University of Stirling

Overview

The University of Stirling is located in central Scotland, with over 120 different nationalities represented amongst its 14,000 students. Stirling was founded in 1967 and its campus is set in an 18th century castle estate on the shores of a loch, surrounded by beautiful hills.

The University of Stirling continues to have several unique factors outside of its location. It is a pioneer of a two-semester structure and modular degrees, allowing great flexibility in start times and changes in study. Degrees are also made up of credits earned from modules, which means that students can effectively change their subject as/or if their interests change.

More than 95% of all undergraduates were in employment or further study fifteen months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020, HESA) and it was Stirling students who named the University first in Scotland for having good teachers, quality lecturers and performance feedback (International Student Barometer 2016).

Work placement opportunities are also encouraged. These include 'Making the most of your Masters' and a university initiative with Edinburgh and Aberdeen aimed at building links between universities and employers. A number of scholarships are also available for international and EU students and details can be found here, while Student Money Advisers can help you with your budget and assist in applying for financial support.

Services for International Students

The University of Stirling International Study Centre provides an undergraduate certificate, a specialist foundation course which replaces the first year of Stirling's four-year honours degree and leads directly to the second year of an undergraduate programme – and a pre-masters course. The International Study Centre guarantees that students will receive a conditional offer of a degree place at the University.

The University of Stirling also offers 12-week pre-sessional and in-sessional English support, while the Student Union runs an International Society for Students.

Ranking

The University of Stirling's ranking in the UK makes it a top public university. It’s ranked 53rd in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2025 and the top 100 in the Guardian University Guide 2025.

• 63rd in the Times University Guide 2025 and in the top 15 in the UK for the following subjects:
  • Communication and media
  • Criminology
  • Education
  • French
    
• 94th in the Guardian University Guide 2025
• 452nd in the QS World University Rankings 2025

The QS World University Rankings awarded the University of Stirling 5 stars in the areas of teaching, employability, internationalisation, facilities and inclusiveness, whilst the Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey saw Stirling excel in the following areas:

• Good environment on campus - 1st in Scotland, joint 2nd in the UK
• Good sports facilities - 1st in Scotland, 4th in the UK
• Good extra-curricular activities/societies – Joint 2nd in Scotland, top 25 in the UK

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 reaffirmed Stirling's reputation as a research-intensive university committed to making a difference in society. In the Times Higher Education (THE) REF 2021: Impact Scores, the University ranks joint fourth in Scotland – behind the Universities of Edinburgh, Strathclyde and Glasgow, and equal with the University of St Andrews.

Accommodation

All international students are guaranteed housing on campus, with the bulk of the accommodation overlooking the loch. Accommodation is only a short walk from all teaching buildings, library facilities, shops, theatre, cinema and social areas. The Residential Services Office is able to help students who wish to live in private rented accommodation.

Location

Stirling's campus is located on the shores of a loch, by an 18th-century castle. The city of Stirling features a castle, sports village and vibrant shopping area and is only a ten-minute bus ride from the campus. Stirling is historically the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’ and is centrally located in Scotland, with Glasgow and Edinburgh airports a short distance away.

The campus has some of the finest sports facilities on a single site in the country, including the National Swimming Academy and the Gannochy National Tennis Centre. The campus is also home to the Scottish Institute of Sport, Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland and Scottish Swimming.

FAQs

What are the best courses at the University of Stirling?

University of Stirling courses that rank highly include those in Communication and Media, Criminology, Education, and French. Moreover, the Research Excellence Framework has classified that more than 80% of Stirling's research is world-leading or internationally excellent, including in Business and Management Studies, Law, and Psychology, Psychiatry, and Neuroscience. 

How can I get into the MBA course at Stirling University?

The Stirling University MBA programme is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and provides students with an understanding of accounting and finance, marketing, operations management, and human resources management. To gain admission into the MBA course, you’ll need a second-class honours degree or its international equivalent, a minimum of three years of work experience, a copy of your CV, and proof of your English language proficiency. 

What are the organisations where the University of Stirling graduates are working?

The University of Stirling has been rated 5 stars for employability by the QS Stars University Ratings 2024 while a graduates outcomes survey by the HESA has found that 95% of Stirling graduates were employed or pursuing further studies 15 months after graduation. They’ve gone on to work in prestigious organisations such as EY and HSBC, with the support of its Careers Service which offers Stirling alumni lifelong careers support. 

Where is the University of Stirling located?

It’s located in the central belt of Scotland, built within the Airthrey Castle estate in Stirling, Scotland. The campus spans about 360 acres in size on the foot of the Ochil Hills.