University of Strathclyde
Oilthigh Shrath Chluaidh
Glasgow's city-centre technological university, built since 1796 on the idea of 'useful learning'.
- Students
- 30,000
- Student–faculty
- 14:1
- ratio
- Tuition
- £22,200
- From · 2027-28
- Founded
- 1796
About Strathclyde
The University of Strathclyde was founded in 1796 through the will of John Anderson, a professor at the University of Glasgow, who wanted a second institution in the city devoted to 'useful learning'. After life as the Andersonian Institute and the Royal College of Science and Technology, it received its royal charter in 1964 as the UK's first technological university. It now teaches more than 30,000 students from over 140 countries on a campus in the heart of Glasgow.
Strathclyde is organised into four faculties: Engineering; Science; Humanities and Social Sciences; and Strathclyde Business School. It is best known for engineering, pharmacy, accounting and finance, law and business, and it is the only institution to have won the Times Higher Education University of the Year award twice (2012 and 2019). In the Sunday Times University Guide 2027 it topped five subject tables, including accounting and finance, pharmacology and pharmacy, and social work.
Degrees follow the four-year Scottish model, although well-qualified A-level and IB applicants can enter many engineering and science courses directly into Year 2. Strathclyde suits practical, career-minded students who want to study in a big, friendly city, with strong links to industry and a culture of entrepreneurship through its Strathclyde Inspire programme.
The Place of Useful Learning
University motto
Why students choose Strathclyde
Strathclyde was named Daily Mail UK University of the Year 2026 and Research University of the Year in the Daily Mail University Guide 2027.
It is the only institution to have won the Times Higher Education University of the Year award twice (2012 and 2019).
Strathclyde topped the Sunday Times University Guide 2027 subject table for accounting and finance, and its Accounting degree is accredited by ICAS, ACCA and CIMA.
Strong A-level and IB students can enter many engineering and science degrees directly into Year 2, finishing a Scottish degree in three years.
Admissions
2027 entry
Selectivity
Strathclyde does not publish an overall offer rate. Offers are made on a competitive basis against published standard entry requirements, with lower minimum offers for applicants who qualify for contextual admissions.
Typical entry requirements
| Scottish Highers | Course-specific standard offers, e.g. AAAAB including Maths A and Physics A (Mechanical and Aero-Mechanical Engineering MEng), AAAAB at first sitting (Law LLB); minimum offers for widening-access applicants, e.g. AABB (engineering) or ABBBB (Law) |
|---|---|
| A-levels | Course-specific, e.g. BBB for Computer Science Year 1 (ABB for Year 2), AAB–BBB for Law, AAB–BBB including Maths and Physics for Mechanical Engineering Year 1, or A*AA–AAB for direct entry to Year 2; AAA with A in Maths for Accounting |
| IB Diploma | Course-specific, e.g. 30 points for Computer Science Year 1, 34–30 for Law, 36–32 with HL5 Maths and Physics for Mechanical Engineering Year 1 (38–34 with HL6 for Year 2) |
| English language | IELTS 6.5 University standard: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no band below 5.5. Faculty of Science and undergraduate Engineering: IELTS 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5. Some courses ask for more, e.g. 6.5 with no band below 6.0 for Prosthetics and Orthotics. |
Deadlines
- UCAS equal consideration deadline Non-binding Next deadline · In ~3 months13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
All Strathclyde undergraduate courses (Strathclyde does not offer medicine, dentistry or veterinary science).
- UCAS late applications Non-binding In ~9 months30 June 2027
Last date to apply through UCAS before Clearing, where places remain.
13 January 2027 is the UCAS equal consideration deadline for 2027 entry. International applicants applying directly should check the course page, as places on competitive courses can fill.
How to apply
UK students apply through UCAS (institution code S78); international students can apply through UCAS or, for many courses, directly to the university. Most offers are based on the UCAS application; some courses interview or ask for a portfolio. If you apply by the January deadline, Strathclyde aims to give a decision by the end of March.
What admissions looks for
- Grades that meet or exceed the published standard entry requirements, with the required subjects (e.g. Maths and Physics for engineering).
- Merit and potential to succeed: the university considers a range of information, not only grades.
- The circumstances of your education: contextual applicants can receive lower minimum offers.
- For Pharmacy, a clear personal statement and performance in an interview-based situational judgement test.
Tips for applying to Strathclyde
- 1 If you are taking A-levels or the IB, check whether your course offers Year 2 entry: for Mechanical Engineering it needs A*AA–AAB or 38–34 IB points.
- 2 Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland who get AAB or above receive the Strathclyde Excellence Scholarship of £1,000 a year automatically.
- 3 Apply by 13 January for the best chance of a decision by the end of March.
- 4 Apply for accommodation by the published deadline: first-year places are limited and offers are not guaranteed.
Costs & financial aid
2027-28 · figures in GBP
Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland paying £9,790 can receive the Strathclyde Access Bursary of £1,000 to £3,000 a year based on household income, and the Strathclyde Excellence Scholarship of £1,000 a year for AAB or above at A-level (or equivalent). Both are assessed automatically. The university also lists scholarships for undergraduates from around the world in its scholarship search.
- £1,000 to £3,000 per year
- Strathclyde Access Bursary (rest of UK)
- £1,000 per year
- Strathclyde Excellence Scholarship (rest of UK, AAB+)
Academics
Accounting (BA)
Strathclyde topped the Sunday Times University Guide 2027 subject table for accounting and finance; accredited by ICAS, ACCA and CIMA.
Pharmacy (MPharm)
Strathclyde topped the Sunday Times 2027 subject table for pharmacology and pharmacy; entry includes an interview with a situational judgement test.
Mechanical Engineering (MEng)
AAAAB at Higher or AAB–BBB at A-level for Year 1, with Year 2 entry for top A-level and IB students.
Biomedical Engineering (MEng)
Strathclyde is joint 4th in the UK and 1st in Scotland for bioengineering and biomedical engineering (Sunday Times 2027).
Prosthetics and Orthotics (BSc)
A rare clinical degree with placements, for students with Maths or Physics and another science.
Law (LLB)
From one of Scotland's leading providers of legal education; AAB–BBB at A-level or AAAAB at Higher.
Research
- Almost 90% of Strathclyde's research was rated world-leading or internationally excellent in THE's analysis of REF 2021.
- The Advanced Net Zero Innovation Centre is a national facility supporting the UK's transition to net zero, built on the university's strengths in power networks and advanced manufacturing.
- Vertically Integrated Projects let students from first year to PhD work together on long-running research projects in sustainable development.
Schools & faculties
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Strathclyde Business School
In the Daily Mail University Guide 2027, Strathclyde was joint first in Scotland for graduate positive outcomes.
Student life
Strathclyde's campus is in the centre of Glasgow, next to the Merchant City and a short walk from two mainline railway stations, the bus station and the subway, so city life starts at the edge of campus. Students can choose from a wide range of clubs and societies, and the Strathclyde Inspire programme supports anyone who wants to start a business. First-year accommodation is offered to eligible new students who apply by the deadline, in University-owned or partner residences, but places are limited.
- City-centre campus beside Glasgow's Merchant City.
- Strathclyde Inspire supports student entrepreneurs with advice and activities.
- Students from over 140 countries.
- Study abroad options in Europe, North America, Australia, Japan and more.
Housing. New first-year students who meet the eligibility criteria and apply by the deadline are considered for an offer of University or partner accommodation, but places are limited and undergraduate rooms are not guaranteed.
Location
Glasgow is Scotland's biggest city, and Strathclyde sits right in its centre, close to Buchanan Street, the Necropolis and the city's mural trail. The city is easy to get around on foot or by bus, subway and train, has a thriving live music and theatre scene, and almost 90 parks and green spaces. Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands are a few hours or less away.
Nearest airport: Glasgow Airport (GLA)
Notable alumni
- JL John Logie BairdInventor of the first working television
- DL David LivingstoneExplorer and missionary; studied medicine and chemistry at Anderson's University from 1836
- EA Elish AngioliniFormer Lord Advocate of Scotland and Principal of St Hugh's College, Oxford
- JG John GiannandreaTechnology executive; head of search and AI at Google, then Apple's senior vice president of machine learning and AI strategy (2018–2026)
- MM Mouzhan MajidiArchitect, chief executive of Foster and Partners from 2007 to 2014
- ST Sir Tom HunterEntrepreneur and philanthropist
- AK Alex KapranosLead singer of Franz Ferdinand
- LM Lauren MayberrySinger of CHVRCHES
Frequently asked questions
What A-levels do you need for Strathclyde?
It depends on the course: for example BBB for Computer Science, AAB–BBB for Law and AAB–BBB including Maths and Physics for Mechanical Engineering. Higher grades such as A*AA–AAB can give direct entry to Year 2 of some engineering and science degrees.
How much does Strathclyde cost for international students?
For 2027/28 entry, international fees run from £22,200 (Education with Teaching) and £23,200 (most Business School degrees) to £33,600 (Pharmacy); for example £24,100 for Psychology, £26,650 for Law, £30,300 for Computer Science and £31,100 for Mechanical Engineering.
Do students from England pay fees at Strathclyde?
Yes. Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland paid £9,790 in 2026/27, with the 2027/28 fee still to be confirmed. They may receive the Strathclyde Access Bursary of up to £3,000 a year and a £1,000 Excellence Scholarship for AAB or above.
What IELTS score does Strathclyde require?
The standard requirement is IELTS 6.5 with no band below 5.5; Science and undergraduate Engineering courses accept 6.0 with no band below 5.5. Some courses ask for more.
Is accommodation guaranteed at Strathclyde?
No. New first-year students who meet the eligibility criteria and apply by the deadline are considered for an offer, but places are limited.
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.
- University of Strathclyde News: Strathclyde breaks into top ten in the UK in Sunday Times University Guide (includes QS 2027)
- QS World University Rankings 2027 (topuniversities.com)
- THE World University Rankings 2026
- ShanghaiRanking ARWU 2026
- University of Strathclyde: Why Strathclyde
- University of Strathclyde: Undergraduate study
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