Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow is the fourth-oldest university in the English-speaking world and one of Scotland’s four ancient universities. Located in Glasgow, Scotland, the University is a member of the Russell Group of leading research universities. With over 26,000 students from more than 140 countries enrolled, it is also the largest university in Scotland. The University has seven schools: Arts; Business; Engineering; Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine; Science and Social Sciences; and Interdisciplinary Studies.
The University of Glasgow has a long and distinguished history. It was founded by Pope Nicholas V in 1451 as the second Scottish university after St Andrews. The founding charter was approved by a bull issued by Pope Eugenius IV on 9 October 1460. The original Latin name for the University was Universitas Glasguensis (University of Glasgow), but this was later changed to Alma Mater Academie Glasguensis (Glasgow Academy Mother) when it received its royal charter from King James IV in 1563. The University was initially located at Greyfriars Kirk but moved to its current location on High Street in 1870.
The University’s Coat of Arms features two lions rampant holding swords, representing strength and valour, with a ship sailing between them symbolising commerce or travel overseas – perhaps an allusion to Glasgow’s status as a major seaport during the medieval period. Above them are emblems representing Scotland (a thistle) and England (a rose). Underneath is inscribed ‘Bydd Allweddol’ meaning essential or fundamental – reflecting one of Glasgow’s mottos: ‘All that comes betters us’.
Today, the University of Glasgow is widely recognised as one of Europe’s leading research Universities with an excellent reputation for teaching quality across all disciplines. In recent years it has been ranked consistently within the top 100 Universities worldwide according to various global league tables including those published by Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings and Quacquarelli Symonds . In 2019 we were delighted to be named Scottish University Of The Year by The Sunday Times Good University Guide . Our success is built on a strong foundation laid down over centuries – our motto ‘All that comes betters us’ encapsulates this approach perfectly.”