About Glasgow Caledonian University
Glasgow Caledonian University is a modern, socially committed university in the heart of Glasgow. Known as the 'University for the Common Good,' GCU offers strong professional programmes in health, business, and engineering with excellent industry links and a focus on social impact and employability.
Key Information
Student Statistics
- • 20,000 total students
- • 4,500 international students
- • 70 student societies
Location
- • Located in Glasgow
- • Public university
- • Established 1993
Subject Rankings
Academics & Faculties
Degrees Offered
Bachelor, Master, PhD, Foundation, Professional Doctorate
Popular Subjects
NursingBusiness ManagementPhysiotherapyFashion BusinessComputingCivil EngineeringOptometryLawPsychology
Student-Staff Ratio
18 : 1
Faculties & Departments
School of Health and Life Sciences
Nursing, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Psychology, Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Glasgow School for Business and Society
Business Management, Accounting and Finance, Fashion Business, Tourism, Law, Social Sciences
School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment
Computing, Cyber Security, Civil Engineering, Building Services, Environmental Management
Entry Requirements
Undergraduate
Academic: AAB - CCC depending on programme (Scottish system: AABB - BBCC)
Alternatives: IB: 26-32 points depending on programme, BTEC: DDD-MMM depending on programme, HNC/HND accepted for advanced entry
IELTS: 6
R 5.5 / W 5.5 / L 5.5 / S 5.5
TOEFL iBT: 72
PVG check for health programmes • Interview for some programmes
Postgraduate
Minimum Qualification: UK Honours degree (2:1 or 2:2 depending on programme)
GPA: 2.7
IELTS: 6.5
R 6 / W 6 / L 6 / S 6
TOEFL iBT: 85
Two references • Research proposal for PhD
Fees & Funding
Tuition (International)
- Undergraduate: £14,000
- Postgraduate: £15,000
- Foundation: £12,500
Living Costs (Annual)
- Accommodation: £5,000
- Food: £2,200
- Transport: £500
- Entertainment: £1,000
- Other: £700
- Total: £9,400
Scholarships
GCU International Scholarship
MeritMerit-based scholarship for international students.
Value: £4,000 (Partial)
International students • Strong academic achievement
Principal's Scholarship
MeritPremium scholarship for top international applicants.
Value: £6,000 (Partial)
Outstanding academic record • Exceptional applicants
Scotland's Saltire Scholarship
MeritScottish Government scholarship for international students.
Value: £8,000 (Partial)
Students from Canada, China, India, Japan, Pakistan, USA • Postgraduate programmes
Campus & Facilities
Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow G4 0BA
Modern city centre campus in the heart of Glasgow, adjacent to Buchanan Street shopping and Queen Street Station. Compact, friendly campus with all facilities within easy reach.
Size: 15 acres
Facilities
Academic
Heart of the Campus (student hub), Saltire Centre (library and learning), Health simulation suites, Engineering labs, Fashion studios
Research
Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health, Built Environment Asset Management Centre, Institute for Applied Health Research
Student Life
GCU Students' Association, The Arc (student venue), Campus cafes, Student Hub
Libraries
Saltire Centre
Award-winning library and learning centre with 24/7 access and innovative learning spaces.
24/7
Sports Facilities
Arc Sports Centre
Modern gym, fitness studios, and sports facilities.
Emirates Arena
Partnership access to nearby Commonwealth Games venue.
Student Services
Student Life
Academic support, financial advice, and welfare services.
studentlife@gcu.ac.uk
Wellbeing
Mental health support and counselling services.
wellbeing@gcu.ac.uk
Careers
Career guidance with strong professional connections.
careers@gcu.ac.uk
Accommodation
Caledonian Court
University-managedModern accommodation adjacent to campus.
Cost: £125 - £155 (per week)
En-suite rooms • Shared kitchens • Social spaces • Laundry
Distance: Adjacent to campus
Contract: 40-51 weeks
Various Glasgow halls
Private partnerPartnership with private accommodation providers.
Cost: £110 - £180 (per week)
Various room types • City locations • Modern amenities
Distance: 5-20 minutes
Contract: 44-51 weeks
First-year undergraduates can apply for accommodation. Apply through GCU accommodation portal after receiving offer.
International welcome programme, airport pickup, peer mentoring.
Student Life & Support
Clubs & Sports
Clubs: 70
Teams: 30
Cultural Activities
- Glasgow Culture — Ongoing
- Common Good Events — Throughout the year
- Scottish Culture — Annual events
International Support
- Visa support: Yes
- Language support: Yes
- Orientation: Yes
- Buddy program: Yes
- Contact: international@gcu.ac.uk
Health & Wellbeing
- Medical centre: No
- Counselling: Yes
- Disability support: Yes
- Emergency: +44 (0)141 331 3000
Careers & Outcomes
Employability Rank
250
Graduate Outcomes
Employed: 84%
Further study: 8%
Unemployed: 5%
Average Salary
£25,500
per year (graduate)
Top Employers
NHS ScotlandScottish GovernmentBarclaysMorgan StanleyEngineering companiesFashion industryConstruction companies
Career Services
- Careers and Employability: Strong links with Scottish and UK employers.
- Professional Placements: Many programmes include professional placements.
- Common Good Careers: Focus on careers with social impact.
Location & Transportation
Nearest Airport
Glasgow Airport
15 km • 30 minutes by bus
Public Transport
- Train: Queen Street Station adjacent to campus. Services to Edinburgh (50 mins), London (4.5 hours). • From £15 to Edinburgh (advance)
- Subway: Buchanan Street station is 5-minute walk. • £1.75 single
- Bus: Buchanan Bus Station adjacent to campus. • £2.00 single
Local Area
Glasgow is Scotland's largest city, known for friendly locals, vibrant music scene, excellent shopping, and rich cultural heritage. Consistently rated one of the UK's best student cities.
Cost of Living: Medium
Attractions: Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow Cathedral, Riverside Museum, George Square, West End
Shopping: Buchanan Street, St Enoch Centre, Princes Square
Entertainment: Glasgow nightlife, Live music venues, SSE Hydro, Theatre Royal, West End bars
Additional Information
Accreditation
Scottish Funding Council, NMC (Nursing), HCPC (Allied Health), RICS (Built Environment), BCS (Computing)
Partnerships
- Social Enterprise: Grameen Foundation/Muhammad Yunus — Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health.
- NHS: NHS Greater Glasgow — Clinical training for nursing and health students.
- Fashion: British Fashion Council — Fashion business education and industry links.
Research Highlights
- Social Business and Health — Yunus Centre research on social enterprise and health improvement. (2024)
- Built Environment — Research on sustainable construction and building management. (2024)
- Health Innovation — Research on healthcare improvement and rehabilitation. (2024)
Notable Alumni
- Nicola Benedetti — World-renowned violinist (honorary degree) (2013)
- Health leaders — Many graduates in senior NHS and health positions (2024)
Metadata
Source: Glasgow Caledonian University official website, QS Rankings 2025, HESA data 2023/24
Last Updated: 2025-12-03T00:00:00Z
Verified: Yes
Contact Email: profiles@ukuni.io