Facts and figures

At the University of Stirling, being the difference is in our DNA. That's why we're regularly recognised across the globe for research excellence in teaching, research and offering a world-class student experience.

18,000+ students globally

11,000+ undergraduate students

6,000+ postgraduate students

1,700+ staff

140+ nationalities represented on campus

More than 30% of students are from overseas

Research, teaching and learning rankings

Complete University Guide

Complete University Guide 2023

The University of Stirling ranked amongst the top 50 universities in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2023.

  • Communication and media studies: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Economics: top 5 in Scotland, top 20 in the UK.
  • Education: 3rd in Scotland, top 10 in the UK.
  • English: 3rd in Scotland, top 20 in the UK
  • French: 3rd in Scotland.
  • Geography and environmental science: top 5 in Scotland.
  • History: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Iberian languages: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Law: 3rd in Scotland.
  • Marketing: 2nd in Scotland, top 20 in the UK.
  • Mathematics: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Nursing: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Philosophy: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Social policy: top 5 in Scotland, top 20 in the UK.
  • Sociology: 3rd in Scotland.
  • Sports science: 3rd in Scotland, top 20 in the UK.
  • Theology and religious studies: top 5 in Scotland.

Source: Complete University Guide 2023

Complete University Guide 2022

  • Accounting and finance: top 20 in the UK.
  • Business and management studies: top 5 in Scotland, top 20 in the UK.
  • Communication and media studies: top 10 in the UK.
  • Iberian languages: top 5 in Scotland, top 15 in the UK.
  • Politics: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Social work: 2nd in Scotland, 3rd in the UK.
  • Sociology: top 15 in the UK.

Stirling is also ranked as the safest city in the UK - The Complete University Guide - How safe is your city?

Guardian University Guide

Guardian University Guide 2023

The University of Stirling ranked overall 59th in the UK in The Guardian University Guide 2023.

  • Biology: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Criminology: 3rd in Scotland.
  • Economics: 2nd in Scotland and top 10 in the UK.
  • Journalism: 2nd in Scotland.
  • Marketing and public relations: 1st in Scotland and 2nd in the UK.
  • Mathematics: top 5 in Scotland and top 10 in the UK.
  • Media and film studies: 1st in Scotland and top 10 in the UK.
  • Nursing (general and mental health): top 5 in Scotland.

Source: Guardian University Guide 2023

Guardian University Guide 2022

The University of Stirling ranked overall 49th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2022.

  • Business, management and marketing: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Computer science and information systems: top 10 in the UK, 3rd in Scotland.
  • Education: top 5 in Scotland.
  • English and creative writing: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Philosophy: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Politics: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Social work: top 5 in Scotland.

Source: Guardian University Guide 2022

QS Stars University Ratings

QS Stars University Ratings 2021

The University of Stirling is rated 5 stars overall, and in each of the following areas:

  • Teaching,
  • Employability,
  • Research,
  • Internationalisation,
  • Facilities,
  • Inclusiveness.

BA Hons Accountancy and Finance also achieved 5 stars in the specialist criteria category.

QS World University Rankings

QS World University Rankings 2024

The University of Stirling ranked in the top 500 global universities in the QS World University Rankings 2024.

QS World University Rankings 2023

  • Sport: top 10 in the UK, top 100 in the world.
  • Communications and media: top 25 in the UK, top 200 in the world.
  • Education: top 25 in the UK, top 200 in the world.
  • Philosophy: top 25 in the UK, top 200 in the world.
  • Psychology: top 250 in the world.

Source: QS Top Universities

Research Excellence Framework (REF)

REF 2021 results

  • 87% of the University's research has an outstanding or very considerable impact on society.
  • More than 80% of Stirling research is world leading or internationally excellent.
  • 4th in Scotland and 43rd in the UK for research impact (Times Higher Education REF 2021: Impact Scores rankings).
  • Research environment at Stirling commended for enabling excellence and delivering impact.

Key areas of strength

  • Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Science: ranked 1st in the UK for impact and 9th overall, with 100% of the University's Institute of Aquaculture research having outstanding impact, the highest possible rating. 100% of our research environment is world leading or internationally excellent.
  • Geography and Environmental Studies: 100% of our Geography and Environmental Sciences research is rated as having either outstanding or very considerable impact – ranking us 12th in the UK for Geography and Environmental Studies.
  • Social Work and Social Policy: ranked 3rd in Scotland and top 25 in the UK for Social Work and Social Policy – with 100% of our research environment and 88% of our research deemed world leading or internationally excellent.

Other highlights

  • Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy: 100% of our research environment, 80% of our research impact and 83% of our overall research in Allied Health Professions and Nursing is classed as world leading or internationally excellent.
  • Business and Management Studies: 80% of our research impact in Business and Management Studies is classed as world leading or internationally excellent.
  • Communication, Cultural and Media Studies, Library and Information: 2nd in Scotland overall. 100% of our research environment and 88% of our overall research in Communication, Cultural and Media Studies is classed as world leading or internationally excellent.
  • Education: top 20 in the UK for impact and research environment. 100% of our research impact and environment in Education is classed as world leading or internationally excellent.
  • English Language and Literature: 100% of our research environment in English Language and Literature is classed as world leading or internationally excellent.
  • History: top 15 in the UK for impact, 3rd in Scotland for outputs and impact. 83% of our research impact in History is classed as world leading or internationally excellent.
  • Sport and Exercise Sciences, Leisure and Tourism: 1st in Scotland for outputs. 80% of our research in Sport and Exercise Sciences is classed as world leading or internationally excellent.
  • Law: 100% of our research impact and 82% of our overall research in Law is classed as world leading or internationally excellent.
  • Philosophy: 1st in Scotland for impact. 100% of our research impact and environment in Philosophy is classed as world leading or internationally excellent.
  • Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience: 2nd in Scotland for impact. 100% of our research impact and environment, and 87% of our overall research in Psychology is classed as world leading or internationally excellent.

Sources:

Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide

Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

The University of Stirling is ranked in the top 40 UK universities in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.

  • Communication and media: top 5 in the UK, 2nd in Scotland.
  • Criminology: top 5 in the UK, 1st in Scotland.
  • Economics: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Education: top 5 in the UK, 3rd in Scotland.
  • English: top 5 in the UK, 3rd in Scotland.
  • French: top 10 in the UK, 2nd in Scotland.
  • Geography and environmental science: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Iberian languages: 3rd in the UK, 2nd in Scotland.
  • Mathematics: top 20 in the UK, top 5 in Scotland.
  • Philosophy: top 20 in the UK, 3rd in Scotland.
  • Social policy: top 10 in the UK, top 5 in Scotland.
  • Sociology: top 20 in the UK, 3rd in Scotland.
  • Sports science: top 10 in the UK, 3rd in Scotland.

Source: Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022

The University of Stirling ranked in the top 50 UK universities in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022.

  • Accounting and finance: top 20 in the UK.
  • Biological sciences: top 15 in the UK.
  • Business studies: top 15 in the UK, top 5 in Scotland.
  • Communication and media: top 10 in the UK, 2nd in Scotland.
  • Law: top 20 in the UK, top 5 in Scotland.
  • Nursing: top 20 in the UK, top 5 in Scotland.
  • Politics: top 15 in the UK, 3rd in Scotland.
  • Psychology: top 20 in the UK, top 5 in Scotland.

 

Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject

Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject 2023

  • Arts and Humanities: top 300 in the world.
  • Business and Economics: top 300 in the world.
  • Education: top 300 in the world.
  • Life Sciences: top 200 in the world.
  • Physical Sciences: top 300 in the world.
  • Social Sciences: top 300 in the world.

See the full Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by subject.

Times Higher Education Impact Rankings

Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023

  • Top 100 in the world for sustainable development goal 2: Zero Hunger.
  • Top 200 in the world for sustainable development goal 13: Climate Action.
  • Top 200 in the world for sustainable development goal 14: Life Below Water.
  • Top 200 in the world for sustainable development goal 15: Life on Land.
  • Top 200 in the world for sustainable development goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

See the full Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023.

Student experience rankings

The International Student Barometer (ISB)

The International Student Barometer 2022

International experience

  • Overall 91% of international students were satisfied with their experience at Stirling.
  • 92% of international students from Stirling feel welcome in the UK.
  • 95% of students said there was a friendly attitude towards international students at the University of Stirling.

Learning and teaching

  • Top 10 in the UK for good teachers and expert lectures.
  • 97% student satisfaction with lecture theatres and classrooms.
  • 97% of postgraduate students were satisfied with the virtual learning environment with 94% satisfaction with the learning materials (video, articles, etc).
  • 95% satisfaction with accessibility and inclusion.
  • 98% satisfaction with the graduate school.
  • 98% satisfaction with the student learning services.

Campus environment

  • 1st in the UK, top 3 in the world for campus environment.
  • 98.5% student satisfaction with campus environment.
  • Top 3 in the UK for feeling safe and secure on campus, with 98% student satisfaction.
  • 2nd in the UK, top 20 in the world for surroundings outside the university.
  • Top 20 in the world, top 10 in the UK with 99% satisfaction with the library.

Sport facilities

  • 1st in the UK, top 5 in the world for sport facilities.

Clubs and societies

  • Top 10 in the UK, top 20 in the world for clubs and societies.
  • 95% student satisfaction with students’ union.
  • 97% satisfaction with the chaplaincy.

Careers

  • 93% student satisfaction with the career services support.
  • 96 % of students felt that their qualification would have an impact on their future career.

 Faculty of Arts and Humanities

  • 95% overall student satisfaction for the Faculty of Arts and Humanities.
  • 95% student satisfaction with the teaching in Arts and Humanities.
  • 93% student satisfaction with course content for Arts and Humanities.
  • 93% of students were satisfied with the virtual learning environment and 96% of students were satisfied with the learning materials for Arts and Humanities.

 Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport

  • 98% student satisfaction with the teaching in the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport.
  • 94% of students were satisfied with the virtual learning environment and 90% of students were satisfied with the learning materials for Health Sciences and Sport.

 Faculty of Natural Sciences

  • 91% overall student satisfaction for the Faculty of Natural Sciences.
  • 91% student satisfaction with the teaching in Natural Sciences.
  • 90% student satisfaction with course content for Natural Sciences.
  • 94% of students were satisfied with the virtual learning environment and 91% of students were satisfied with the learning materials for Natural Sciences.

 Faculty of Social Sciences

  • 93% student satisfaction with the teaching in the Faculty of Social Sciences.
  • 96% of students were satisfied with the virtual learning environment and 96% of students were satisfied with the learning materials for Social Sciences.

 Stirling Management School

  • 91% overall student satisfaction for Stirling Management School.
  • 93% student satisfaction with the teaching in Stirling Management School.
  • 94% student satisfaction with course content for Stirling Management School.
  • 97% of students were satisfied with the virtual learning environment and 95% of students were satisfied with the learning materials for Stirling Management School.

Source: The International Student Barometer, Wave 2, 2022

National Student Survey

National Student Survey 2023

  • Biology: 2nd in Scotland.
  • Business studies: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Ecology and environmental biology: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Economics: top 3 in Scotland.
  • English: 2nd in Scotland.
  • Environmental science: top 3 in Scotland.
  • Finance: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Geography: 2nd in Scotland.
  • Human resource management: 1st in Scotland with 100% student satisfaction.
  • Journalism: top 3 in Scotland.
  • Nursing - adult and mental health: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Paramedic science: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Philosophy: 2nd in Scotland.
  • Religion: 2nd in Scotland.
  • Social work: 1st in Scotland with 100% student satisfaction.

Rankings are based on institutions included in the Guardian University Guide 2023.

Source: National Student Survey 2023

National Student Survey 2022

The University of Stirling ranked in the top 30 in the UK for overall student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2022.

  • Computing science (others in computing): top 10 in the UK, 3rd in Scotland.
  • French studies: 2nd in Scotland.
  • History: 1st in Scotland.
  • Iberian studies: top 10 in the UK, 3rd in Scotland.
  • Journalism: top 5 in the UK and 3rd in Scotland.
  • Literature in English: 1st in Scotland.
  • Marketing: 1st in Scotland.
  • Mathematics: 3rd in the UK and 1st in Scotland.
  • Media studies: 3rd in Scotland.
  • Politics: top 10 in the UK and 3rd in Scotland.
  • Psychology: top 10 in the UK and 2nd in Scotland.
  • Social policy: 3rd in Scotland.
  • Sport and exercise sciences: 3rd in Scotland.
  • Tourism, transport and travel: 1st in the UK.
  • Zoology: 2nd in the UK and 1st in Scotland.

Rankings are based on institutions included in the Guardian University Guide 2022.

Source: National Student Survey 2022

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES)

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2022

  • Top 30 in the UK for overall postgraduate student experience.*
  • Top 30 in the UK for postgraduate student support.*
  • Top 20 in the UK for postgraduate teaching.*

*Out of all participating PTES institutions

Faculty of Arts and Humanities
  • 100% overall student satisfaction with LLM International Energy and Environmental Law.
  • 100% overall student satisfaction with MLitt Creative Writing.
  • 100% overall student satisfaction with MPP Public Policy.
  • 100% overall student satisfaction with MSc Heritage.
  • 100% overall student satisfaction with MSc Media Management.
  • 88% overall student satisfaction with MSc Human Rights and Diplomacy.
Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport
  • 100% overall student satisfaction with MSc Advancing Practice.
  • 89% overall student satisfaction with MSc Sport Performance Coaching.
  • 93% overall student satisfaction with Master of Public Health.
  • 93% overall student satisfaction with MRes Health Research (Online).
  • 88% overall student satisfaction for Teaching and Learning in the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport.
  • 86% overall student satisfaction for Health Sciences and Sport.
Faculty of Natural Sciences
  • 100% overall student satisfaction with MSc Health Psychology.
  • 100% overall student satisfaction with MSc Mathematics and Data Science.
  • 86% overall student satisfaction with MSc Aquatic Pathobiology.
  • 93% overall student satisfaction with MSc Artificial Intelligence.
Faculty of Social Sciences
  • 100% overall student satisfaction with MSc Social Work Studies.
  • 100% overall student satisfaction with MSc Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (Online).
  • 86% overall student satisfaction with MSc Applied Social Research.
  • 91% overall student satisfaction with MSc Applied Professional Studies.
  • 91% overall student satisfaction with PGDip Tertiary Education with Teaching Qualification (Further Education).
  • 92% overall student satisfaction with PGCert Tertiary Education with Teaching Qualification (Further Education).
  • 93% overall student satisfaction with MSc Housing Studies.
  • 96% overall student satisfaction with MSc Professional Education and Leadership.
  • 97% overall student satisfaction with MSc Dementia Studies.
  • 90% overall student satisfaction for Teaching and Learning in the Faculty of Social Sciences.
  • 90% overall student satisfaction for Social Sciences.

Stirling Management School

  • 100% overall student satisfaction with MSc Behavioural Science for Management.
  • 86% overall student satisfaction with MSc Data Science for Business (Online).
  • 88% overall student satisfaction with MSc Business and Management.
  • 90% overall student satisfaction with MSc Business Analytics.
  • 92% overall student satisfaction with MSc International Business.

Source: Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2022

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2021

  • Top 10 in the UK for postgraduate student experience.
  • Top 10 in the UK for postgraduate teaching and learning.
  • Top 20 in the UK for postgraduate student support.
Arts and Humanities
  • 86% overall student satisfaction for the Faculty of Arts and Humanities.
  • 87% student satisfaction for Teaching and Learning in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities.
  • 90% overall student satisfaction for Communications, Media and Culture.
  • 100% overall student satisfaction for Digital Media and Communication.
  • 100% Digital Media students think that their course has enhanced their employability.
  • 100% overall student satisfaction for Factual Television.
  • 94% overall student satisfaction for Human Rights and Diplomacy.
  • 94% Human Rights and Humanities students think that their course has enhanced their employability.
  • 89% overall student satisfaction for Language and Literature.
  • 85% of the Language and Literature students felt their course has enhanced their employability.
  • 92% overall student satisfaction for Law and Philosophy.
  • 88% of the Law and Philosophy students felt their course has enhanced their employability.
  • 91% overall student satisfaction for Media Management.
  • 89% overall student satisfaction for Publishing Studies.
  • 100% overall student satisfaction for Strategic Public Relations (Online).
Health Sciences and Sport
  • 91% overall student satisfaction for the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport.
  • 87% student satisfaction for Teaching and Learning for the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport.
  • 91% of health sciences students and 85% of sport students felt their course has enhanced their employability.
  • 91% overall student satisfaction for Advancing Practice.
  • 86% overall student satisfaction for Early Years Practice in Health Visiting.
  • 100% overall student satisfaction for Health Research (Online).
  • 90% overall student satisfaction for Psychology of Sport.
  • 100% overall student satisfaction for Public Health.
  • 88% overall student satisfaction for Sport.
  • 96% overall student satisfaction for Sport Performance Coaching.
Natural Sciences
  • 85% overall student satisfaction for Biological and Environmental Sciences.
  • 85% overall student satisfaction for Environmental Management.
  • 90% overall student satisfaction for Psychological Therapy in Primary Care.
Social Sciences
  • 92% overall student satisfaction for Social Sciences.
  • 91% student satisfaction for Teaching and Learning for the Faculty of Social Sciences.
  • 100% overall student satisfaction for Applied Professional Studies.
  • 100% overall student satisfaction for Applied Social Research.
  • 96% overall student satisfaction for Dementia Studies (online).
  • 98% overall student satisfaction for Education.
  • 91% of Education students felt their course has enhanced their employability.
  • 100% overall satisfaction for Global Ageing.
  • 100% overall student satisfaction for Housing Studies.
  • 100% overall student satisfaction for Professional Education and Leadership.
  • 100% overall student satisfaction for TESOL.
  • 96% overall student satisfaction for TQFE.
  • 92% overall student satisfaction for Social Work Studies.
Stirling Management School
  • 85% overall student satisfaction for Stirling Management School.
  • 87% student satisfaction for Teaching and Learning in Stirling Management School.
  • 89% overall student satisfaction for Accounting and Finance.
  • 100% overall student satisfaction for Behavioural Science for Management.
  • 100% of Behavioural Science for Management students felt the course had enhanced their employability.
  • 91% overall student satisfaction for Business and Management.

Source: Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2021

Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey

Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey 2018

  • 1st in Scotland, 2nd in the UK for the environment on campus.
  • 1st in Scotland, top 5 in the UK for sports facilities.
  • 2nd in Scotland, top 25 in the UK for extra-curricular activities/societies.

Source: Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey 2018

 

infographic: 96% of our graduates

96% of our graduates

were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation

Graduate Outcomes 2020-21, HESA
Two students walking into the entrance of Stirling Castle

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Affiliations

Quality Assurance Agency (QAA)

The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) is the independent body entrusted with monitoring and advising on standards and quality in UK higher education. Find out more about how our teaching quality is assessed.

Athena Swan

Athena SWAN is a charter established to advance the representation of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM). Find out about our Athena SWAN and wider equality work.

Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF)

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework is the national credit transfer system for all levels of qualifications in Scotland. Find out more about the credit rating system for our qualifications.

QE-TNE Scheme

We participate in the sector-wide QE-TNE Scheme for the quality enhancement of UK transnational education. The scheme is a demonstration of our commitment to a high-quality UK-TNE experience. 

infographic: 5 faculties

5 faculties

conducting world-leading research

infographic: Scotland’s University

Scotland’s University

for Sporting Excellence

infographic: 100,000+ alumni

100,000+ alumni

in 180 countries

What our students said

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Papoula Petri Romão
Papoula Petri Romão
Germany
BSc (Hons) Psychology
Studying at Stirling has been a defining time in my life. I now know what direction I want to take my career, I have made great friendships and built a strong connection to Scotland.
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