Glasgow School of Art was founded in 1845 as a Government School of Design and is one of the few remaining independent art schools in the UK. It is internationally recognised as one of Britain’s foremost higher education institutions for creative education and research in fine art, design, and architecture.
The famous Charles Rennie Mackintosh Building was home to the school since 1899. Mackintosh is one of the many graduates of Glasgow School of Art who influenced world design.
The school is a small, specialist, international community of artists, designers, and architects. It is a stimulating, creative place, where innovative ideas are encouraged.
Teaching is studio based and face to face. The University of Glasgow validates its degrees.
Courses and students
17 undergraduate courses are taught through four schools:
Glasgow School of Art had 1,580 students in the 2021/22 academic session (HESA), with a significant percentage coming from outside of the UK.
You could spend part of your undergraduate course abroad through the university’s exchange programme with participating partner institutions.
Facilities and Services
Learning resources at the Glasgow School of Art comprises of a library, the Archives and Collections Centre and a virtual learning environment.
The library has one of the finest art, design, and architecture collections in the UK. This provides students with access to high quality information, resources and services including ICT facilities.
The Students’ Association is based in The Art School, in the Reid Building of the school. It is a unique centre for music and visual arts in Glasgow. There are many clubs and societies at the school, covering a range of activities.
New undergraduate and postgraduate students are offered accommodation in one of two purpose-built halls of residence.
Rankings
GSA is ranked 13th in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 (Art and Design).
The Complete University Guide 2025 ranks GSA 8th in the Arts, Drama and Music League Table.
GSA has had a long association with the Turner Prize, a prestigious contemporary art prize, and has produced 8 Turner Prize winners overall, with a further 10 nominees.
