University of Stirling

Overview of the university

The University of Stirling is an international university committed to helping students Be theDifference in the world. Based in the heart of Scotland, Stirling is a place where ability – not background – is valued, and teaching, employability and facilities are all rated five-star (QS Stars University Ratings 2024). 

That’s just part of the reason Stirling was shortlisted for University of the Year in the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2024, ratedtop 30 in the UK for postgraduate teaching (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2024) andnumber one in the UK for campus environment (The International Student Barometer 2024).  

Stirling is also the proud holder of a Silver award from the Athena Swan Charter in recognition of the University’s commitment to advancing gender equality. 

With more than 170 undergraduate course combinations and over 90 postgraduate courses, including a portfolio of online courses, we equip our graduates with the knowledge, expertise and employability skills needed to succeed in the workplace.  

Sporting excellence  

The University of Stirling is ranked 1st in the UK and 2nd in the world for sports facilities (ISB 2024) – which is whywe've been named Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence.  

Our students benefit from a cutting-edge sports centre that includes sports halls, tennis courts, a gym, cycling studio, squash courts, athletics track, strength and conditioning suites, an Olympic-sized swimming pool and more. 

Our campus is also home to the SportScotlandInstitute of Sport, Triathlon Scotland, Scottish Swimming and Tennis Scotland. 

We offer more than 55 sports clubs, dozens of weekly exercise classes and non-competitive sports programmes to our students – giving them the chance to get fit, socialise or even compete at a global level. 

Campus life  

Sharing your passions, trying new things and making friends for life have always been at the heart of the uni experience, and the University of Stirling is the perfect place to do all three. 

Stirling offers 120+ societies and sports clubs to choose from, which is just part of the reason whythe University is ranked 1stin the UK and 2ndin the world for both social facilities and social activities (ISB 2024). 

Less than an hour from Glasgow and Edinburgh, our beautiful 330-acre campus is all about community. The University is home to a sprawling accommodation village, catering outlets, shops, a cinema and theatre and even an 18th-century castle.  

Bearing all that in mind, it’s hardly surprising Stirling has been rated 1st in the UK and top 10 in the world for campus environment (ISB 2024). 

Commitment to employability  

At the University of Stirling, our students gain more than a degree. We’re ranked 2nd in the UK and top 5 in the world for making good future career contacts (ISB 2024). 

From internships to helping you find a job, our Student Skills and Employability team gives you the support and advice you need to plan your career, develop your employability or think about further study. 

Meanwhile, our courses offer hands-on experience, career support and opportunities to work with industries across the globe.  

That’s why 90% of students say they’re satisfied with our career services support (ISB 2024), and 96% of our graduates are in employment or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes 2020-21, HESA) 

A global outlook  

The University of Stirling is truly global in every sense of the word. More than 140 nationalities are represented on our diverse and inclusive campus, and almost a third of our students are from overseas.   

We collaborate with institutions across the world – with teaching in research partnerships in more than 60 countries to help our students become forward-thinking graduates with skills that are sought after by employers across the globe. 

Research with impact  

Our world-leading academics are experts in their fields, and our teaching explores this cutting-edge research to make an impact on society.That’s why 80% of Stirling’s research was classed as either world leading or internationally excellent in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).  

Our aim is simple: from feeding the world to using psychology to catch criminals, we want to tackle the global issues of our time. Our multi-disciplinary researchers challenge assumptions, innovate thinking and find solutions. 

The City of Stirling 

Stirling is the 'Gateway to the Highlands', and it’sthe perfect place to call home.  

Stirling has been named the safest student city in Scotland (Complete University Guide 2024) andis also the happiest place to live in Scotland (Rightmove Happy at Home Index 2024). 

Stirling combines the charm of a historic ancient capital with the buzz of a modern city.  

One infive people in Stirling’s population are between 16 and 29 years old, we’ve got great travel links, and we’re just 50 minutes from Scotland’s two biggest cities – which is perfect for weekend adventures exploring Scotland, the UK or even further afield. 

Learn more about the City of Stirling and its vibrantarts scene, food and drink offerings, amazing countryside, shopping, nightlife and more. 

Are you ready to Be Stirling?  

Find your course, learn more about funding opportunities, scholarships and why the University of Stirling, Scotland is where you belong.  

Programs and courses at University of Stirling