Of the many reasons students come to Stirling, such as academic reputation and research standards, one factor is always cited: the outstanding beauty of the University's Stirling campus.
The campus-based University of Stirling was founded by Royal Charter in 1967 on the historic Airthrey Estate, close to Bridge of Allan and two miles from the Royal Burgh of Stirling. The University's location and history make Stirling that bit different from other UK universities. Since 1967 we have grown considerably and we now also have Highland and Western Isles Campuses.
Since its inception, Stirling has offered modular degree programmes allowing greater flexibility and choice. Stirling was the first United Kingdom university to introduce the system of two semesters rather than having three terms. The first semester lasts from mid-September to mid-December and the second from mid-February to the end of May.
There are now over 256 courses (including combination courses) at the undergraduate degree level. A wide variety of courses are also available at the postgraduate level.
Excellent teaching ratings for politics, accounting, finance, economics, sociology, religious studies, business studies, psychology and English language demonstrate Stirling's expertise in the arts and social sciences. Among the natural sciences, environmental science also achieved high ratings, its success reflected in the recently completed School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, with substantially refurbished facilities for both teaching and research. All but one of the subjects assessed for teaching quality were rated at least "highly satisfactory" and was ranked in the top ten in the UK for Teaching Assessment by The Times Higher Education Supplement. The Philosophical Gourmet report ranks Stirlings' joint graduate philosophy programme with the University of St Andrews as second in the UK and joint 13th in the English-Speaking world.
Despite a fall in graduate recruitment in recent years, the percentage of Stirling graduates in employment six months after graduation continues to rise.
Quality of Choice
Choose from around 300 high quality degree combinations to create the programme that will suit your strengths and help you achieve your goals.
Leading Research
Several of our academic departments are rated top in Scotland for research – you'll have access to cutting edge developments in your field. In the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE, 2008), 10 per cent of Stirling research was judged to be 'world leading' and a further three quarters as 'internationally excellent' and 'internationally recognised'.
Excellent Prospects
93% of our graduates are in employment or further study six months after graduation (Higher Education Statistics Agency, 2010).
Latest Technology
Most of the bedrooms in our halls are networked and there are wireless hubs throughout the campus – no excuse not to stay in touch!
Stunning Environment
"Where else can you study on the shores of a loch, by an 18th-century castle, beneath rolling hills?" (The Guardian University Guide)
Central Location
Edinburgh, Glasgow and the Highlands are all on your doorstep – Stirling really is Scotland's heart.
Friendly Atmosphere
We're medium-sized, based on a campus, highly residential, with 80+ nationalities represented; there's a great community feel.
Cracking Nightlife
Stirling's a friendly, buzzing and youthful city, with lots to do. One in every five residents is a student.
Superb Sport
We have some of the finest facilities on a single site in the UK. No wonder we've been named Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence.
A Great Place to Study and Work
We know you will, because a resounding 89% of students were satisfied with their programme (National Student Survey, 2010). We have also been voted The Sunday Times Scottish University of the Year 2009/2010. Additionally 91% of our staff surveyed enjoy their work and so are committed to investing in your future.
For more detailed information you can visit the University website.
Which programmes offered by this university hold your interest?
| No. of students: | 11,500* |
| No. of Administrative staff: | 1,872 |
| Funding type: | Public |
At university you may face non-academic issues where you need some expert help or guidance. There are lots of ways we can help you in your day to day life at the University. Select from the navigation on the right for more information.
Complementing Student Development and Support Services, the Students’ Union also has the important task of addressing any welfare problems you might face. Stirling Students' Union offers its own welfare and information service, helping you solve problems and pursue them with the appropriate authorities if needs be.
All facilities are a short walk from each other. In particular, a central social area links the library, eating facilities, shops, Students' Union and arts centre (the MacRobert).
Facilities close to campus include:
Studying at university is of course a time of great personal academic achievement. However, while it's good that you study hard, we also want you to take time away from your work to recharge your batteries. With such a large campus community there's plenty of scope to socialise on campus, whilst the city of Stirling offers a change of scene right on your doorstep
There is a strong community feel on campus and you are well supported through the clubs, teams and support networks that are available to you at all times. A central social area on the campus connects the library, eating facilities, shops, The Students' Union and the on-campus arts venue, the MacRobert.
The University campus has been described by the police as one of the safest in Britain and we have our own campus policeman.
A Diverse Community
Stirling is a medium-sized university, with full-time and part-time undergraduate and postgraduate students. We are particularly proud of the tremendous diversity among our students. While about two thirds of students are from Scotland, a good proportion come from elsewhere in the UK and around 19 percent come from outside the UK.
Of our postgraduate students, almost 39 percent are from overseas. We are delighted to give a warm welcome to postgraduate students from all countries and of all nationalities. There are generally over 80 nationalities represented on campus, which gives us a great international dimension.