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 has been home to the school since 1899. Mackintosh is one of the many graduates of Glasgow School of Art who influence world design.
The school is a small, specialist, international community of artists, designers and architects. It is a stimulating, creative place, where new 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:
Glasgow School of Art has around 2,000 students, with a large 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
The school is ranked 8th in the top 10 art and design institutions in the UK, 8th in Europe and 8th in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2021.
The school has also produced six Turner Prize winners and a further 10 nominees.
