Glasgow Caledonian University

Overview

Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) was formally awarded university status in 1993, but its history dates back to 1875. It is one of the largest universities in Scotland, with 23,000 students from over 135 different countries enrolled, and is the top modern university in Scotland.

Glasgow Caledonian University is known for its excellent links with industry. Many courses have accreditation from professional bodies and offer work placements. The University is a major provider of NHS healthcare graduates in Scotland. Glasgow Caledonian is also known for pioneering specialist degrees such as tourism management and fashion marketing.

GCU offers 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 Risk Management.

GCU also has an exciting Global MBA (Master of Business Administration) programme, designed for enterprising, socially minded individuals with high managerial and leadership aspirations.

Services for International Students

In the 2023-24 International Student Barometer, Glasgow Caledonian students' overall satisfaction was 92%. The International Office offers drop-in sessions, seminars, and workshops, a meet-and-greet service from Glasgow Airport, and numerous social events throughout the year. Podcasts, available to new starters, offer a unique insight into life at Glasgow Caledonian.

Ranking

• 44th in the Times University Guide 2025
• 46th in the Guardian University Guide 2025
• 1001-1200th in QS World University Rankings 2025

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

Glasgow Caledonian 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.

Location

As Scotland's biggest city, Glasgow hosts the largest student population and is in the top five most popular UK cities for visitors according to the Office of National Statistics. Glasgow is also one of Europe’s liveliest cities with a vibrant social scene, great shopping, thriving venues and international festivals. Frommer’s and Condé Nast Travel Guides named Glasgow as one of the top destinations in Europe and in the top two in the UK.