GCU tops Scotland's modern universities in latest Daily Mail University Guide
Glasgow Caledonian University has once again been recognised as Scotland's leading modern university in the latest Daily Mail University Guide, one of several annual national rankings assessing the UK's world-renowned higher education sector. The result highlights the institution's ongoing success in delivering an outstanding student experience and strong outcomes for graduates.
The University is ranked 3rd among the UK's 71 modern universities, 7th out of all Scottish universities and 42nd in the UK overall. The Guide also highlights GCU's strengths in graduate outcomes, ranking the University 10th in the UK for its "career on track" measure, based on graduates' views of their career progression after university, and joint 23rd for the proportion of graduates in high-skilled employment.
As GCU celebrates its 150th anniversary year, the University is proud of its tradition of pioneering education that is accessible, inclusive and responsive to the needs of students, communities and employers. That commitment remains central to the University's work through education, research and innovation.
The University listens carefully to feedback from students and continues to enhance the student experience, building on the strong relationships between staff and students, the impact of its teaching and research, and its longstanding commitment to creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds.
This commitment is reflected in the University's sector-leading anniversary scholarship campaign, launched by Sir Alex Ferguson CBE and alumnus and honorary graduate Dr Murray Rowden and delivered in partnership with industry, to create life-changing opportunities for students. The initiative was recognised with a Herald Higher Education Award for Outstanding Business Engagement for its partnership with Turner and Townsend.
As the University prepares to welcome a new cohort of students this autumn, GCU has again attracted strong interest from prospective students, with applications from Scottish-domiciled students reaching their highest level in five years in 2026.
Professor Mairi Watson, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, said: "We are thrilled to retain our position as Scotland's highest-ranked modern university. This recognition reflects the dedication of our staff, the achievements of our students and graduates, and our commitment to providing an outstanding, inclusive and career-focused education.
"We are proud that students choose GCU in strong numbers, and as we welcome back returning students and a new cohort this year, our focus is firmly on our students’ success. By listening carefully to student feedback and acting on what we hear, we are always improving what we do to ensure our students achieve, or exceed, their ambitions."