Why choose
Stirling?
Our inclusive, multi-cultural environment offers you a welcoming and supportive space for you to learn. Join the University of Stirling and we’ll prepare you for a lifetime of achievement alongside fellow students from more than 120 countries.
Whatever you choose to study, you’ll benefit from our high-quality teaching and internationally-recognised research. Studying at Stirling can broaden your horizons and open up global opportunities. You’ll be able to make friends from across the world and learn from different cultures and perspectives.
Clean, green, small and safe
Stirling is a small city framed by beautiful natural environments and green space. Our 330-acre campus places picture-postcard landscapes right on your doorstep and gives you room to ease into University life.
Stirling has been rated as the safest student city in the UK, and our concern for your wellbeing extends to the range of measures we’re putting in place to help support the sustained decline of Coronavirus cases in Scotland.
Learn more about how we’ll prioritise your health when term starts and see how our Campus Commitment mirrors the Scottish Government’s phased roadmap to reopen the country safely.
More reasons to study at Stirling
01
World-class reputation
We’re a globally connected University. Almost three-quarters of our research activity is rated either world-leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014).
We’ve been awarded 5 Stars in the QS Stars University Ratings 2021 for our teaching, employability, research, internationalisation, facilities and inclusiveness. Our small class sizes help to ensure you benefit from world-class teaching from our leading academics.
02
Global student community
Join our truly global community. With over 120 nationalities on campus, we offer a diverse and multi-cultural student experience. One in five of our students are from overseas and we have partnerships in 65+ countries. The thriving International Society means you can make friends easily. We’re also 1st in the UK and 5th in the World for campus environment (UK International Student Barometer (ISB) Benchmark and Global ISB Benchmark 2018). After you graduate, you’ll join our 82,000+ alumni in more than 160 countries.
What our students said
Netherlands
MSc TESOL
Read Bo's storyThe University of Stirling has given me the opportunity to connect with so many different people from different continents and cultures, something that would never have happened in my country. Here, I have not only made lifelong friends, but also great connections for my career.
03
Career prospects
We have excellent ratings for graduate employability - we're ranked 1st in Scotland and Top 5 in the UK for our careers services (UK International Student Barometer (ISB) Benchmark and Global ISB Benchmark 2018). All our courses strive to improve your employable skills, as well as giving you an internationally recognised qualification. We’re committed to equipping you with life-long career management skills. Many of our courses offer hands-on experience and unique opportunities to work with industries across the globe.
04
A stunning campus
A Hollywood worthy setting, our beautiful 330-acre campus has acted as the backdrop to major films and television series. It’s one of the most scenic campuses in the UK, with its own loch and plentiful green spaces. You’ll enjoy studying and living here. There’s a wide range of accommodation and everything you need is a few minutes’ walk – from food outlets and sports facilities, to our on-campus theatre and cinema.
05
Small class sizes
Our class sizes are often smaller than what you’ll find at other UK universities. This can make it easier for you to participate in classes and contribute your ideas, than in larger groups. It will give you confidence in your studies and help you build relationships with your teachers at the University. We offer a supportive environment for you to achieve your potential.
06
An affordable city in a great location
The city of Stirling is in central Scotland, with great transport links to the rest of the country. Both Edinburgh and Glasgow are only 45 minutes away by road or rail.
Find out more about what Scotland has to offer. Living costs in Stirling are also relatively affordable compared to other cities in Scotland and the UK.
07
Excellence in sport
If you have a passion for sport, choose Stirling. We’re The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide's Sports University of the Year 2020, and we're 2nd in Scotland and 5th in the UK for sports facilities (UK International Student Barometer Benchmark 2018). Our excellent facilities include an Olympic swimming pool, tennis courts and gym. We’re home to the National Tennis Centre and National Swimming Academy. If you’re looking to improve your fitness or simply have fun, we have a variety of recreational sports clubs you can get involved with.
08
Flexible courses
Flexibility is built into our curriculum. For many undergraduate degrees in Years 1 and 2, you’ll be able to study a range of subjects across a variety of disciplines. This means you can study the things you’re passionate about or try a completely new subject that complements your main degree. Whatever you choose to study, it all counts towards your final degree.
At the University of Stirling we want you to continue to expand your knowledge in areas that interest you. For entry onto most of our Masters courses, you could have studied a completely unrelated undergraduate degree. This allows you to develop your education and career in a new direction.