Glasgow Caledonian University
A Glasgow city-centre university built around the idea of the 'University for the Common Good', with four-year Scottish degrees.
- Students
- 22,000
- Tuition
- £15,700
- From · 2026-27
- Founded
- 1875
- QS World Ranking
- 1001-1200
- 2027 edition
About GCU
Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) was formed in 1993 by the merger of The Queen's College, Glasgow, founded in 1875, and Glasgow Polytechnic, which began in 1971 as Glasgow College of Technology. It calls itself the University for the Common Good and says it has about 1,500 staff and over 22,000 students from more than 100 countries, on campuses in Glasgow and London, with transnational partnerships in China, Oman, Nepal, Singapore and Malaysia.
GCU is strongest in professional and applied subjects. Its undergraduate courses are grouped around business and society, health and life sciences, and science and engineering, and most honours degrees are four years long in the Scottish system. The university says over 90% of its graduates are in employment and/or further study (HESA, 2026). It also stresses widening access: 22% of its Scottish full-time first-degree entrants came from the 20% most disadvantaged areas (SFC 2024).
Entry requirements are moderate and published per course, for example Scottish Highers BBCC or A-levels CCC for Cyber Security and Networks, and Highers AAABB for Law. GCU suits applicants who want a practical, professionally accredited degree in Glasgow, and international applicants who can meet an IELTS 6.0 standard for most courses.
For the Common Weal
University motto
Why students choose GCU
Courses such as Law (LLB, UCAS M114), Adult Nursing (B700) and Cyber Security and Networks (I121) list 2027 start dates and published entry requirements on their course pages.
GCU says its links with over 300 industry partners help more than 90% of graduates into employment and/or further study (HESA, 2026).
International students on full-time undergraduate courses are eligible for up to 2,500 pounds off tuition each year through the New to GCU Undergraduate scholarship (as shown on the current scholarships page).
The main campus is in Glasgow city centre, with an on-campus gym, a library with 1,200 study spaces and over 350 computers, and Caledonian Court student accommodation.
Admissions
2027 entry
Selectivity
GCU does not publish an overall offer rate. Each course page gives a standard entry requirement and, for widening-access applicants, a lower minimum requirement; GCU notes that entry is competitive and the stated requirements may be the minimum needed to be eligible for an offer.
Typical entry requirements
| Scottish Highers | Varies by course, e.g. BBCC for Cyber Security and Networks, BBBC for Adult Nursing, AAABB for Law (2027 start course pages); widening-access minimums are lower |
|---|---|
| A-levels | e.g. CCC for Cyber Security and Networks, BCC for Adult Nursing, BBB for Law, with subject requirements such as Maths, Computing or a science |
| UCAS Tariff | 96 points (standard) for Cyber Security and Networks, 102 for Adult Nursing; widening-access minimums 90 |
| English language | IELTS 6 · TOEFL iBT 78 Standard: IELTS Academic 6.0 with no element below 5.5; TOEFL iBT 78 overall (Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 17). Some courses require more: Law asks for IELTS 7.0 with no element below 6.5. |
Deadlines
- UCAS main deadline Non-binding Next deadline · In ~3 months13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for 2027-entry undergraduate courses, 18:00 UK time. The same dates apply to Scottish universities.
- UCAS final date Non-binding In ~9 months30 June 2027
Applications received by this date (18:00 UK time) are sent to universities; after it they go into Clearing (UCAS). UCAS's final date for 2027 entry is 23 September 2027.
These are UCAS's dates for 2027 entry (ucas.com), which apply to Scottish universities too. The UCAS 15 October 2026 date is not listed because it applies only to Oxford, Cambridge, medicine, dentistry and veterinary courses, none of which GCU offers. GCU's own international deadlines for September 2026 and January 2027 were published (for example 6 November 2026 for the January 2027 intake, standard nationalities); September 2027 dates had not yet been posted on the page checked.
How to apply
All undergraduate applicants, including international students, apply through UCAS. You answer three personal statement questions: why this course, how your studies prepared you, and what else you have done to prepare. International applicants then follow GCU's deposit, financial document and CAS steps.
What admissions looks for
- Grades at or above the standard requirement on the course page, with the listed subject Highers or A-levels.
- Answers to GCU's three personal statement questions: why the course, how your studies prepared you, and how you have prepared outside education.
- English language at IELTS 6.0 (no element below 5.5) or course-specific higher levels.
- For widening-access applicants, eligibility for the lower minimum entry requirement (for example target postcode area, care experience, refugee status).
Tips for applying to GCU
- 1 Check the course-specific English score: Law asks for IELTS 7.0 with no element below 6.5, well above the standard 6.0.
- 2 Look at the minimum entry requirement if you might qualify as a widening-access student; GCU lists a lower threshold for each course.
- 3 Most honours degrees are four years (Sep 27 start on course pages), so budget fees and living costs for four years.
- 4 Nursing applicants must complete PVG screening as well as meeting the tariff and GCSE/Nat 5 requirements.
Costs & financial aid
2026-27 · figures in GBP
Students from England, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Wales receive a 2,000 pound cash bursary for each of the first three years plus a tuition fee waiver in their final year (on the scholarships page). International students on full-time undergraduate courses are eligible for up to 2,500 off tuition each year, and fee-paying students can get 5% off fees over 5,000 for early payment. Scottish students use SAAS funding.
- Up to 2,500 off tuition each year
- New to GCU Undergraduate (international; as on the scholarships page, 2026/27)
- 2,000 a year for each of the first three years, plus a fee waiver in the final year
- Rest-of-UK cash bursary
- Fee waiver and cashback worth 15,790 over a 4-year degree or 17,790 over a 5-year degree
- Common Good Scholarship
Academics
Law (LLB Hons)
Four years, UCAS M114; standard Highers AAABB or A-levels BBB and IELTS 7.0, with a route towards becoming a solicitor or advocate.
Cyber Security and Networks (BSc Hons)
UCAS I121; 96 tariff points and IELTS 6.0, with an HND entry route into later years.
Nursing Studies (Adult, Child, Learning Disability)
BSc/BSc (Hons) pathways at Glasgow with PVG screening; Adult Nursing is UCAS B700 with 102 standard tariff points.
Fashion Design with Business (BA Hons)
Combines design and business in the Glasgow School for Business and Society.
Optometry (MOptom)
A five-year programme, the most expensive international fee at GCU (21,900, year 5 26,900 in 2026/27).
Research
- GCU's Moffat Centre describes itself as the UK's largest university-based consultancy and research centre for tourism and travel market research and business development.
- GCU lists the Research Centre for Health (ReaCH) and the Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health among its research centres.
Schools & faculties
- Glasgow School for Business and Society
- School of Health and Life Sciences
- School of Science and Engineering
GCU says over 90% of graduates are in employment and/or further study, outperforming the Scottish sector average by 2 percentage points (HESA, 2026).
Student life
GCU's Glasgow campus has a library with 1,200 dedicated study spots and over 350 computers, four catering outlets and an on-site gym called The Arc. The Students' Association runs sports clubs and societies, and services such as careers, wellbeing and student funding are on campus. On-campus accommodation is at Caledonian Court, described as a village within the city, though GCU also warns that Glasgow has a housing shortage and recommends early planning for private rentals.
- The Arc gym offers classes including spin, yoga and circuit training.
- Caledonian Court is the on-campus residence, but it does not house families or couples.
- Students' Association sports clubs and societies.
- A London campus in Spitalfields provides a second UK study location.
Housing. Caledonian Court is GCU's on-campus residence; GCU also lists private rentals and notes a housing shortage in Glasgow.
Location
The campus is in Glasgow city centre, and GCU calls Glasgow the cultural heart of Scotland, with music, architecture, nightlife and sport on the doorstep. GCU says a single student needs around 16,500 pounds for a full calendar year of living expenses, with rent around 600 a month in its own budget example.
Nearest airport: Glasgow Airport (GLA)
Notable alumni
- PN Pat NevinFormer Scotland international footballer and broadcaster; holds an arts degree from GCU
- EO Eunice OlumideModel, actor and MBE holder; graduated with a first-class BA in communication and mass media
- AK Andy KerrFormer Scottish Labour politician and government minister; BA in Social Sciences
- GM Gordon MacDonaldSNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, 2011 to 2026; studied at Glasgow College of Technology
- DM Drew McIntyreProfessional wrestler (WWE); earned a bachelor's degree in criminology from GCU in 2006, per Wikipedia
- HR Hassan RouhaniFormer President of Iran (2013-2021); completed an MPhil in law (1995) and a PhD in constitutional law (1999) at GCU, per Wikipedia
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for Glasgow Caledonian University?
They depend on the course: for example Scottish Highers BBCC or A-levels CCC for Cyber Security and Networks, BBBC or BCC for Adult Nursing, and AAABB or BBB for Law. Lower minimum requirements apply to widening-access applicants.
How much are GCU's international tuition fees?
For 2026/27, the standard undergraduate fee for EU and international students is 15,700 pounds a year. GCU said 2027/28 fees were still being finalised.
What IELTS score does GCU require?
The standard requirement is IELTS Academic 6.0 with no element below 5.5, or TOEFL iBT 78. Law requires IELTS 7.0 with no element below 6.5.
What is the UCAS deadline for GCU for 2027 entry?
All undergraduates apply through UCAS. The main deadline is 13 January 2027 at 18:00 UK time, and UCAS sends on applications received by 30 June 2027 (later ones go into Clearing). The 15 October 2026 date applies only to Oxford, Cambridge, medicine, dentistry and veterinary courses, which GCU does not offer.
Do Scottish and English students pay different fees at GCU?
Yes. For 2026/27 the standard undergraduate fee is 1,820 pounds for students from Scotland (funded through SAAS) and 9,790 for students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland; rest-of-UK students also receive a 2,000 pound bursary for each of the first three years. 2027/28 fees had not been published when checked.
Sources & methodology
Figures on this page were checked against official university publications, national application services and ranking publishers in September 2026. Each number is shown with the year or admissions cycle it describes. Always confirm deadlines and fees on the university's own website before applying.
Explore nearby in the world top 100
Universities ranked close to GCU in the QS World University Rankings 2027.