The University of Strathclyde, which made history as the first UK education provider of its kind to become a technological university, is viewed as a pioneer in its field. A member of its alumni, John Logie Baird, even invented the world’s first working television!

In 1796, the institution was created as the dying wish of John Anderson, the University of Glasgow’s Professor of Natural Philosophy. Anderson left instructions and most of his estate, to establish another university in the city that would place an emphasis on practical subjects for ‘useful learning’.

It was named Anderson’s University in 1828, but had to be changed in 1887 when the Glasgow and West of Scotland Technical College was formed, becoming Royal Technical College 25 years later, and the Royal College of Science and Technology in 1956. By then, the focus was very much on science and engineering teaching and research. Undergraduate students were able to qualify for degrees of the University of Glasgow or the equivalent Associate of the Royal College of Science and Technology.

In 1964, at which point the Principal was pioneering nuclear physicist Samuel Curran, the Royal College was granted university status courtesy of a Royal Charter, and was referred to from then on as the University of Strathclyde, merging with the Scottish College of Commerce. The immensely-popular Curran, who commanded respect across the globe, went on to invent the scintillation counter, earning his place in the history books. By 1993, it had absorbed Jordanhill College of Education.

Having welcomed around 4,000 full-time students through the doors back in 1964, the university went from strength to strength and today has a student population of around 67,000, with many international learners from over 100 countries.

If you've been made an offer for a place at the university then have a look at some of our student accommodation in Glasgow below: