Best universities for a master’s in Glasgow

Glasgow is Scotland’s second city, and largest by population. Though just over an hour away from Edinburgh by train, this bustling metropolis packs an entirely different flavour into its vast Victorian mansions, tenements and public institutions. Once a hub for commerce and manufacturing, Glasgow has built on its industrial heritage to emerge as one of the UK’s most exciting student cities. As a postgraduate student here, you’ll find several noteworthy universities that will help you achieve your academic or professional goals. Beyond your studies, however, waits a city packed with history, culture, music and nightlife rivalled by very few other UK cities.  

As a Glasgow resident, you’ll also be able to travel with ease up and down the UK—from the big lights of London to the star lights of the expansive and dramatic Scottish Highlands. 

CONTENTS 

• Which universities are in Glasgow
• University of Glasgow
• University of Strathclyde
• Glasgow School of Art
• Glasgow Caledonian University
• Entry Requirements
• What to do in Glasgow

Which universities are in Glasgow? 

University of Glasgow 

The University of Glasgow is one of Scotland’s ancient universities, originally founded back in 1451—making it over 570 years old. It’s a prestigious higher education institution, offering postgraduate students the chance to gain a degree and join its ranks of alumni which include a Prime Minister, Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, and seven Nobel Prize winners. The university recently placed 23rd in the 2023 Complete University Guide league table, as well as taking 43rd place in the 2022 Whatuni Student Choice Awards. It has three campuses, with the main one being based just west of the city centre. 

Postgraduate students will have their pick of over 300 postgraduate taught programmes, as well as a raft of research and professional courses. It’s possible to start studying in January as well as September, and a number of part-time or online learning opportunities further add to the flexibility of study. The university has a strong research reputation and provides a wide range of research master’s and PhD programmes, supported by leading academics. 

The University of Glasgow has two campuses in and around the city, as well as a Dumfries Campus. The main campus, Gilmorehill, is a compact site that contains a range of cutting-edge facilities, student services and social spaces on the doorstep of the city centre. With two student unions, a 12-floor library, a museum, an art gallery, and an upcoming £1 billion expansion programme, it’s an unbeatable location for postgraduate study. The 200-acre Garscube campus is a leafy, calm estate containing specialist veterinary and sports facilities. The Dumfries campus in South-West Scotland is immersed in historic parkland with excellent teaching facilities. 

Go to: Search courses at University of Glasgow

University of Strathclyde 

The University of Strathclyde is a research-focused institution that works to provide postgraduate students with a wide range of empowering qualifications. Its roots go back to 1796 when it was originally established as the Andersonian Institute, making it the second oldest university in Glasgow and the oldest technological university in the UK. Today, it’s a boundary pushing academic community based out of a modern campus site in the heart of Glasgow. 

There are over 200 postgraduate programmes to choose from at Strathclyde, including PGCert and PGDip qualifications, as well as MSc and MRes courses. The university has four faculties: engineering, humanities and social sciences, science, and the Strathclyde business school. Each one offers in depth programmes led by experienced researchers and academics. Students are able to gain up to date knowledge and industry relevant skills, as well as work to push the boundaries of their field at a master’s or doctorate level. 

The University of Strathclyde is committed to continual development of its campus site to ensure its fit for the postgraduates of today and the leaders of tomorrow. Recent developments include a £60m Learning and Teaching facility, equipped with state-of-the-art teaching facilities and quality student support services, as well as a new students’ union. The Strathclyde Sports Building is another addition, with £31m of investments yielding sports, fitness and wellbeing facilities of exceptional quality.  

Go to: Search courses at University of Strathclyde

Glasgow School of Art 

The Glasgow School of Art specialises in the creative arts, with students from across Europe coming to study at this prestigious institution. Founded back in 1845, it was originally known as the Glasgow Government School of Design, before changing its name to the Glasgow School of Art in 1853. It has buildings spread across Glasgow, as well as a base in Forres, Morayshire. Over 2,000 students study at an undergraduate or postgraduate level each year at the Glasgow School of Art.  

Both taught and research programmes are available for postgraduate students at the Glasgow School of Art, spread across a wealth of visual arts subjects including the likes of Product Design Engineering, Fashion and Textiles, Architectural Studies and more. The university hosts regular exhibitions showcasing the work of its students, allowing them to make a name for themselves in the arts community and begin their career.  

A wide range of art facilities are available for students at the Glasgow School of Art, alongside a wealth of workshops to allows students the chance to branch out and grow their creative skillset. The university also provides students with employability opportunities within the curriculum, including the likes of competition participation, live projects and a careers service. 

Go to: Search courses at Glasgow School of Art

Glasgow Caledonian University 

Glasgow Caledonian University rounds out the city’s postgraduate offerings—this international, progressively minded institution is renowned for its success across social issues and comprehensive course offerings. The university recently took 53rd place in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2022, as well as placing the top 90 universities according to the 2023 Complete University Guide league table. Its history beings in 1875, with The Queen’s College Glasgow. This historic institution merged with the Glasgow College of Technology in 1993, forming a university that takes its name from the Latin name for Scotland. Today its vibrant campus hosts over 22,000 students in the centre of the city.   

There are many different options for postgraduate students at Glasgow Caledonian University, beyond the conventional one-year master’s course. Two year courses including a year in industry are an ideal way to gain experience and kickstart a successful career, while part-time and online postgraduate programmes suit students with existing professional or personal commitments. All courses benefit from continued input from industry leaders and relevant professional bodies. Whether in person or online, students will be supported by passionate educators and be part of a supportive academic community. 

Postgraduate students at Glasgow Caledonian thrive in a cutting-edge academic environment, replete with modern facilities and continual investment into providing the best student experience. The university’s Sir Alex Ferguson Library offers 1,800 study spaces, including unique inflatable igloo semi-private zones. There are a number of interdisciplinary research centres based out of the university, such as the Mary Robinson Centre for Climate Justice and SMARAT Technology Centre, exposing students to ground-breaking work at the forefront of their fields. UHatch provides bespoke support to entrepreneurial students, while health facilities, on-site accommodation and a students’ union support a positive postgraduate student lifestyle. 

Go to: Search courses at Glasgow Caledonian University

Entry Requirements 

Entry requirements for postgraduate programmes in Glasgow will differ from university to university, as well as varying according to the subject and level of study you are applying for. Entry requirements may also change over time, so it’s important to get the most up to date information. You can get course specific entry criteria through our course finder tool, or your prospective university’s website. Academic or professional qualifications, professional experience, a portfolio or interview performance may all be involved in the admissions process. 

What to do in Glasgow 

Glasgow is an energetic city with many things to do and see during your downtime. It’s home to a wide range of impressive Victorian museums and galleries; the Burrell Collection houses an eclectic range of archaeological finds, fine art and other unique items, the Riverside protects a variety of historic vehicles and mechanical history, while Kelvingrove brings a combination of art and natural history to delight your senses. 

Eating, drinking, music and dancing are incredibly well represented in Glasgow. From friendly local boozers to edgy bars and rough-round-the-edges gig spaces, as well as a number of first rate nightclubs, the city comes alive after dark. Great food is around every corner, including traditional Scottish fare, worldwide cuisine and even two Michelin Star restaurants. There’s also continually evolving roster of events, festivals and sporting events to keep you entertained. 

Beyond the city limits, you could find yourself in any number of awe-inspiring landscapes on a day trip, weekend break or longer stint of exploration. Whether it’s the massive Loch Lomond, just half an hour’s drive from Glasgow, or the world-famous Loch Ness three hours away, stunning lakes and glens are nestled among the high ridges and peaks the Highlands are known for. Hundreds of miles of coastline and dozens of picturesque islands, including Skye, Mull and the Hebrides, also await intrepid travellers. 

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