History, heritage & culture
Established in 1451, we are the fourth oldest university in the English-speaking world. We moved to our current location in 1870.
World Changers
- Eight Nobel Laureates are connected to the University: Sir William Ramsay, Frederick Soddy, John Boyd Orr, Sir Alexander Robertus Todd, Sir Derek Barton, Sir James Black, Professor Robert Edwards, Professor David MacMillan.
- Two UK Prime Ministers: in 1905 Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman became our first graduate to be elected Prime Minister. Alumnus (not graduate) Andrew Bonar Law served as Prime Minster from 1922 to 1923.
- Two First Ministers for Scotland: Nicola Sturgeon and Donald Dewar.
The Hunterian
- Founded in 1807, The Hunterian is Scotland's oldest public museum and home to one of the largest collections outside the National Museums.
- The Hunterian is one of the leading university museums in the world and its collections have been recognised as a Collection of National Significance.
- We have the largest single holding of the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
- We have the world's largest permanent display of the work of James McNeill Whistler.
Kelvin Hall
- Around 1.5 million items have been relocated to purpose-designed study and storage facilities at Kelvin Hall – the newly refurbished Glasgow landmark building transformed by a partnership between the University, city of Glasgow and the National Library of Scotland.
- At Kelvin Hall, the University has created The Hunterian Collections Study Centre which offers a state-of-the-art environment for research, teaching and training.