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.

THE banner

17,500+ students globally

11,000+ undergraduate students

6,000+ postgraduate students

1,800 staff

140+ nationalities represented on campus

More than 30% of our students are international

Research, teaching and learning rankings

Complete University Guide

Complete University Guide 2025

The University of Stirling ranked overall 53rd in the UK in The Complete University Guide 2025

  • Communication and media studies: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Economics: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Education: top 5 in Scotland, top 15 in the UK.
  • French: 3rd in Scotland.
  • History: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Iberian languages: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Law: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Marketing: 2nd in Scotland.
  • Mathematics: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Paramedic Science: 1st in Scotland, top 15 in the UK.
  • Philosophy: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Politics: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Social policy: top 5 in Scotland, top 15 in the UK.
  • Sociology: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Sports science: top 5 in Scotland.

Source: The Complete University Guide 2025

Guardian University Guide

Guardian University Guide 2025

The University of Stirling ranked in the top 100 in the UK in The Guardian University Guide 2025.

  • Computer science and information systems: top 5 in Scotland and top 20 in the UK.
  • Criminology: 1st in Scotland.
  • Economics: 3rd in Scotland and top 15 in the UK.
  • Journalism: 2nd in Scotland.
  • Marketing and public relations: 3rd in Scotland.
  • Media and film studies: 2nd in Scotland.
  • Philosophy: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Politics: 3rd in Scotland and top 10 in the UK.
  • Social work: 3rd in Scotland and top 15 in the UK.
  • Nursing (general and mental health): top 5 in Scotland.

Source: Guardian University Guide 2025

QS Stars University Ratings

QS Stars University Ratings 2024

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

  • Teaching
  • Employability
  • Global Engagement
  • Research
  • Facilities
  • Environmental Impact

QS Rated Excellent logo

QS World University Rankings

QS World University Rankings 2025

The University of Stirling ranked in the top global universities in the QS World University Rankings 2025.

  • Communications and media: top 3 in Scotland, top 250 in the world.
  • English Language and Lit: top 5 in Scotland, top 300 in the world.
  • Sociology: top 5 in Scotland, top 300 in the world.
  • Sport: top 3 in Scotland, top 25 in the UK, top 150 in the world.
  • Philosophy: top 5 in Scotland, top 30 in the UK, top 200 in the world.
  • Psychology: top 5 in Scotland, top 300 in the world.

Source: QS Top Universities

 

QS World University Rankings 2024

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

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 2025

The University of Stirling ranked 63rd overall in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

  • Communication and media: top 15 in the UK, top 5 in Scotland.
  • Criminology: top 15 in the UK, 1st in Scotland.
  • Education: top 15 in the UK
  • French: top 15 in the UK, 3rd in Scotland.
  • History: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Iberian languages: top 10 in the UK, 2nd in Scotland.
  • Philosophy: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Social policy: top 20 in the UK, top 5 in Scotland.
  • Sociology: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Sports science: top 5 in Scotland.

Source: Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

 

Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject

Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject 2025

  • Arts and Humanities: top 300 in the world
  • Education Studies: top 300 in the world
  • Life Sciences: top 300 in the world
  • Psychology: top 300 in the world

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

fcbusiness

Sports Science: top 10 in the UK.

Source: fcbusiness

Student experience rankings

The International Student Barometer (ISB)

The International Student Barometer 2024

 

International student experience 

  • 93% of international students said they were happy with life at the University of Stirling. 
  • 91% satisfaction with the arrival process at Stirling. 
  • 91% of students said there was a friendly attitude towards international students at Stirling.  
  • 94% satisfaction with the University’s eco-friendliness. 

Teaching 

  • 95% satisfaction with subject area expertise shown by staff. 
  • 97% of students were satisfied with the virtual learning environment with 94% satisfaction with the learning materials (video, articles, etc). 
  • 93% satisfaction with communicating with tutors/supervisors. 
  • 91% satisfaction with the quality of the lectures. 
  • 93% satisfaction with level of research activity. 
  • 96% confidence for Postgraduate Research students that they can now manage research projects. 

Learning facilities 

  • Top 5 in the UK, top 20 in the world for our library. 
  • 99% satisfaction with the library service. 
  • 95% student satisfaction with lecture theatres and classrooms. 
  • 97% satisfaction with the virtual learning environment. 
  • Top 5 in the UK, top 20 in the world for our laboratories. 
  • 96% satisfaction with our laboratory facilities. 
  • 95% satisfaction with learning spaces. 
  • 94% satisfaction with online study materials. 

Campus environment 

  • 1st in the UK, top 10 in the world for campus environment. 
  • 97% student satisfaction with campus environment. 
  • 2nd in the UK for feeling safe and secure on campus. 
  • 98% student satisfaction for feeling safe and secure on campus. 
  • 1st in the UK, top 15 in the world for surroundings outside the university. 
  • 92% satisfaction with the options for eating on campus. 
  • 95% satisfaction with the student services hub. 

Sport facilities at Scotland's University for sporting excellence 

  • 1st in the UK, 2nd in the world for sport facilities.
  • 94% satisfaction with sport facilities. 

Clubs and societies 

  • 1st in the UK, 2nd in the world for both social facilities and social activities. 
  • 96% satisfaction for clubs/societies. 
  • 97% student satisfaction with students’ union. 
  • 99% satisfaction with the chaplaincy. 

Careers 

  • 2nd in the UK, top 5 globally for making good future career contacts. 
  • 90% student satisfaction with the career services support.

 Faculty of Arts and Humanities 

  • 95% student satisfaction with the subject area expertise of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. 
  • 95% satisfaction with communication with tutors/supervisors. 
  • 96% satisfaction with the learning technology. 
  • 92% satisfaction with the quality of the lectures. 

 Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport 

  • 94% student satisfaction with the subject area expertise of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport. 
  • 94% satisfaction with the academic content of courses. 
  • 91% satisfaction with the virtual learning environment. 
  • 90% satisfaction with laboratories. 

 Faculty of Natural Sciences 

  • 98% student satisfaction with the subject area expertise of the Faculty of Natural Sciences. 
  • 93% satisfaction with the teaching ability within the faculty. 
  • 97% satisfaction with quality of lecture theatres and virtual learning environment. 
  • 92% satisfaction with the quality of lectures. 

 Faculty of Social Sciences 

  • 94% student satisfaction with the subject area expertise of the Faculty of Social Sciences. 
  • 92% satisfaction with the organisation of the course. 
  • 97% satisfaction with the teaching ability within the faculty. 
  • 94% satisfaction with the academic content of courses. 

 Stirling Management School 

  • 94% student satisfaction with the subject area expertise of the Stirling Management School. 
  • 99% satisfaction with the quality of lecture theatres/classrooms. 
  • 91% satisfaction with the academic content of courses. 
  • 96% satisfaction with quality of online learning materials. 

Source: The International Student Barometer, Wave 2, 2024 

National Student Survey

National Student Survey 2024

  • Biology: top 3 in Scotland, top 20 in the UK.
  • Computer Science: 2nd in Scotland, top 20 in the UK.
  • Ecology and environmental biology: top 5 in Scotland, top 20 in the UK.
  • Economics: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Environmental sciences: 1st in Scotland, top 20 in the UK.
  • French studies: top 5 in Scotland.
  • History: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Human resource management: top 3 in Scotland.
  • Iberian studies: top 3 in Scotland.
  • Journalism: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Literature in English: 1st in Scotland.
  • Mathematics: top 3 in Scotland, top 20 in the UK.
  • Media studies: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Paramedic science: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Philosophy: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Physical geographical sciences: top 3 in Scotland.
  • Politics: 2nd in Scotland.
  • Social policy: top 3 in Scotland.
  • Social work: 1st in Scotland, top 10 in the UK.
  • Sociology: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Sport and exercise sciences: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Tourism, transport and travel: top 5 in Scotland.
  • Zoology: top 5 in Scotland.

Rankings are based on institutions included in the Guardian University Guide 2024.

Source: National Student Survey 2024

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

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 LLM, 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

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

 

Graduate Outcomes

Graduate Outcomes is the biggest UK annual social survey and captures the perspectives and current status of recent graduates.

Graduates in positive destinations (2020-21)

These results are compiled from students who graduated in 2020-21. 

Faculty of Arts and Humanities: 94.9%

Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport: 99.0%

Faculty of Natural Sciences: 94.4%

Faculty of Social Sciences: 97.1%

Stirling Management School: 94.0%

Overall: 96.0%

Sustainability

THE 2024 Impact Rankings

THE 2024 Impact Rankings ranks us in the top 100 institutions in the world for ten of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We are also Top 20 in the world for Zero Hunger, Reduced Inequalities and Sustainable Cities and Communities.

QS World Sustainability Rankings

We are ranked 177th worldwide and 77th for Europe for sustainability by the QS World Sustainability Rankings.

Find out more about our work in sustainability.

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

City of Stirling

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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

The University of Stirling has been a charter member since 2011. In 2024 we were awarded an institutional Athena Swan Silver Award, recognising our commitment to advancing gender equality across the university. This is a continuation of our work in 2017 when we were awarded the institutional Athena Swan Bronze Award.

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 for Sporting Excellence

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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