University of Glasgow
University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow is ranked 80th in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and 84th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026.
Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow has a long history of discovery, innovation and global impact. Consistently ranked among the world’s top 100 universities, it is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of leading UK research universities, recognised for its pioneering research and outstanding teaching.
Students can explore a wide range of subjects across four colleges: Social Sciences, Science and Engineering, Arts and Humanities, and Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences. Set in Scotland’s largest city, the university brings together academic excellence and a lively student experience.
The beautiful Gilmorehill campus in Glasgow’s West End combines historic architecture with modern facilities. Students have access to an extensive university library, two student unions, a gym and swimming pool, well equipped teaching spaces and laboratories, dedicated student services, study areas and a variety of cafés and food outlets.
The city of Glasgow offers a welcoming community, a vibrant cultural scene and convenient public transport connections, with opportunities to explore Scotland’s countryside. Studying at the University of Glasgow gives students the opportunity to develop their knowledge, build lasting connections and prepare for their future careers.
Students who successfully complete the NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY) at University Foundation College (UFC) in Qatar benefit from guaranteed progression to bachelor’s degree programmes at the University of Glasgow (subject to meeting the entry requirements), a prestigious Russell Group university ranked among the world’s top 100.
Life at the University of Glasgow
Home to around 35,000 students from more than 140 countries, the University of Glasgow offers a diverse and welcoming international community. Students can make the most of university life through a wide range of clubs and societies, volunteering and employment opportunities, and the city’s vibrant cultural scene. Academic guidance, wellbeing services and careers support help students grow personally and professionally throughout their studies and beyond.
The city of Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, offers outstanding music and entertainment venues, museums and art galleries, sports facilities, and plenty of places to shop, eat and socialise. Convenient and affordable transport links make it easy to explore the city and travel further across Scotland, from neighbouring towns to the dramatic landscapes of the Highlands, islands and coastlines.
From studying on a historic campus with modern facilities to enjoying the city’s social life, students at Glasgow have plenty of opportunities to learn, connect and explore. They become part of a global community, build lasting friendships and develop skills and experiences that prepare them for life after university.
The University of Glasgow’s award winning Careers team brings together experts in employability and international mobility to help students prepare for the world of work. They support students in exploring their options, understanding changing job markets and developing the confidence and adaptability to succeed throughout their careers.
Support is available during students’ time at Glasgow and after graduation. Regular careers fairs, employer events and careers masterclasses offer opportunities to discuss career plans, connect with employers and explore internships and placements in Glasgow, across the UK and abroad.
The trained Peer Career Support Team also provides personalised guidance on careers, employability and life after university. Students can visit the Career Studio to speak with a team member or book an individual coaching appointment with a qualified Careers Adviser for more tailored support.
Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city and the third largest in the UK, offering students plenty of opportunities to make the most of university life. As the UK’s first UNESCO City of Music, it is home to outstanding live music venues and around 130 music events each week. The city also has a lively nightlife, with hundreds of bars, pubs and nightclubs, alongside a wide choice of cinemas. Known for its excellent shopping and friendly atmosphere, Glasgow has repeatedly been recognised as one of the UK’s best shopping destinations and friendliest cities.
Beyond the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery on campus, students can explore more than 20 museums and galleries across the city. With over 90 parks and public gardens, Glasgow also offers plenty of green space, living up to its nickname, the ‘Dear Green Place’.
Getting around is easy, with regular bus, train and subway services connecting the University’s West End location to the city centre and beyond. Two main railway stations provide connections across Scotland and the rest of the UK, while two international airports offer links further afield. Nearby Edinburgh provides additional airport and transport connections.
The University of Glasgow offers a wide range of support services to help students succeed academically, grow personally and prepare for their future careers. Based centrally on campus, the International Student Support team provides visa support and immigration advice, guidance on safety and wellbeing, and induction and social events to help students settle into life in Glasgow.
Students can also access the Disability Service, Careers Service, Student Counselling and Psychological Services, Chaplaincy, English language support and a doctor’s surgery on campus. The Students’ Representative Council runs an Advice Centre, offering help with academic, employment, wellbeing and financial concerns at any stage of their studies.
For peer support, Student Listeners offers a confidential service where students can share their concerns with specially trained fellow students, either online or in person. It provides a caring space where students can speak openly and feel heard without judgement.
Together, these services help create an inclusive, supportive environment where students can feel safe, reach their potential and make the most of university life.
The University of Glasgow offers 12 student accommodation options across the West End and city centre. Within walking distance of the University, these residences are close to shops, parks, public transport and everyday amenities.
Most residences offer flats for 3 to 5 or 10 to 12 students, with shared kitchens and a choice of private or shared bathrooms across the different sites. Accessible rooms, family rooms and twin rooms are also available, with options to suit a range of preferences and budgets.
Each accommodation site provides residential support, laundry facilities, parking and social spaces to help students settle into university life.
Explore University of Glasgow student accommodation options to find out more about the available residences.
The University of Glasgow’s Gilmorehill campus brings together historic architecture and modern facilities to support every aspect of student life. Students have access throughout the year to one of Europe’s largest university libraries, spacious study and social areas, advanced teaching and research facilities, computer labs, cafés and food outlets. The University’s two student unions provide spaces for events and societies, alongside regular music and club nights.
Recent additions include the James McCune Smith Learning Hub, the Advanced Research Centre, and new buildings for Public Health and the Adam Smith Business School. Campus development continues with the Keystone Building, a major learning, teaching and research facility scheduled to open in the 2028 to 2029 academic year.
Beyond Gilmorehill, the University has campuses at Garscube, four miles away, and Dumfries in the south west of Scotland. Garscube houses the University’s Veterinary Medicine facilities, including the Small Animal and Equine Hospitals, as well as outdoor sports facilities.
Set within historic parkland, the Dumfries campus is home to the School of Social & Environmental Sustainability. Its natural surroundings provide a living laboratory for outdoor learning, fieldwork and research.
The University of Glasgow offers a lively mix of sports clubs, societies and activities to help students make the most of university life. Through UofG Sport and the Glasgow University Sports Association (GUSA), students can access the gym, swimming pool and courts at the main Gilmorehill campus, alongside additional sports pitches and facilities at the nearby Garscube campus.
With more than 50 affiliated sports clubs, students can try something new, enjoy the social side of sport or compete as experienced athletes. Clubs welcome students of all experience levels, making it easy to get involved.
Beyond sport, the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) supports more than 300 clubs and societies, covering cultural and academic interests, volunteering, performance and a wide range of hobbies. These groups offer opportunities to develop skills, build friendships and feel part of the campus community.
Whether students want to join a team, lead a society or explore a new interest, there is plenty to enjoy alongside their studies. Explore the full list of University of Glasgow clubs and societies to find a group that matches your interests.
Sustainability is central to the University of Glasgow’s research, teaching, campus development and everyday operations. The University has pledged to become carbon neutral by 2030 and supports the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. It was the first university in Europe to announce plans to divest from fossil fuels by 2024 and the first in Scotland to declare a climate emergency. It is currently ranked 14th in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.
Research at Glasgow addresses global challenges including climate change, biodiversity, renewable energy and sustainable development. Students can explore these areas through the School of Social & Environmental Sustainability or choose modules covering climate, the environment and sustainability across many subject areas.
Across its campuses, the University encourages biodiversity, waste reduction, recycling and responsible resource use. Students can also take part in practical initiatives through GUEST, the Glasgow University Environmental and Sustainability Team, and the Eco Hub, a sustainable café, swap shop and event space on campus. These opportunities help students contribute to a more sustainable university community.
RANKING
Ranked 80th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2027)
Ranked 84th in the world (Times Higher World University Rankings 2026)
Search Programmes at the University of Glasgow
Discover a wide range of bachelor’s degree programmes at the University of Glasgow, an NCUK partner university. Use the NCUK University Course Finder to explore programmes by subject area and find the perfect course for your academic and career goals.
How to Apply
We have an experienced team of admissions staff waiting to talk you through your options at University Foundation College and beyond, helping you to make decisions today which will positively influence your education and career.
We will provide you with personal counselling and support as you make the transition from high school to University Foundation College and then to your university degree programme.