Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) is one of Scotland’s largest universities.

Tracing its origins back to 1875, this modern, innovative and forward-thinking university has a large, self-contained campus in the city centre, as well as a postgraduate campus in London. The university has many purpose-built facilities making it one of the best learning environments in the UK.

Courses and students

The university has three academic schools:

• Glasgow School for Business and Society
• School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment
• School of Health and Life Sciences.

Glasgow Caledonian University is the only institution in Scotland to offer the integrated masters MOptom (IP) Optometry with Independent Prescribing and BSc (Hons) Orthoptics. The university has its own eye clinic providing clinical training facilities. The clinic is open to the public, and patients are examined by students under the direct supervision of experienced and qualified clinical staff.

The university has over 1,600 staff teaching nearly 23,000 students from 119 countries.

You could spend part of your undergraduate course abroad as the university has partnership links with universities across the world.

Facilities and services

The award winning Sir Alex Ferguson Library is home to the university library and student support services hub, based in the Saltire Centre. It offers flexible study spaces for 1,800 students and 24-hour computer lab access. The campus refectory is the largest university facility of its type in Scotland, with four catering outlets. The Students' Association has over 60 clubs and societies on offer too.

The Arc Health and Wellbeing facility is a multi-purpose sport and exercise centre which has fitness classes and a well-equipped gym. 

The university has a simulated hospital ward, a high-tech broadcasting suite and a fashion factory.

There is on-campus accommodation for 660 students, in self-contained, fully furnished flats. 

Ranking

Top 40 UK University in the Times and Sunday Times and Daily Mail University Guides 2026.

1st for UK Modern University in the Times and Sunday Times and Daily Mail University Guides 2026.

UK University of the Year for graduate jobs in the Daily Mail University Guide 2026.

Ranked 13th in the UK for Physiotherapy in The Guardian University Guide 2026.

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