Glasgow Caledonian University

Glasgow Caledonian University is a progressive higher education institution based in Scotland’s second city. It has a reputation for its international outlook and commitment to key issues such as gender equality, for which it ranks within the top 5 worldwide and first in the UK. 

It also has a strong academic reputation, having placed 79th in the Complete University Guide 2024 league table and securing 53rd position in the 2022 Whatuni Student Choice Awards. Though the university was formed in 1993, it was through the combination of academic institutions that have histories going back as far as 1875. The university builds on this educational heritage, and today provides significant benefits to Glasgow and the wider world through its impactful research and contribution to economic and technological progress. 

The university maintains modern, well-equipped campuses in both Glasgow and London, giving students the chance to live and learn in the heart of the UK’s most exciting cities. Students will have access to unique facilities including a learning cybercafé, modern wellbeing and fitness facilities, and the Sir Alex Ferguson Library which features one-of-a-kind igloo style private study spaces. 

Glasgow is home to a significant student population, which is no surprise when you consider the relatively low cost of living compared to the UK combined with unbeatable entertainment, dining and nightlife options. Residents of Glasgow have the best of Scotland’s countryside within easy reach, from the Cairngorms to Loch Ness and hundreds of miles of dramatic coastline. 

With rich industry links and ample opportunity for placements and extracurricular activity, Glasgow Caledonian graduates are well-rounded and highly employable. 

There are many reasons to choose postgraduate study at Glasgow Caledonian University. The university has developed a range of programmes to suit a variety of goals, from powering career progression to preparing for further research, changing direction professionally or simply building expertise in a chosen subject. 

Many courses at Glasgow Caledonian involve gaining accreditation. This allows students to be recognised by their industry for their knowledge and skills, opening up many new career opportunities. 

Staff at the university come from all over the world, bringing a diversity of academic expertise, research experience and industry links to course curricula. As a result, students are able to build contemporary and relevant theoretical knowledge, as well as industry-related practical experience. Academic support throughout each course is robust, helping students achieve their potential. 

The university offers various flexible alternatives in addition to the one-year master’s, including: 

• Two-year master’s courses, involving an industry placement 
• Online master’s degrees and other distance learning courses, perfect for professionals or those with personal obligations 
• Part-time study patterns for many courses 
• The option of starting various courses in January 
• Graduate apprenticeships, combining work and education for vocational students 

Prospective students will need to meet the entry requirements for their chosen course before they can receive an offer of study at Glasgow Caledonian University. 

For example, students applying to the MSc in International Business Management will need to demonstrate achievement of an undergraduate honours degree at 2:2 level or higher, in any subject. 

Applicants for the DPsych in Counselling Psychology will need to show completion of an undergraduate honours degree with a 2:1 grade or higher. It should also meet British Psychology Society criteria for the Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC). Students should also be able to show professional experience in a support-type role, as well as personal maturity. 

Students applying for the MA in Multimedia Journalism need to have an undergraduate honours degree with a 2:1 grade or higher in any subject. An interview and completion of an assessment is also required. 

Entry requirements will vary between courses and levels of study, and may change between intakes. As a result, students should check the university website for current information before applying. 

Postgraduate students at Glasgow Caledonian University enjoy excellent graduate prospects after they finish their studies. The university is one of the highest rated in Scotland for the rate of further study or employment of graduates, according to HESA, reflecting Caledonian’s commitment to real-world learning and professional skills. 

Employers value Glasgow Caledonian graduates due to the range of services and resources supplied to students to help maximise their employability, as well as the academic reputation of the university. 

It offers students innovative postgraduate options such as two-year, extended master’s degrees that involve industry placements. Through this, students gain real experience and valuable opportunities to network with likely employers. Graduate apprenticeships are another promising route into career success for Glasgow Caledonian students, as they work and learn at the same time. 

The university has a dedicated careers service, which provide further support to students throughout their studies. From jobs fairs to job applications, networking and finding internships or other experience opportunities, there’s no shortage of ways for students to benefit from careers support. They also offer personalised mentoring and planning through face-to-face appointments with experienced counsellors. 

Accommodation

Although postgraduate students are directly offered accommodation in university-managed halls during their time at Glasgow Caledonian University, it is still committed to ensuring that all students can find a suitable place to live. 

The university and its student support services are able to provide a wide range of recommendations for private accommodation in Glasgow. It’s one of the largest cities in Scotland, with a population of more than 1.6 million, and offers hundreds of private rental opportunities as a result. 

The university itself is located in the centre of the city, making it easy for students to travel from their homes in any part of the city. 

Different companies operate private halls of residence across the city, which are a great way to live near and socialise with other students. In many cases, rent costs and other bills are rolled into one easy to manage payment, and many buildings have additional security measures to help students feel safe. 

There are also many private student rental properties available, suitable for individual students or groups. The university can provide additional advice on finding the right kind of home and dealing with the paperwork. 

Glasgow Caledonian University is committed to helping students of all backgrounds access transformative postgraduate education opportunities. Through this, it offers students a range of scholarships and bursaries that have a total worth of around £2million per academic year.  

Some of the funding options available to postgraduate students include: 

• The Glasgow Caledonian Student Loyalty Discount, which offers students a discount of 20% to tuition fees if they have already graduated from a degree programme at the university. A research variant of this discount is also available for postgraduate research students. 
• Early repayment discounts, offering a 5% reduction to tuition fees if a student pays by the specified early repayment deadline 
• Course specific scholarship, such as that for students of the MSc in Climate Justice Scholarship. This award provides a £4,000 payment towards tuition fees for successful applicants. 
• The Data Lab Scholarship, which is provided through funding from the Scottish Funding Council and European Social Fund. It provides awards that fully cover tuition fees for students on the MSc in Big Data Technologies. 

Students can find the full range of scholarships and bursaries, as well as their values and eligibility criteria, on the university’s website.