University of Glasgow

HISTORY

The University of Glasgow (Scottish Gaelic: Oilthigh Ghlaschu, Latin: Universitas Glasguensis) (abbreviated as Glas. in post-nominals) is the fourth oldest university in the English-speaking world and one of Scotland’s four ancient universities. It was founded in 1451. Along with the University of Edinburgh, the University was part of the Scottish Enlightenment during the 18th century. It is currently a member of Universitas 21, the international network of research universities, and the Russell Group.

In common with universities of the pre-modern era, Glasgow originally educated students primarily from wealthy backgrounds, however it became a pioneer in British higher education in the 19th century by also providing for the needs of students from the growing urban and commercial middle class. Glasgow University served all of these students by preparing them for professions: the law, medicine, civil service, teaching, and the church. It also trained smaller but growing numbers for careers in science and engineering.

The University of Glasgow was founded in 1451 by a charter or papal bull from Pope Nicholas V, at the suggestion of King James II, giving Bishop William Turnbull, a graduate of the University of St Andrews, permission to add a University to the city’s Cathedral. It is the second-oldest university in Scotland after St Andrews and the fourth-oldest in the English-speaking world.

COURSES

There are currently four Colleges within the University of Glasgow, each containing a number of Schools. They are:

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The university attracts talented students from diverse backgrounds and welcomes applications from all with appropriate qualifications. For more information on the university’s entry requirements, visit their website.

ACADEMIC STRENGTHS

Key areas include: synthetic biology, geography, quantum technologies, virus research. The UK’s only academic unit dedicated to the teaching and research of Scottish literature. The Adam Smith Business School continues to build upon its reputation for excellence in both research and teaching.

TEACHING STANDARDS

Teaching excellence at Glasgow is founded in the university’s world-leading research, which inspires respect from employers and satisfaction from students. Many students have opportunities to study abroad, improve employability and take part in work placements as part of their degrees. Glasgow is a founder member of Universitas 21, an international grouping of universities dedicated to setting worldwide standards for higher education. Glasgow students report high levels of satisfaction with their degree programmes and undergraduate experience. Results from the National Student Survey 2014 ranked Glasgow as a top 10 institution for student satisfaction.

 CAREERS GUIDANCE

Their dedicated careers advisors offer one-to-one support from professionally trained advisers including: Access to thousands of potential employers for work experience, internships and jobs, training and coaching in job-hunting technique, help to build your CV and job applications. Their careers service can also provide opportunities to meet global recruiters on campus, links to postgraduate study in the UK and overseas, and an online career management system that alerts the students to jobs relevant to their careers interests.