University of Strathclyde

Summary

University Environment

Strathclyde’s campus is self-contained in its own area which straddles the Townhead and Merchant City districts on the north eastern side of the city centre, while being only minutes away from George Square and Queen Street Station. The campus houses all the University buildings, including teaching and learning facilities, accommodation, libraries and sports facilities. 

History

Strathclyde University was founded in 1796 through the will of Professor John Anderson, professor of Natural Philosophy at the University of Glasgow to create a second university focusing on the "useful learning" of practical subjects. Although it consistently changed names, it was known as a technical college concentrating on science and engineering teaching and research with undergraduate students qualifying for degrees of the University of Glasgow or the equivalent Associate of the Royal College of Science and Technology (ARCST).

The college gained university status in 1964, merging with the Scottish College of Commerce, and became the UK's first technological university reflecting its history, teaching and research excellence in technological education.

The university has developed its reputation and grown from approximately 4,000 full-time students in 1964 to over 20,000 students in 2003. Today the university is the largest postgraduate provider in Scotland and one of the largest in the UK for post graduate studies and research.

Academics

Faculties & Schools

• Faculty of Engineering
• Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences (HASS)
• Faculty of Science
• Strathclyde Business School

Research

Research within the university is currently focusing on wind, tidal and wave power, contributing to the Government's ambitious renewable energy targets for Scotland and the UK, and business and energy efficiency, looking at the most efficient and effective use of organisational and human resources, entrepreneurship and leadership. Inventions and discoveries at the university include the invention of the television, the formulation of the Law of Diffusion of Gases, fingerprint identification and the separation of paraffin wax, naphtha, lamp oil and lubricating oil.

In the recent 2014 REF the Department of Physics was rated first in the UK on GPA quality, and Strathclyde Business School rated first in Scotland based on GPA.

International & Industry Opportunities

Strathclyde has Erasmus partnerships with 33 European countries. There are also opportunities to study further afield in the USA, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, and Mexico.

The University also offers internship opportunities abroad such as Engineers Without Borders, a student led charity which gives engineering students the knowledge and skills to become involved in international development engineering, and the Saltire Foundation Undergraduate Internship Programme, which offers students from Scottish universities the chance to experience life in some of the world's top companies.

Fees & Finance

Scholarships

The University has a list of scholarships on their website which you can apply for depending on your nationality, course or level of study. 

Facilities

Learning Facilities

The main library holds approximately 750,000 volumes and over 8,000 current journal subscriptions, the vast majority of which are available electronically. Also available are historical archives, including special collections of rare books. There are over 400 PCs available in drop-in facilities spread throughout the campus, while in the Java Café you can surf the internet while enjoying a bite to eat.

Sporting Facilities

The Centre for Sport and Recreation includes facilities such as a large twin-court sports hall for all major indoor games, space for up to six badminton courts, an activities room, a weight training area and a cardiovascular suite. At the Stepps playing fields are seven grass football and rugby pitches, a floodlit sand-dressed artificial turf pitch, a blaize hockey pitch and an artificial cricket wicket.

Students' Union

Students’ Union

There are plenty of media opportunities through the student newspaper, the Strathclyde Telegraph, and the student radio, Fusion Radio. You could join the university marketing team, which provides excellent experience in applying marketing skills including carrying out market research, securing funding for and publicising events and graphic design. The university holds RAG week with activities from bungee jumping to street collections. The university provides entertainment every night, from open mic nights to live music.

Student Support

Religion & Spirituality

The university's Chaplaincy Centre offers hospitality to those of all faiths and none. There are two full time chaplains, the University Chaplain and the Catholic Chaplain, and several part time chaplains of Scottish Episcopal/Anglican, Free Church, Baptist, Methodist, United Reformed, International and Jewish faiths. They can also put you in touch with representatives of other faiths, and as a large city you'll find all the amenities for your faith.

Health & Wellbeing

The Student Health Service runs consultative clinics for students with physical or psychological problems. This is a confidential service which is available to all students. The doctors at the Service can refer students for specialist treatment if appropriate. The university runs a counselling service for all students offering an opportunity to talk through any personal issues causing concern.

They also run Personal Development Workshops where you can learn more about yourself and develop new skills as being part of a group brings different benefits from dealing with a problem individually. The service can help you to find out more about your difficulty and how it affects you, share common experiences and gain support from the group, discover that others struggle with similar issues, and find practical ways to deal with your concerns.

The disability service offers information and advice for disabled students and applicants, assists them in accessing the Disabled Students' Allowance or similar funds for equipment and other help needed for study, The service liaises with other agencies who can provide the sorts of assistance students might need, such as sign language interpretation, and supports setting up appropriate exam arrangements, such as extra time.

Career Facilities

The University's careers service offers everything from an on-line programme to help you answer the question 'what job would suit me?', an on-line careers library to help you find out about job roles, entry qualifications etc., information into setting up your own business through the Strathclyde Entrepreneurial Network team, practice for psychometric tests and interviews, help in writing your CV and help in understanding what work experience would be most suitable for you.

Accommodation

The University has 2,000 rooms offering reasonably priced self-catered flats in the city centre Campus Village and nearby Merchant City. All of Strathclyde’s halls of residence are only a few minutes’ walk from the main University buildings, and all enjoy excellent access to facilities including the library, Students’ Union and the Sports Centre. Students can also enjoy, within walking distance, the shops, bars, clubs and cafes of Glasgow. 

The cost of the accommodation in 2014/15 ranges from £94 per week for a single study bedroom, to £125 per week for a single study bedroom with en-suite toilet and shower.

International

English Language Requirements

Some courses may require higher scores - check the university website for more details.

International Facilities

Student Advisers at the International and Graduate Office are on hand to answer your questions and give you support on your course, visa, accommodation, finances or any other issue you may have questions about. You can also benefit from free class tuition of up to four hours a week for as long as you are at Strathclyde.

Media