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 

Courses are taught through five schools: 

• Innovation School - design innovation 
• The Mackintosh School of Architecture 
• School of Design – fashion and textiles, communication design, interaction design, interior design, silversmithing and jewellery, product design and product design engineering 
• School of Fine Art – sculpture and environmental art, painting and printmaking and fine art photography 
• School of Simulation and Visualisation – 3D digital visualisation and interaction techniques. 

Glasgow School of Art has around 2,000 students, with a significant percentage coming from outside of the UK and representing 79 countries.  

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 12th in the top 20 of the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023 (Art and Design). 

The Complete University Guide 2023 ranks GSA No. 8 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.