Glasgow Caledonian University has been honored with the prestigious title of the UK’s Modern University of the Year by the Daily Mail University Guide 2025. This accolade highlights the university’s exceptional achievements and its commitment to providing quality education and opportunities to its students.
Top Rankings and Achievements
The Daily Mail University Guide 2025 ranks Glasgow Caledonian University 40th overall in the UK, showcasing a significant rise of four places from the previous year. Among the UK’s 71 modern universities established after 1992, Glasgow Caledonian has achieved the highest rank, underscoring its strong performance across multiple metrics. The university is especially recognized for its high graduate employment rates, with 81.5% of graduates securing high-skilled jobs within 15 months of graduation.
Furthermore, Glasgow Caledonian shines in the “career on track” category, ranking 9th in the UK. This category assesses whether graduates feel their careers are on the right path 15 months post-graduation, demonstrating the university’s effectiveness in preparing students for the professional world.
Driving Social Mobility and Inclusivity
The Daily Mail University Guide uses 12 performance indicators, including student satisfaction, teaching quality, support services, graduate job outcomes, research quality, and degree outcomes. These comprehensive criteria highlight Glasgow Caledonian’s strengths, especially its role in promoting social mobility. The university registers a significant proportion of first-generation students and admits more students from high-deprivation areas than any other Scottish university, making higher education accessible to a broader audience.
Alastair McCall, editor of the Daily Mail University Guide, commended the university for its impactful contributions, particularly in healthcare, social care, and life sciences, which are critical sectors for the NHS. He highlighted that the ranking also recognizes institutions that act as catalysts for social mobility, a role that Glasgow Caledonian excels at.
Community Commitment and Graduate Success
Beyond academic excellence, Glasgow Caledonian is renowned for its community engagement and commitment to the ‘common good.’ The university supports its local community in Glasgow and extends its reach across Scotland. With over 800 graduate apprentices, it stands as the leading provider of apprenticeships in Scotland, reflecting its progressive and innovative approach to education.
Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Steve Decent expressed pride in the university’s achievements, attributing the success to the hard work and dedication of the students and staff. He emphasized that this recognition aligns with the university’s mission to transform lives through accessible and impactful education and research.
A Bright Future Ahead
Glasgow Caledonian continues to build on its success, focusing on delivering high-quality education and pioneering research that benefits not just the people of Glasgow but also the wider community and beyond. The university’s commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and excellence ensures that it remains a top choice for students seeking to achieve their academic and career aspirations.
In summary, the title of the UK’s Modern University of the Year is a testament to Glasgow Caledonian University’s dedication to its mission and its continuous efforts to enhance the educational experience and outcomes for its students.
