Glasgow Caledonian University: Rankings, Courses & Admissions

Another important factor while shortlisting foreign institutes to pursue higher studies is ranking. The renowned QS Top Universities body places Glasgow Caledonian University ranking in the range of 1001–1200 while the World University Rankings lists GCU higher, in the range of 601–800. Additionally, in terms of subject rankings, the Glasgow Caledonian University ranks in the 401–500 range for Social Sciences. GCU also ranks at an impressive number 69 in the Guardian University Guide amongst UK universities. 

Infrastructure of Glasgow Caledonian University

Glasgow Caledonian University has its presence in multiple cities. For instance, the university has a post-graduate campus in London, a college in New York (Glasgow Caledonian New York College), a collaboration with National University in Oman, and the Grameen Caledonian College of Nursing, Bangladesh. 

The university houses several labs and facilities. These include:

• School of Computing, Engineering, and Built Environment: Includes eight departments, Learning Development Centre, SMART Technology Centre, and the BEAM Research Centre

• Glasgow School for Business and Society:  Houses six departments, Fashion Factory, AV Studio, Communications, and Media Lab, Technical facilities  
• School of Health and Life Sciences: Has eight departments, Vision Centre, Caledonian Clinic, Operating Theatre, Psychology Labs, and the Interprofessional Simulation Centre 

Research Facilities at Glasgow Caledonian University

Glasgow Caledonian University has a dedicated GCU Research Strategy that sets a base for research activities at the institute. Notably, GCU aims at solving the following societal challenges through the research activities:

• Inclusive Societies
• Healthy Lives
• Sustainable Environment

It also has dedicated research centers to achieve the three goals. Here are some of the main research bodies:

• Research Centre for Health (ReaCH)
• BEAM Centre
• Yunus Centre
• SMART Technology Centre 
• Centre for Climate Justice
• WiSE Centre

Since Glasgow Caledonian University is located in the UK, students should note that the language of instructions will be English.

Academics at Glasgow Caledonian University

The Glasgow Caledonian University operates in three trimesters.

The admission for international students for the first trimester closes in July, while the students applying for the January trimester need to submit their applications before November end.   

As a prospective student, you should also know the Glasgow Caledonian University admission process. As such, we list the same:

• Students interested in post-graduate programs can apply for their desired course in two ways– online application or through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admission Services)
• However, for undergraduate courses, all applications need mandatorily to go through UCAS
• Candidates can locate an application button on their preferred course page
• Next, students should fill in precise details and upload the required documents as instructed on the portal
• Finally, the GCU admissions committee will analyze the application and respond accordingly

Glasgow Caledonian University Admission Requirements

The Glasgow Caledonian University admission requirements are as follows:

• The requirements for each degree can differ in terms of grades or subject expertise. Hence, students should always visit the official course page to note the exact criteria
• To pursue undergraduate programs, students need to score at least 60% in each subject from standard XII 
• The minimum score to pursue post-graduate degrees is 50% for a four-year Bachelor’s degree. On the other hand, students with a three-year Bachelor’s degree need to score at least 60% throughout the course
• Finally, students need to prove their proficiency in English. 

First, they can qualify if they score at least 70% in standard XII English. Second, students need to score minimum marks in English language tests. These tests include:

1. IELTS average score should be 6, and a minimum TOEFL score of 78. Candidates can also qualify if they score at least 54 on the Pearson PTE test
2. International students scoring Grade C and above in Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) are also eligible to apply for admissions at the GCU 
3. For candidates interested in post-graduate studies, GCU allows a medium of instruction letter if the undergraduate course was taught in English

Glasgow Caledonian University thus provides multiple opportunities to establish English proficiency proof. To add to that, the Glasgow Caledonian University acceptance rate is 70%. 

Courses Offered at Glasgow Caledonian University

There are more than 100 undergraduate and 70 postgraduate programs at Glasgow Caledonian University. In addition, students can also benefit from the part-time degrees available at GCU.       

Undergraduate Courses at Glasgow Caledonian University   

Here are some popular undergraduate courses at the Glasgow Caledonian University:

• BA Hons Accountancy
• BSc Hons AI and Data Science
• BSc Hons Applied Psychology
• LLB Bachelor of Laws
• BEng Building Services Engineering
• BEng Computer-aided Mechanical Engineering
• BEng Hons Mechanical Engineering
• BA Hons Business Management
• BSc Hons Occupational Therapy
• BSc Hons Digital Security and Forensics
• BA Hons Risk Management
• BA Hons International Business

Postgraduate Courses at Glasgow Caledonian University

International students can also explore a wide range of Master’s level courses. These are some well-known programs:

• MSc Accounting, Finance, and Regulation
• MSc Applied Data Science in Engineering
• MSc Big Data Technologies
• MSc Fashion Business Creation
• MSc Financial Technology
• MBA Global Master of Business Administration
• MSc International Business Management
• MSc Marketing
• MSc Mechanical Engineering
• MSc Quantity Surveying

Excluding MPhil and Ph.D. courses, all other degrees at Glasgow Caledonian University have a credit system. A module is based on a unit of 20 credits for undergraduate studies, 40 credits for the SCQF level, and 10 for the dissertation module. Additionally, in the case of post-graduate courses, the SCQF level is 60 credits. 

Thus, one undergraduate academic year consists of 120 credits, while one post-graduate full-time year consists of 180 credits.

Apart from the popular courses, students can also pursue an intensive Master of Research program at GCU. The Glasgow Caledonian University also has top programs like MSc Advanced Practice, MSc Cyber Security, and Doctorate of Business Administration on the offering. 

Academic Calander of Glasgow Caledonian University

The institute consists of three trimesters in an academic. Here’s a look at the starting and ending months of each trimester:

• Trimester A: September to January
• Trimester B: January to May
• Trimester C: May to August

Moreover, each year, the Glasgow Caledonian University can alter the dates of the start and end of each trimester. Hence, students must keep checking the official information on the university’s website. 

The graduation ceremonies are held in November and July for Winter and Summer terms, respectively. 

Extra-Curriculars and Diversity at Glasgow Caledonian University

The Glasgow Caledonian University has a Common Good Opportunities program that encourages all students to participate in extra-curricular activities.

The Radiography Society, Fundraising Groups, Cancer Support Scotland, Esports Society, GCU IEE student branch, etc., are some active student organizations. International students can also join clubs like Dance, Fencing, GCU Outdoor Sports, Football, Netball, etc., for sporting activities.  

Furthermore, GCU has Student Leaders Program, Saltire Foundation Internships, Magnusson Awards, Liberation groups, and lots more for exploring various opportunities. Hence, gaining admissions at this famous institute can be fruitful at different levels. 

As such, students from over 100 countries pursue education at the Glasgow Caledonian University. The institute has a well-defined ‘Dignity at Work’ study policy to promote the inclusion of a diverse population. Additionally, they foster gender equality in STEM courses too and have multiple events that break stereotypes and barriers for diverse groups of students and staff.

GCU also offers online classes for ‘Understanding Unconscious Bias’ and a dynamic ‘Tackling Racism Group’ to achieve a healthy academic environment. 

Career/Professionals at Glasgow Caledonian University

One of the primary purposes of studying in foreign institutes is the chance to land jobs in renowned industries and companies. The industrial connections of an educational university hence must be taken into account.

Keeping this in mind, you would be happy to know that GCU has strong ties with industries, experts, and organizations to help students advance their careers. Leading companies like John Lewis, Morgan Stanley, Air Canada, Clyde Union Pumps, Marks and Spencer, and many more are connected with GCU. In addition, guest lectures from Eaton Corporation Managers, Owner of Praxis, Founder of W2, BCM Consultant, etc., provide guidance to all students.  

Moreover, the Glasgow Caledonian University allows students to work part-time for 20 hours a week. International students need to apply for a National Insurance Number to be eligible to work while pursuing education. The institute, as such, advertises part-time jobs that are available for 15 hours per week.

To add to that, the university complies with the National Minimum Wage Laws to support international students. This way, candidates can cover the expenses incurred during studies, accommodation, and travel. 

After completing a course, GCU also informs students about Skilled Worker Visa, Graduate Visa, or Start-up Visa as per eligibility and preference. The university has a Career Adviser service available for students even after they graduate, for two years. This service provides students with interview tips, a company directory, and a CV builder.       

Popular Alumni at Glasgow Caledonian University

All of these facilities have led to GCU having a long list of prominent alumni who work in different sectors. Some of the famous names include:

• Hassan Rouhani: Former President, Iran
• Kyrk MacMillan: Commercial Director, Wood Wood
• Richard Longmuir: Creative Director, Launch Digital
• Gregor Virant: Former Minister, Interior of Republic of Slovenia
• Rachael Hastings: Vice President, Financial Crime Operations, Barclays Bank
• David Paisley: Scottish Actor, River City
• Michael Keating: Political Scientist
• Oliver Dowling: Senior Level Designer, King
• Natalie McCairn: Assistant Merchandiser, Evergreen Fashions
• Gary Gibson: Author, Nova War       

Financials at Glasgow Caledonian University

The Glasgow Caledonian University fees vary for each full-time course. Hence, students need to browse their preferred program and note the fees. 

However, to get a general idea of tuition costs for international students, we have listed some information of a few popular academic courses:

• BSc Hons AI and Data Science: GBP 13,000 (~INR 13 lakhs) annually
• BA Hons Accountancy: GBP 13,000 (~INR 13 lakhs) annually  
• BSc Hons Construction Management: GBP 13,000 (~INR 13 lakhs) annually
• MSc Advanced Practice: GBP 14,500 (~INR 15 lakhs) annually
• MSc Applied Data Science in Engineering: GBP 14,500 (~INR 15 lakhs) annually
• MSc Diagnostic Radiography: GBP 16,500 (~INR 17 lakhs) annually
• Doctorate of Business Administration (Part-time): GBP 6,000 (~INR 6 lakhs) annually

Additionally, the post-graduate part-time courses cost in the range of GBP 1,125 to GBP 1,300 (INR 2 lakhs approx) for a 15-credit module from any of its four campuses.

The living costs (costs of accommodation, energy bills, transport, food, and books) for a single year would be around GBP 10,000 – GBP 11,500 (~INR 12 lakhs).