History
Since our founding in 1967, the University of Stirling has always been driven by transformative thinking and a spirit of innovation. Our mission is to do everything we can to give our students the knowledge and expertise to make their impact in the world.
Education
- Our flexible degree structure is just one reason why Stirling is a great place for you to study your undergraduate course. We offer you much more than just a qualification.
- The University of Stirling is organised for learning, teaching and research into five faculties, each of which comprises multiple departments, institutes and centres.
- Our structure allows us to collaborate across disciplines, bringing fresh ideas and creativity to our research and thinking.
Research
- At the University of Stirling, our researchers are truly making a difference. We’re working to improve the lives of people with dementia, feeding communities through sustainable aquaculture research and finding creative ways to inspire better health and wellbeing.
- Our research is encompassed within three overarching themes: Cultures, Communities and Society; Global Security and Resilience; and Living Well.
- Alongside our overarching themes, our research programmes further highlight our broad areas of expertise in 12 distinct areas.
Career
- Our students gain more than a degree. From internships to help finding a job, the Careers and Employability Service gives you the support and advice you need to plan your career, develop your employability or think about further study.
- We're ranked 1st in Scotland and Top 3 in the UK for our careers services (International Student Barometer 2022).
University Ranking
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2025
401
2024
401 -50
2023
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.
QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
2025
452 -21
2024
431 70
2023
501
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
2024
801 -100
2023
701 100
2022
801
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.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2025
-
2024
730 -77
2023
653
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.
Student services
University is about finding your own way – but that doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. At the University of Stirling, we offer an extensive range of support services to help you fulfil your potential and make the most of your time studying with us. Whether you feel like you’re thriving or in need of a helping hand, our dedicated student support team is here to listen, offer guidance and point you in the right direction at every turn.
Housing services
If you’re looking for the perfect place to call home during your studies, we’ve got you covered. Our range of secure and affordable accommodation includes over 2,000 rooms right on our beautiful campus, as well as easy-to-reach off-campus residences. Explore our accommodation below and tailor your search to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Library services
With hundreds of thousands of books and plenty of room for research and study, our spacious library offers all the tools and resources you need to succeed. Whether you want to work in silence or collaborate on new ideas, you’ll find the perfect space across the library’s three floors – from comfortable sofas and individual study desks to group study rooms and open plan group study pods.
ICT services
Computers for study are available in the Library on every floor. In addition, many of our Computing lab PCs can be accessed from off-campus. Find out more about accessing PCs off-campus. Our IT service desk is open for walk-up enquiries, but we continue to have some of our staff working from home. It may be quicker to contact us by email or via UniDesk.
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.
Campus life
Our 330-acre campus isn't just a gorgeous place to call home. With an Olympic-sized swimming pool, on-site cinema and more than a dozen restaurants, bars and delis, it’s easy to see why we’ve earned a five-star rating for our facilities in the QS World Rankings.
Sports facilities
- As Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence we provide superb facilities to hire and use for sport and leisure activities.
- Our world-class sports centre features purpose-built studios, an innovative fitness suite, three-court sports hall, indoor cycling studio, strength and conditioning area, as well as a new state-of-the-art high performance suite.
- Our outdoor facilities include artificial pitches and an athletics track.
- Our swimming pool is home for our Olympian swimmers and available for public use.
Student clubs
- Helping to ensure students’ voices are always heard here at the University of Stirling, our Students’ Union exists to champion the causes that matter most to you.
- The Union is a democratically elected body led by students, for students, and works to enhance your experience and opportunities at uni and beyond. From offering academic representation and support, to overseeing clubs and award-winning facilities, the Students’ Union plays a key role in creating a positive, inclusive environment for all.
- No matter what you’re into, our 120+ clubs and societies are bound to offer something that piques your interest.
