Studying in Glasgow - visits to University of Glasgow and University of Strathclyde
- Suzie Castello
- Mar 18
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 19
Also in this series:
This is part of my series of blogs on higher education opportunities in Scotland. In February I had the fortune to spend a week in Glasgow. In that time I got to know four of its higher education institutions. In this post, I write about the University of Glasgow and the University of Strathclyde. I also visited the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the Glasgow School of Art, and you can read about them in an upcoming post.
Glasgow, located in the western region, is Scotland's largest city. The four universities I visited are near to all the city has to offer. Glaswegians are famous for their charm and sense of humor. I found the city is very friendly, diverse, and welcoming to students from all over the world.
Even in the rain and cold of February, the city is very welcoming. It is walkable, making it easy to enjoy its great food, pubs, music, sports, shopping, historic sites, cultural events, and green spaces. There is also a convenient subway to help you get around.
Glasgow has a long tradition of being a city of makers. It has produced advancements in technology and innovation, historically in ship building, engineering and advanced manufacturing, and in recent decades evolving to include software development, AI, and green energy solutions. It also has a reputation for its a culturally vibrant environment and elite arts institutions. Glasgow is home to the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, the Scottish Ballet, the King’s Theatre, and the Kelvingrove Museum, the Hunterian Museum and the Gallery of Modern Art. It has produced important design and architecture that can be seen all over the city. And many famous Glaswegian actors have graced stages and screens around the world.
The University of Glasgow
One of the ancient universities, founded in 1451, University of Glasgow is located in the cultural hub of the west end of Glasgow and overlooks the green swaths of Kelvingrove. It is home to over 40,000 students from over 140 countries. The campus environment is a mix of gothic and modern, and everything in between. The city centre is minutes away by subway.
Some famous alums are economist and philosopher Adam Smith, pioneer physician James McCune Smith, physicist William Thomson (aka Lord Kelvin of the international system of absolute temperature).
University of Glasgow has a wide variety of programs. Some popular undergraduate courses include Aeronautical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Film & Television Studies, and Sports Science. There are several joint degrees in partnership with universities around the world, as well as options for integrated masters degrees.
Student life is quite vibrant. There are more than 300 clubs, and a very active interest in sports. Facilities are high level by UK standards. Accommodation is not guaranteed, but students usually get what they need if they apply before the deadline.
University of Glasgow partners with Kaplan to provide Foundation Certificate courses through the Glasgow International College.
Admissions are selective and vary by course. Apply via UCAS. University of Glasgow is a Common App member. However, there is no supplemental essay to for applicants to demonstrate their specific interest in a chosen course. It is therefore advisable to apply through UCAS where the personal statement can speak more directly to the motivation and readiness for a chosen course of study.
The University of Strathclyde
A leading technological university with more than 30,000 students from more than 140 countries, the University of Strathclyde is located in the heart of Glasgow. Its buildings rise up and over the hilly Townhead district near Rottenrow Gardens and Glasgow Cathedral. Its location is ideal to connect with professional experiences and cultural enjoyment of the city centre and Merchant City neighborhood.
The University of Strathclyde historically produced many brilliant scientists and entrepreneurs. Some famous strathclydians are John Logie Baird, who invented the first working television, chemist Thomas Graham, and wind energy pioneer James Blyth.
The Faculty of Engineering has a variety of focused studies including Architecture, Design Manufacturing and Engineering Management, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Naval Architecture, and Ocean & Marine Engineering. The Faculty of Science includes courses in Computer & Information Sciences, and Business School courses include Management, Finance, Marketing and Entrepreneurship.
The study spaces at Strathclyde are modern and support students in a variety of collaborative learning situations. Accommodation is not guaranteed and students are encouraged to apply early to secure their housing offer.
The motto of Strathclyde is “The Place of Useful Learning”, and the vibe is very focused on connecting academic experiences to post-study outcomes. While many clubs and societies are focused on professional development, there are a number of arts, sports and special interest clubs as well.
Admissions are selective and vary by course. Apply via UCAS. Pathway programs for international students who do not meet entry requirements are through the International Study Centre.
If you would like to know more about studying in Scotland, please reach out to learn more.
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