Academic Facilities

The university library is one of the biggest in the United Kingdom, with facilities spread over twelve floors. The library is open from 7am to 2am, seven days per week. Some individual colleges such as social sciences also have their own dedicated libraries. There are dedicated postgraduate study rooms and a facility for mature students. Computer labs are located across the campus, including the Gilmorehill reading room. Wi-fi is available across the campus.

Other on-site Amenities

Somewhat unusually, Glasgow has two student unions, a legacy from the days when there were separate unions for male and female students. Glasgow University Union is housed in a grand old neo-gothic building and is generally frequented by sportier students, while Queen Margaret Union is based in a less impressive sixties building and has a more informal and less traditional feel. Both unions have their own bars, cafes, venues and shops. Many university buildings have undergone extensive refurbishment in recent years, and there are now stylish cafes and dining facilities located in the Gilbert Scott building, the library, and several other locations. The university has excellent sports facilities, including an on-campus gymnasium with swimming pool.  

Medical and Social Care

There is an on-campus medical centre for university students, and the Students' Representative Council runs a wide range of organisations to offer additional support services to students.  

What's on in the Area

The West End is one of the most popular parts of the city, and boasts an excellent selection of bars, pubs and restaurants to suit all tastes. As Scotland's biggest city, Glasgow has amenities to rival any large British city. The city centre has some lovely Georgian and Victorian architecture, with the Merchant City area being a particular favourite with locals. Glasgow is also a cultural hub. In addition to being home to several theatres, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra is based in Glasgow, and the Kelvingrove Museum is the most popular museum in Britain outside of London. The football rivalry between Rangers and Celtic keeps the city's passion for football as high as ever, even if both teams are both currently facing difficult times.  

Moving On

A dedicated Careers Service is on hand to provide guidance to students during and after their time at the university. This includes a free one-on-one consultation service with a careers advisor, which can be arranged by appointment.

Glasgow's centrepiece Gilbert Scott Building is the largest neo-gothic building in Scotland, and the second largest in the UK after the Houses of Parliament There used to be a life-sized model of a tyrannosaurus rex on campus, which sadly had to be removed due to repeatedly suffering the indignity of acts of vandalism such as being made to wear a traffic cone as a hat. Dr James McCune Smith completed a degree in Medicine at the University of Glasgow in 1837, becoming the first ever professional African American physician in the process. Other notable alumni include the scientist Lord Kelvin, the economist Adam Smith, and John Logie Baird, the inventor of the television.