Glasgow Caledonian University

ABOUT UNIVERSITY

Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) is a public university in Glasgow, Scotland, founded in 1993 through the merger of The Queen's College, Glasgow and Glasgow Polytechnic. Located in the Cowcaddens district, it is the third university in Glasgow after the University of Glasgow and the University of Strathclyde. The university traces its origins back to The Queen's College, established in 1875, which specialized in domestic science, and Glasgow Polytechnic, founded in 1971, which offered degrees in engineering, science, and the humanities. The university significantly contributes to Scotland's economy, with an annual impact of around £880 million. In 2018, Annie Lennox became the first female chancellor of GCU, later succeeded by Anne-Marie Imafidon in 2024. The university’s coat of arms, designed by Malcolm Lochhead, incorporates elements from its predecessor institutions, including the oak tree, the Book of Knowledge, the saltire ermine, and crossed keys. The university’s motto, "for the common weal," reflects its commitment to public service. The current principal and vice-chancellor is Stephen Decent, appointed in 2023.