The
University of Stirling is an international university committed to helping
students make a difference in the world. We’re passionate about creating impact
in everything we do – addressing real societal issues, providing solutions, and
helping to shape communities. Based in the heart of Scotland, Stirling is a
place where ability – not background – is valued.
4.2 out of 5 (33 ratings / 27 reviews) Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom
Top reasons to study here
- The University of Stirling is rated 1st in the UK and 5th in the world for its campus environment.
- More than 96% of our postgraduate leavers are in employment or further study within six months of graduating.
- The University of Stirling is Sports University of the Year.
Master's Programmes
Social Sciences (34)
- M.Res. Applied Social Research
- M.Sc. Applied Social Research
- M.Sc. Banking and Finance
- M.Res. Criminological Research
- M.Sc. Criminology
- M.Sc. Environmental Management
- M.Sc. Evolutionary Psychology
- M.Sc. Finance
- MLitt, MSc Gender Studies (Applied)
- M.Sc. Health Psychology
- MSc / PG Dip Housing Studies (Part-Time)
- MSc/MA Human Animal Interaction
- M.Res. Humanities
- M.Sc. International Business
- M.Sc. International Journalism
- Master Public Policy
- MLitt Publishing
- M.Res. Publishing Studies
- M.Sc. Social Work Studies
Business & Management (27)
- M.Sc. Banking and Finance
- M.Sc. Business and Management
- M.Sc. Finance
- M.Sc. International Business
- M.Sc. Investment Analysis
- M.Sc. Marketing
- MLitt Publishing
- M.Sc. Social Enterprise
Education & Training (21)
- M.Res. Applied Social Research
- M.Sc. Applied Social Research
- M.Res. Educational Research
- M.Sc. Evolutionary Psychology
- M.Sc. Sport Management
- Postgraduate Certificate Teaching Qualification in Further Education (TQFE) - In-service
- Postgraduate Certificate Teaching Qualification in Further Education (TQFE) - In-service
- Postgraduate Diploma Teaching Qualification in Further Education (TQFE) - Pre-service
Humanities (17)
- M.Litt. Creative Writing
- M.Res. Historical Research
- M.Litt. Philosophy
- M.Litt. Publishing Studies
- M.Litt. Scottish Literature
- Postgraduate Certificate Teaching Qualification in Further Education (TQFE) - In-service
- Postgraduate Certificate Teaching Qualification in Further Education (TQFE) - In-service
- Postgraduate Diploma Teaching Qualification in Further Education (TQFE) - Pre-service
- M.Litt. The Gothic Imagination
Journalism & Media (14)
- M.Sc. International Journalism
- M.Sc. Marketing
- M.Sc. Media Management
- M.Res. Media Research
- MLitt Publishing
- M.Litt. Publishing Studies
- M.Res. Publishing Studies
Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences (11)
- M.Sc. Aquatic Pathobiology
- M.Sc. Environmental Management
- MSc / PG Dip Housing Studies (Part-Time)
- MSc / PG Dip Housing Studies (with internship)
- M.Sc. Sustainable Aquaculture
Medicine & Health (11)
- M.Sc. Advancing Practice
- M.Sc. Health Psychology
- M.Res. Health Research (Online)
- MPH Public Health
- M.Sc. Sport Nutrition
Natural Sciences & Mathematics (8)
Applied Sciences & Professions (5)
- M.Res. Humanities
- M.Sc. Social Enterprise
- M.Sc. Social Work Studies
Computer Science & IT (5)
- M.Sc. Big Data
Hospitality, Leisure & Sports (5)
- MSc / PG Dip Housing Studies (Part-Time)
- M.Sc. Sport Management
- M.Sc. Sport Nutrition
Agriculture & Forestry (3)
- MSc/MA Human Animal Interaction
- M.Sc. Sustainable Aquaculture
Arts, Design & Architecture (3)
- M.Litt. Publishing Studies
- M.Litt. The Gothic Imagination
Law (2)
- M.Sc. Criminology
Engineering & Technology (1)
About
History
Founded in 1967, the University of Stirling was the first new university to be established in Scotland for 400 years, and was built around the beautiful 330-acre Airthrey Estate – featuring a stunning loch and 18th century castle designed by influential architect Robert Adam. Since then, we've helped more than 92,000 students from 170 countries develop the skills they need to shape the world.
Education
At Stirling, we’re focused on providing education with a purpose. Our collaborative and research-led approach to teaching earned us a 5-star rating in the QS World University Rankings 2020. More importantly, our students love the way we teach. That's why we earned a 96% satisfaction rate for lecture expertise in the International Student Barometer 2018. While students have the opportunity to work alongside our expert academics full-time on our beautiful 330-acre campus, we also offer a range of part-time, blended learning and online postgraduate courses available to students from all over the globe.
Research
Our world-leading academics are experts in their fields, and our teaching explores this cutting-edge research to make an impact to society. That’s why three-quarters of Stirling’s research was classed as either world leading or internationally excellent in the most recent Research Excellence Framework.
Our aim is simple: from feeding the world to using psychology to catch criminals, we want to tackle the global issues of our time. Our multi-disciplinary researchers challenge assumptions, innovate thinking and find solutions.
Career
Ranked 1st in Scotland and top 15 in the world for careers services, our postgraduate courses offer hands-on experience, career support and opportunities to work with industries across the globe.
Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2019
GSSA 2019
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2019. By rating institutions on a scale from 1 to 5, on multiple studies-related questions, we found the top educators in the world.
Learn more about the Global Student Satisfaction AwardsUniversity Ranking
QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
2021
485 -7
2020
478 -61
2019
417
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University
2020
901
2019
901
2018
901
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2021
-
2020
351
2019
351
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2021
-
2020
841 -172
2019
669
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
Services
Housing services
The University of Stirling offers a wide range of comfortable and secure postgraduate residences on our beautiful 330-acre campus, in nearby Bridge of Allan and in Stirling’s vibrant city centre. We prioritise new students applying for accommodation, and if you apply by the advertised deadline we’ll guarantee you an offer of University accommodation. Postgraduate accommodation contracts run for 50 weeks from September to August. This means our students have the option to stay over the winter holidays if necessary. If you require family accommodation during your studies at Stirling, we have a range of University-maintained flats designed for couples with children.
Library services
Our state-of-the-art library is home to over 600,000 books and includes a wide range of collaborative study spaces. We invest £1.5 million per year in new books, journals and databases – but our students aren’t limited to what's on the shelves. As a member of the Society of College, National and University Libraries, students can use resources from universities all over the UK and Ireland.
Medical services
To provide for your healthcare needs during your time at university, our campus plays host to a dedicated NHS general medical practice and dental centre. Every student is entitled to register for these practices and benefit from the friendly, personal service they offer.
Student Life
Campus life
Located 10 minutes from the ancient city of Stirling, our 330-acre campus isn't just a gorgeous place to call home. With an Olympic-sized swimming pool, castle, cinema and a dozen bars and restaurants, it’s easy to see why we earned a five-star rating for our facilities in the QS World University Rankings. Designed around the beautiful Airthrey Loch, everything you need on our campus is just a 10-minute walk apart.
That's just part of the reason students voted us 1st in the UK and 5th in the World for campus environment (UK ISB Benchmark and Global ISB Benchmark). We've also recently invested £41m to create a modern new student hub and sports facilities due for completion.
Sports facilities
The University of Stirling is Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence and the UK's Sports University of the Year (Times and Sunday Times Guide University Guide). We've recently invested more than £20m to create an iconic new sports complex due for completion– and you're going to love it. Integrating the National Swimming Academy and GB National Tennis Academy, our new facilities include: purpose-built fitness studios, state-of-the-art gym, two sports halls, six indoor tennis courts, indoor cycling studio, strength and conditioning areas, a world-class high-performance suite, enhanced changing facilities, and open plan communal spaces, café, reception area and more.
Student clubs
The University of Stirling Students' Union empowers students with the ability to explore their passions and share new experiences by getting involved with our 120 clubs and societies. Groups range from debate, politics and travel, to law, LGBTQ+, psychology, dance, drama and so much more. The University of Stirling Postgraduate Society also gives taught and research postgraduate students the chance to come together through a range of planned social activities – which offers the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded students from a range of disciplines. Can't find a club or society that interests you? We can even help you to start and develop your own club.
Student Reviews
On having the best experience
Anonymous rated 3 out of 5 stars
Overall, I like it here but the environment is a bit too bland for me. People are helpful, but I failed to see the motivation in their eyes for going forward in life and to teach not only the requirements but also their experience.
Fantastic
Anonymous rated 4 out of 5 stars
I studied hard here, and I had a very tight classes everyday except for every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. It was physically and mentally difficult for me as I learned English 1 years ago before I started this course. However, the classes were very informative, and I was able to study sport psychology. I conducted a study on the effect of self-reflection to improve...
Best university ever
Anonymous rated 4 out of 5 stars
It is an incredible university which offers a wide range of flexible courses.
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