University of Stirling

The University of Stirling is an international higher education institution, known for its quality of teaching and impactful research. Founded in 1967, Stirling is a modern university with a pioneering outlook that is reflected in its approach to education. The university placed 68th nationally in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards in 2022 and was ranked 51th in the Complete University Guide 2024 league table.  

The university is based in the city of Stirling, in Scotland. Located just north of the halfway point between Glasgow and Edinburgh, it’s an ideal location for postgraduate students looking to study in the heart of Scotland and experience everything it has to offer. The world-famous Scottish Highlands and its mountains, lochs and coastlines are easily accessed, while road and train links to the country’s major cities provide for all of a student’s cultural needs. 

Stirling itself is a thriving market town, with a medieval castle at its centre and plenty of modern amenities including shops, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. The city is a treasure trove of Scottish history, having been the coronation site of King James VII and the famous Battle of Bannockburn, as well as today being home to the National Wallace Monument.  

The university’s campus is a 330-acre site and has a range of modern facilities, ranging from a cinema to Olympic-size pools, and various places to eat and drink. Postgraduate students will benefit from a spacious, safe and contemporary campus setting, perfect for academic success and sociable lifestyle. 

The University of Stirling offers students a broad range of postgraduate study options to pick from. Learners who choose the university will complete one of 90 postgraduate degrees with the support and guidance of an expert faculty with significant research experience and professional knowledge. 

Taught master’s courses at Stirling include MA, MSc, MLitt and MBA degrees, as well as shorter qualifications such as postgraduate certificates and diplomas. MRes degrees are also available, allowing students to focus on research experience at a master’s level and prepare for further study or a research-focused profession. 

The university also offers a number of online and distance learning postgraduate options, allowing students to gain valuable qualifications around their existing lifestyles. Stirling emphasises high levels of support and quality teaching across its remote courses. 

Various research degrees including MPhil, PhD and professional doctorates are also available at Stirling. The university prioritises influential research and makes it a critical part of any postgraduate programme of study. Research students will collaborate and learn from academics who are active researchers and leaders in their field. 

Students applying for a postgraduate course at the University of Stirling will need to satisfy a number of entry requirements to receive an offer. These criteria can vary according to the level of study and the subject being applied for. In some cases additional criteria, relating to professional experience or English language competency, for example, may also apply. 

Applicants for the MRes in Educational Research will need to show evidence of a 2:1 or higher graded undergraduate honours degrees, or international equivalent. Significant, relevant professional or personal experience may be considered for applicants who lack a formal qualification. 

Students applying for the MSc in Human Resource Management will need to have a second-class or higher undergraduate honours degree, or international equivalent. Significant, relevant experience will be considered in lieu of formal qualifications. 

Applicants for the MLitt in Philosophy will typically need a good undergraduate degree in philosophy, such as a 2:1 level qualification or higher. Equivalent grades in the SASP Conversion Diploma are also accepted. 

Entry requirements for postgraduate courses at Stirling may vary, so students should check the university website for the most up to date information before applying. 

The University of Stirling offers postgraduate students the opportunity to gain an impactful qualification and prepare for success in their future careers. The university achieves high employability rates for its graduates, with 93% of them entering further study or employment within fifteen months of graduating according to the HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021. 

Stirling achieves these outcomes for students through a range of postgraduate programmes that are built around cutting-edge research, contemporary thinking and collaboration with relevant industry and academic partners. As a result, students build knowledge and skills that are valued by today’s employers. 

The university also invests in a dedicated Careers and Employability Service, which works to enhance postgraduate student employability throughout and beyond their studies. It offers a range of support and advice services, including: 

• Access to internship and placement opportunities, providing real world experience and networking opportunities 
• Personalised careers advice, available in-person and online, with tailored support for students, graduates or researchers 
• Careers events including graduate fairs, skill sessions and briefings 
• A jobs directory that students can browse to find and apply for graduate, part-time or summer jobs 

Accommodation

The University of Stirling has a wide range of accommodation options for postgraduate students to choose from after they accept an offer of study. It maintains a number of university-managed residences for postgraduate students, either on the campus itself of nearby in areas such as Bridge of Allan or Stirling. 

Postgraduate students can expect to pay between £92.91 and £185.82 per week for their accommodation. The cost will vary depending on the type of living option chosen, but all rental rates are inclusive of Wi-Fi, utilities, contents insurance, housekeeping and 24 hours a day assistance. 

Students can choose from: 

• Standard rooms, with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities 
• En-suite rooms, with shared kitchen facilities 
• A studio room, with private bathroom and kitchen 
• Two- or three-bed flats for families 

The university is also able to accommodate any special requirements, such a health conditions or disabilities. 

Some postgraduate students prefer to live in privately rented accommodation. There are plenty of student lets available in and around the university or the city of Stirling. The city is a welcoming community and was rated as Scotland’s happiest place to live in a 2021 Rightmove poll. With a rich history and plenty to do, Stirling is a great choice for postgraduate students in the UK.  

Postgraduate students at the University of Stirling can access a range of financial support during their studies. The university, along with various external organisations linked to it, together offer postgraduate learners access to a variety of scholarships and bursaries. These awards are designed to help students cover the costs of their studies and support academic achievement. 

Available master’s level awards include: 

• The Postgraduate Merit Scholarship, offering a £2,000 award to students from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class undergraduate degree. This is applied as discount to tuition fees for master’s students. 
• An alumni discount for all postgraduate taught master’s and postgraduate research students, providing a 20% waiver of tuition fees for students who have already completed a degree at Stirling. It can be combined with most other scholarships, but other eligibility criteria apply. 

Postgraduate research students can apply for a wide range of studentships and scholarships. These awards may be for specific projects, courses or subject areas. They may include full coverage of tuition fees and stipends to help cover living costs, depending on the award. Research students can browse available studentships through the university’s website.