Glasgow Caledonian University

Overview

Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) was formally awarded university status in 1993, but can trace its history back to 1875. Glasgow Caledonian University is one of the largest universities in Scotland, with almost 20,000 students from over 100 different countries enrolled, and is considered one of the top 10 modern universities in the UK.

Glasgow Caledonian University is known for its excellent links with industry and many courses have accreditation from professional bodies and offer work placements. The University is the largest provider of NHS healthcare graduates in Scotland and is the only university in the country to offer optometry degrees. Glasgow Caledonian is also known for pioneering specialist degrees such as consumer protection, tourism management and fashion marketing.

GCU has the first and only business school in the world to offer triple-accredited degrees in financial services backed by three of the world’s most influential banking and finance professional bodies: the Chartered Banker Institute (the world’s oldest banking institute); the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment, and the Institute of Operational Risk.

GCU has also launched an exciting new Global MBA (Master of Business Administration) programme, designed for enterprising and socially-minded individuals with high managerial and leadership aspirations. As part of the programme there’s also an opportunity for optional cultural immersion trips to New York and London.

Services

Glasgow Caledonian is the only university in Scotland to offer an INTO language centre, which runs pre-sessional and academic English language courses to international students. These range from foundation courses to graduate diplomas.

The University was rated the best in Scotland for international student support by the International Student Barometer 2013. The International Office offers drop-in sessions, seminars and workshops, as well as a meet-and-greet service from Glasgow airport and numerous social events throughout the year. Podcasts are available to new starters which offer a unique insight into life at Glasgow Caledonian. A new Welcome Suite – opened in 2013 – offers a number of services to make international students feel more at home, including a Skype suite.

Rankings

• 50th in the Times University Guide 2024
• 40th in the Guardian University Guide 2024

Glasgow Caledonian University is regularly ranked as one of the UK's top 10 modern universities. A review by the UK's Higher Education Statistics Agency placed GCU top in Glasgow, 2nd in Scotland, and 11th in the UK for employability amongst graduates.

In REF 2021, 91% of the University’s health research has been formally classified as world-leading or internationally excellent, and more than 80% classified as outstanding for its impact, a result surpassed by only one other University in the UK.

Accommodation

University accommodation is on-campus at Caledonian Court, with 660 rooms arranged in flats of six to eight people, and is guaranteed for all international students Also ranked first in Scotland for cost, private en-suite facilities are available in 340 rooms and most rooms are single, with only a few twin rooms. The gym and health and fitness centre, several cafés and campus shops are all close by and the city centre is just a few minutes’ walk.