Glasgow: City of Lifelong Learning

Welcome to our Glasgow 850 Blog: Celebrating 850 Years of Innovation, Culture, and Community.

2025 marks a monumental milestone in Glasgow’s rich history: its 850^th birthday. To commemorate this remarkable anniversary, we are excited to launch the Glasgow 850 Blog. With each monthly theme, we’ll bring you fresh insights, stories, and update highlight 8.5 things to know - showcasing the key facts and hidden gems that make Glasgow one of the most exciting cities to live, work, and invest in.

Our first blog kicks off with a look at Glasgow as the ‘City of Lifelong Learning’, exploring the many ways, and the different institutions, behind Glasgow’s drive to nurture growth and opportunity for everyone.

1. Glasgow is a UNESCO Learning City 

In December 2024, at the Sixth International Conference on Learning Cities in Jubail, Saudi Arabia, Glasgow was officially recognised as a UNESCO City of Lifelong Learning, becoming the only city in Scotland to receive this prestigious honour. This recognition celebrates the city’s dedication to providing accessible, inclusive education opportunities for all its citizens, regardless of age.

From innovative programmes for older adults to community-based initiatives promoting sustainability, Glasgow is leading the way in lifelong learning. The city’s strong partnerships across schools, colleges, and universities, alongside its vibrant cultural and social opportunities, ensure that learning is a continuous journey for everyone. This UNESCO award underscores Glasgow’s commitment to empowering individuals and transforming communities through education.

Visit the multimedia story and learn about the UNESCO learning city of Glasgow.

Glasgow is home to five degree granting institutions. They collectively reflect the city’s evolution from its industrial roots to a dynamic, forward-looking urban centre. These institutions – each with a unique history and academic focus – continue to adapt and innovate, meeting the demands of a rapidly changing world while upholding Glasgow’s sense of community, inclusion, and purpose. Together, they contribute to Glasgow’s growing reputation as a city of lifelong learning.

2. The University of Glasgow 

Established in 1451, the University of Glasgow stands at the forefront of its commitment to lifelong learning, serving as one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in the world, with a long history of providing accessible, world-class education. It is a World Top 100 university and a member of the Russell Group of leading UK research universities. More recently, it was named the Scottish University of the Year by the Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2024.

In line with Glasgow’s UNESCO designation, the University plays a key role in fostering lifelong learning through initiatives like the Glasgow Lifelong Learning Network, which connects learners across the city with resources and educational opportunities. The University’s accessibility initiatives, such as tailored support for mature students and partnerships with local community organisations, demonstrate its dedication to learning beyond the traditional classroom.

 3. The University of Strathclyde

Founded in 1796, Strathclyde is one of the UK’s leading universities, with a present student body of 30,000 from over 140 countries.

Known for its strong focus on innovation and practical learning, the University of Strathclyde is renowned for its widening access programmes, offering opportunities to people of all backgrounds, including adult learners seeking to return to education. Its continuing education programmes cater to those looking to upskill, reskill, or explore new areas of interest throughout their careers. In recent years, the University has expanded its online learning options, making education accessible to a global audience. Programmes in areas like business and engineering are designed to fit the needs of busy professionals who want to integrate learning into their lives.  

4. Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU)

The University’s history dates to 1875 with the founding of the Glasgow School of Cookery and then in 1878, the West End School of Cookery was established. In 1908, the two merged to create The Glasgow and West of Scotland College of Domestic Science (GWSCDS) to meet the growing demand for a skilled workforce during the industrial revolution.

In 1993, the institution gained university status and was officially renamed Glasgow Caledonian University, reflecting its commitment to providing high quality education for a broad range of people particularly those from working-class backgrounds, and fostering strong links with industry. Throughout its history, GCU has remained dedicated to the principles of social justice, sustainability, and global engagement. Its focus on practical, career-oriented education, alongside a commitment to inclusivity and international partnerships, makes it a dynamic part of the city’s modern educational landscape.

5. The Glasgow School of Art (GSA)

Founded in 1845, the Glasgow School of Art plays an integral role in shaping the city’s reputation as a cultural hub, nurturing generations of artists, designers, and architects from across the globe – regarded as one of Europe’s leading institutions for visual creative arts.

The school has fostered a spirit of artistic exploration and experimentation for its annual pool of approximately 19,000 undergraduate students and 6,000 postgraduate students, that echoes the vibrant energy of Glasgow itself. From its early days, GSA has been committed to blending technical skill with creative expression, influencing art movements, architectural design, and visual culture both locally and internationally. Iconic figures such as Charles Rennie Mackintosh, who studied at the school and was commissioned to design its new building, left an enduring mark on Glasgow's architectural landscape and cultural identity. 

6. Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS)

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is another shining example of the city’s deep-rooted passion for arts, culture and education and is a World Top Ten institution for performing arts education. Dating back to 1847, when it was founded as a music school to offer formal training to young musicians, the Conservatoire quickly expanded its offerings to include dance, drama, and other arts disciplines, in response to the rapidly increasing demand for formal music education in Scotland.

Since then, the Conservatoire has long been at the heart of Scotland’s artistic and creative communities, training world-class musicians, actors, dancers, and directors, with the institution moving from the title of ‘Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama’ to the ‘Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’ in 2011 to reflect its role as a leading conservatoire in the country. 

7. Further Education Colleges

Glasgow is home to three exceptional further education colleges: Glasgow Clyde College, Glasgow Kelvin College, and the City of Glasgow College – each playing a vital role in shaping the city’s education landscape and making significant contributions to the skills pipeline.

Together, they serve over 40,000 students annually, offering a wide range of accessible, flexible learning options for learners of all ages. Whether it’s vocational training, apprenticeships, or professional qualifications, these institutions provide pathways to success in a variety of industries, from health and engineering to business and creative sectors. 

8. Economic Impact

According to a summary by the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, the higher education sector in Scotland generates £130 billion in economic output, with £15 billion of that attributed to the spending of international students.

Glasgow’s universities are key catalysts for Scotland’s economic growth, powering sectors such as financial services, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare. The city’s dynamic innovation districts, driven by institutions like the University of Strathclyde and University of Glasgow, are at the forefront of groundbreaking research and technological advancements, generating thousands of job opportunities within the city, and beyond. In addition, Glasgow’s prestigious creative arts institutions, like the Glasgow School of Art and the Royal Conservatoire, significantly contribute to the city’s international cultural reputation. 

8.5 Award winning

Glasgow is the only UK city (outside of London) with two universities ranked in the national top 40 in the Universities of Glasgow and Strathclyde. It is also one of just nine major European cities home to a university in the global top 100 (University of Glasgow - QS World University Rankings, 2024).