Postgraduate study
Source: https://www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/library-information-studies/ Parent: https://www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/
Library & Information Studies MSc/PgDip
Live Online Event About This Degree
Watch a recording of our online panel discussion and Q&A with students and staff from 24th June.
Our programme offers students the opportunity to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills required to become versatile and progressive library and information professionals. The programme is based in the College of Arts & Humanities and is led by academic staff in the Information Studies subject area. Teaching staff hold diverse teaching, research and sector expertise across Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums (GLAM), and Records and Information Management. Students also benefit from studying alongside postgraduates in Museum Studies and Archives, Records, & Information Management
- Academic contact: Humanities enquiries humanities-pg@glasgow.ac.uk
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Teaching start: September
- MSc: 12 months full-time; 24 months part‑time
- PgDip: 9 months full-time; 18 months part‑time
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Year of entry 2026 2027 2028
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Why this programme
We're ranked 36th for Library & Information Management in the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject
- The programme is accredited by CILIP: The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals. This provides graduates the benefit of reciprocal accreditation for recognition in countries such as the USA, Canada, Ireland, and Australia.
- The programme includes contributions from sector professionals with varied local, national and international experience, and formal partnerships with leading professional organisations, such as Glasgow Life and National Library of Scotland.
- Gain experience working with collections of international significance and standing, including Glasgow’s civic, university and national collections. Access specialised study facilities at Kelvin Hall and the University’s Archives and Special Collections.
- Learn about the role of the libraries and information studies within the wider cultural heritage sector, particularly Galleries, Archives and Museums.
- Apply a theoretical framework for critically understanding the role of libraries and information studies in society, such as supporting important human rights such as access to information, preservation of the cultural record, and intellectual freedom.
- Develop a critical awareness of the role that international, national, and local contexts play in shaping policy and practice related to information behaviours, information literacies and information ethics and law.
Programme structure
The programme is made up of:
- Five core courses
- One optional course.
Students enrolled on the MSc are also required to undertake an independent research project/dissertation.
Semester One
Core courses
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Libraries & Information Services Management
This course explores the key professional challenges facing library services in the modern era, and how these are addressed through development of theory and professional practice. The curriculum will explore issues such as equity of access to information, intellectual freedom, ethical values in library practice, legal aspects of professional practice, and the socio-cultural role and value of libraries in society, including the importance of sustainability. The course will also consider issues of professionalism and reflective practice in the library and information profession, and specific management issues faced in the various sectors of librarianship.
This course aims to:
- Present the unique societal needs and challenges supported by libraries and other information organisations, and the role of the librarian and information professional in meetings these.
- Introduce the key management challenges faced by a range of library and information organisations serving society.
- Emphasise and cultivate professional ethical values in library and information services.
- Explore the importance of reflective practice and continuing professional development in the library and information profession.
- Underpin the rest of the MSc Library and Information Studies programme by giving students a comprehensive insight into professional principles and concepts, and by providing them with a sound foundation from which to begin their professional practice.
By the end of this course students will be able to:
- Explain the differing social and professional challenges facing library and information services and how these can be managed.
- Critically evaluate the role of the library profession within society.
- Critically analyse the role of theory and practice in the management of library and information services.
- Critique and apply reflective practice techniques in good professional development.
- Appreciate the legal and ethical parameters in which library and information professionals practice.
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Information & Society
The course will explore the range of models that exist related to information use in society and reflect on the debates that take place within and between the models and theories, including areas such as information behaviour, information practices, and information needs analysis. The increasing importance of pedagogy in the professional practice of information literacy will also be explored, with a view to allowing students to be able to design and deliver their own information literacy instruction to users and groups in libraries of different kinds.
This course aims to:
- Present for critical analysis a range of theories related to information use within society, including information behaviour, information practices, and information literacy
- Introduce the concept of information needs analysis and its role within professional practice
- Explore the importance of an information literate society in meeting significant societal needs and challenges, especially around disinformation and misinformation
- Provide an understanding of information literacy pedagogy and delivery
By the end of this course you will be able to:
- Articulate the differing theories and models of information use within society and critically evaluate them and their role in professional library and information work.
- Critically examine the importance of information needs of individuals, groups, and organisations, and be able to undertake an information needs analysis.
- Critically explore the importance of information literacy skills to wider society.
- Design and deliver an information literacy programme for a specified group.
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Special Collections & Digital Scholarship
This course explores the domain of collections management within libraries, with a specific focus on special collections, and the role of the librarian in supporting digital scholarship. The course serves as an important core module in the MSc degree and is a unique offer across librarianship degrees currently available in the UK. The course builds on research and expertise in some of Information Studies’ key strategic areas, and on our partnerships with Archives and Special Collections within the university, as well as other external partners across central Scotland, such as the National Library of Scotland, and Glasgow Life.
This course aims to:
- Present the theories of collection management and collection development in the modern library and information world.
- Explore the challenges of working with special collections in both the analogue and digital worlds.
- Evaluate the importance of special collections to society and how they are managed and stewarded both for the current needs and those of the future.
- Introduce the concept of digital scholarship and the interactions with and usage of digital collections from various patron perspectives.
- Provide an understanding of what happens when collections become data, its impact on users of library collections, and how libraries respond.
By the end of this course you will be able to:
- Explain the importance of good collection management and development in a library and information service.
- Critique a range of collections development policies from library and information services.
- Critically analyse the importance of special collections and their preservation and dissemination for the scholarly needs of society.
- Reflect on the ways in which digital scholarship presents new challenges for library and information services.
- Design an effective collections management policy that incorporates special collections and preservation/digitisation strategies.
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of how digital scholarship supports multiple forms of reuse of information objects from multiple audience perspectives.
Semester Two
Core Courses
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Description, Cataloguing and Navigation
This course reviews the principles of ordering and describing information and knowledge - archival, bibliographic, and object description, with emphasis on national and international standards and the problems relating to the methods of navigating digital resources to retrieve information and knowledge. The taught course will be supplemented with two weeks practical placement in a repository, and will provide an opportunity for students to create an archival finding aid for a collection.
This course aims to:
- Review the principles of ordering and describing information and knowledge
- Look in detail at archival, bibliographic and object description
- Examine in detail relevant international standards and the problems relating to the methods of navigating digital resources to retrieve information and knowledge.
- Pay particular attention to relevant International Standards such as those administered by International Council on Archives.
- Look at relevant national standards and the ways they relate to International standards.
- Examine standards used by those in allied professions such as Museum and Library science.
By the end of this course you will be able to:
- Evidence a knowledge of the theory and application of the various tools and techniques used to organise and retrieve information
- Evaluate principles of archival, bibliographic and object description and ordering
- Indicate a knowledge of international and national descriptive and authority standards and thesauri
- Prove that they have acquired skills in indexing, and undertaken practical indexing work
- Gain experience of how description and catalogue information can be effectively displayed online, and an understanding of how this is presented and used by different constituencies.
- Critically evaluate work undertaken by others, and analyse this judiciously and diagnostically.
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Research Design & Methods in Information Studies
This course aims to develop students’ understanding of the role of research in the GLAM and records and information management sectors, as well as prepare students to complete an independent research project. The course highlights the value of academic and sector partnerships through exposure to recent and current collaborative research projects with cultural heritage and records and information management professionals. It will also develop students’ critical understanding of appropriate approaches to research design and methods for research in museums, libraries, and archives and records information management contexts.
This course aims to:
- Expose students to diverse interdisciplinary perspectives on research practices across the cultural heritage and information management sectors.
- Provide students with the necessary methodological tools and approaches needed to examine, evaluate and critically analyse museums, libraries, archives and information management contexts.
- Engage students in nuanced consideration and critical reflection of relevant research methods and approaches in allied professions.
- Familiarise students with principles of good practice and integrity in research design and execution.
- Introduce students to core concepts of research design and provide an opportunity to apply these in preparing a dissertation proposal in their chosen specialism.
By the end of this course you will be able to:
- Discuss and critically analyse the shape and purpose of research in the cultural heritage and records and information management sectors.
- Evaluate relevant principles of research design and methodological concepts and procedures and apply these to museum, library, archive and/or information management settings.
- Articulate principles and practices of research ethics and data management.
- Evaluate and synthesise relevant literature and methodological practice in the development of a robust and applicable research inquiry.
- Define how the scope and feasibility of research is limited by time, resource and staffing.
Optional Course
- An optional course from those available in Information Studies or with the agreement of the Programme Convenor any other Level 5 Course from the College of Arts and Humanities.
Summer (MSc only)
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Dissertation
The dissertation will have a subject in, or closely related to, the study of library and information studies.
Aims:
- Give students a chance to put their project into the wider context of library and information studies.
- Provide students with the opportunity to pursue a topic of interest in depth whilst developing research skills.
- Provide students with a research focus to test ideas and arguments of the academic and professional communities and develop their own.
By the end of the dissertation you will be able to:
- Place their project/dissertation and wider research interests into the wider context of the world of library and information studies.
- Produce work to a high level of critical and analytical thinking.
- Synthesize the elements of learning and practice from the preceding courses.
- Explain the analytical, conceptual, theoretical and critical debates in their field, with particular reference to their chosen area for detailed study.
Programme alteration or discontinuation\ The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract.
Career prospects
As a CILIP-accredited qualification (application pending) the Masters will offer reciprocal accreditation in countries including the USA, Canada, Ireland, and Australia. The programme offers a foundation for work in a diverse range of library and information sectors, including working with rare books and special collections, providing services in public and school libraries, academic libraries, health libraries, and corporate library environments. Other potential career roles include work in the areas of information governance.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees for 2026-27
MSc
Home & RUK
- Full-time fee: £12,960
- Part-time fee: £1,440 per 20 credits
International & EU
- Full-time fee: £27,720
PgDip
Home & RUK
- Full-time fee: £8,640
- Part-time fee: £1,440 per 20 credits
International & EU
- Full-time fee: £18,480
Fee status
Deposits
International and EU applicants are required to pay a deposit of £2,000 when an offer is made.
Deposits: terms & conditions
The following guidelines will apply in determining whether a deposit will be refunded. Where the deposit is refunded, a 25% administration fee will be deducted unless otherwise stated.
a: Deposits WILL be refunded to applicants under the following circumstances:
- Where the University is unable to offer you a place on the programme as specified on the offer. A full refund will be issued in this case.
- Death of a close family member (parent/guardian, grandparent, sibling, spouse, child/dependent). Official evidence (signed and stamped) must be provided.
- SERIOUS ill health of the applicant or a close family member (parent/guardian, grandparent, sibling, spouse, child/dependent). Official evidence (signed and stamped) must be provided.
- Applicant does not meet conditions of offer. This may be academic or language test requirements. Satisfactory evidence must be uploaded to the student’s applicant self-service to prove that they have not met the conditions of their offer (note that applicants who do not meet the language condition of their offer must show reasonable attempt to meet this, i.e. they must provide at least two language tests which were taken after the date the deposit was paid).
- Visa / ATAS refusal: we will only consider a refund if the visa / ATAS refusal was based on matters outside of the applicant’s control.
- If a refund request is received within 14 days of the deposit being received a full refund will be issued under the Consumer Protection Regulations.
b: Deposits WILL NOT be refunded to applicants under the following circumstances:
- An applicant decides not to attend the University for any reason not outlined above.
- Personal financial constraints / unsuccessful scholarship application.
- Applicant has decided to defer – in this situation the University will retain the deposit and hold it against the applicant’s account to secure their place for the following year of entry. You may defer twice. After the second deferral standard conditions will apply.
- There is still time to meet the English language test requirement before the final upload date. Please see section a) 4.
- Visa / ATAS was applied for too late. Please see section a) 5.
- Any documents used for admission are proven to be fraudulent. We work in partnership with Qualification Check to check academic qualifications. English language qualifications are verified with the provider.
- The refund request is received more than 30 days after the official course start date as outlined in your offer email.
Timeframe for requesting a refund
Refund requests must be received no later than 30 days after the official course start date as outlined in your offer email. As per section b)7 above the request will be denied.
Receiving a refund
- To comply with Money Laundering Regulations, the University will pay all refunds to the original payer using the source payment details. This is known as a “return to source” payment.
- All appropriate documentation and evidence relating to the original payment must be provided, when requested.
- All payments and refunds are in GBP currency - the University is not responsible for any exchange rate fluctuations or beneficiary bank charges associated with the refund.
- Where University approved payment methods have not been used, this may cause significant delays or prevent payment altogether.
- We will aim to issue the deposit refund within 8 weeks of receipt of information per point 2 above. At peak times this may be longer.
How to request a deposit refund
Please go to our enquiry form and select 'Fees and Deposit' as the enquiry reason and then 'Can I have a deposit refund?'.
Please upload all supporting documentation to your applicant self-service portal before submitting the above request.
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Additional fees
- Fee for re-assessment of a dissertation (PGT programme): £370
- Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed: £350
- Registration/exam only fee: £170
Funding opportunities
University of Glasgow African Excellence Award
The University of Glasgow African Excellence Award aims to support high achieving students from across Africa in their journey to become Future World Changers. We are looking for students who wish to undertake Masters level study (postgraduate diploma or certificate programmes are not eligible for this scholarship), to further develop their knowledge and skills, in order to positively contribute to their community in the future.
The University is offering up to 16 scholarships for International students from Africa, starting a one year postgraduate taught Masters programme, in any discipline for academic session 2026/27. The scholarship is a full tuition fee waiver.
World Changers Glasgow Scholarship
The University of Glasgow is proud to announce the World Changers Glasgow Scholarship for September 2026/ January 2027 entry to acknowledge incredible applicants from India, Singapore, Nigeria, Thailand, Pakistan, Malaysia, Vietnam, Israel, Jordan, Palestinian Territories, Syria, Yemen, Chile, Brazil, Lebanon, Colombia and Mexico. The scholarship is awarded as a £5,000 tuition fee discount and will automatically awarded to all eligible applicants.
University of Glasgow Caribbean Excellence Award
The University of Glasgow Caribbean Excellence Award aims to support high achieving students from across the Caribbean in their journey to become Future World Changers. We are looking for students who wish to undertake Masters level study, to further develop their knowledge and skills, in order to positively contribute to their community in the future.
The University is offering up to 4 scholarships for International students from the Caribbean, starting a one year postgraduate taught Masters programme, in any discipline for academic session 2026/27. The scholarship is a full tuition fee waiver.
Glasgow Excellence Award (UK)
The University of Glasgow has a total of 40 Glasgow Excellence Scholarships available to UK students entering any of the University’s Colleges.
Postgraduate Access Scholarship
The University of Glasgow is pleased to be offering Postgraduate Access Scholarships to support Home students who could face financial difficulties in taking up their place to study at the University. Applications are particularly welcomed from applicants who met any of our widening participation criteria, or equivalent, at undergraduate level. The value of each scholarship is £4,000 and they are for students undertaking a one or two year Taught Masters programme. For two year Taught Masters programmes, the scholarship is available in year one only.
University of Glasgow is committed to support as many self-funded students as possible which is why UofG discounts and scholarships cannot be combined with one another or any external sponsorship discounts (with the exception of Alumni Discount). This scholarship can not be awarded in conjunction with the Glasgow (UK) Excellence Award. In the case that you are awarded both, our team will get in touch with you to clarify which scholarship you would like to accept.
World Changers Glasgow Scholarship PGT (EU)
The University of Glasgow continues to be committed to ensuring a strong relationship with our existing and future EU students, and supporting EU talent to make their home at the University of Glasgow.
We appreciate the challenging financial implications that have arisen for our European applicants, and are therefore delighted to offer the World Changers Glasgow Scholarship PGT (EU) to new incoming EU students starting an postgraduate programme for Academic Session 2026-27. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee discount of £5,000 for every year of study and is subject to satisfactory progress for consecutive years of study. This discount cannot be combined with another University scholarship with the exception of the Alumni Discount.
The Humanitarian Scholarship
We are delighted to announce the launch of the University of Glasgow Humanitarian Scholarship, created to support Displaced and Conflict-Affected (DACA) applicants applying for Postgraduate Taught (PGT) programmes for 2026 entry.
This scholarship reflects our commitment as a University of Sanctuary to removing barriers to education for those impacted by war and displacement. Successful applicants will receive a full tuition fee waiver, a living stipend, accommodation and travel support, ensuring they have the resources needed to thrive academically and personally. Full eligibility criteria are listed below.
Through this initiative, we aim to provide meaningful opportunities for talented individuals whose education has been disrupted by conflict, enabling them to build a secure future and join our global #TeamUofG community.
The University is offering the Humanitarian Scholarship to 9 postgraduate taught applicants. Please note that you must have a programme application in progress before applying for this scholarship. If you have not yet started a programme application, please submit this first and then return to complete the scholarship application.
This scholarship is only available to applicants living out with the United Kingdom. If you have been displaced or conflict affected and are currently residing in the United Kingdom, you may be eligible for you Sanctuary Scholarship. Details of this scholarship can be found here.
This scholarship is not available to PhD, PGdip, PDGE or part time programmes.
This scholarship can not be combined with any other University of Glasgow scholarship. In the event you are offered 2 scholarships, the lower value scholarship will be removed from your student account.
GREAT Scholarships 2026
In partnership with the British Council and the GREAT Britain Campaign, University of Glasgow is offering 5 scholarships to students in Greece, Spain, Pakistan, Kenya and Bangladesh applying for postgraduate courses in any subject (excluding MBA and MSc Research courses). All eligible courses can be viewed under the 'eligible programmes' tab on this webpage.
The scholarship offers financial support of £10,000 to students pursuing one-year postgraduate study in the UK. This discount cannot be combined with another University scholarship.
Global Leadership Scholarship
The University of Glasgow has several Global Leadership Scholarships available to International fee students starting a postgraduate taught Masters programme in any discipline for Academic Session 2026/2027. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fees discount for one year only.
India Excellence Award
This scholarship is now closed.
The India Excellence Award aims to support exceptional students from the country in their journey to become Future World Changers. We are looking for students who wish to undertake Masters level study (postgraduate diploma or certificate programmes are not eligible for this scholarship), to further develop their knowledge and skills, in order to positively contribute to their community in the future.
The University is offering up to 10 scholarships for International students from India, starting a one year postgraduate taught Masters programme, in any discipline for academic session 2026/27. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee waiver of £12,500 for one year only.
575th Anniversary World-Changer Scholarship
For those ready to create the change the world needs
The University of Glasgow has been changing the world for 575 years. With 2026 marking the founding of the university in 1451, we are delighted to announce the 575th anniversary scholarship, empowering exceptional world-changers of tomorrow, at a pivotal moment in our history.
Established in 1451 in service of our people and our city, we have evolved from being the university for Glasgow, to the university for the world. During this landmark year, we are reflecting on centuries of impact locally, nationally and internationally, celebrating our achievements to inspire the world-changers of tomorrow.
Open to students looking to make positive change through their chosen area of study, successful 575th anniversary world-changers will join an international community that cross centuries and span continents, at a special time of celebration and reflection.
The University’s Principal and Vice Chancellor, Professor Andy Schofield, said:
“This milestone is not just about our past, it’s about the opportunities ahead and the future impact we can make together. Not only are we one of the oldest universities in the world, but one of the first to provide greater and fairer access to education. The 575th anniversary world-changer scholarships enable us to continue that legacy, while supporting students who will shape the world in the centuries to come.”
The scholarship offers at £15,000 discount to international students holding an offer for a PGT programme for the 2026-2027 year. Mphil 24-month Masters students can be awarded this scholarship for 1st year of study only.
Chevening Scholarship
Please note that the Chevening Scholarships are now closed for application for the 2026/27 academic year.
Chevening Scholarships are the UK government's global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations. The scholarships are awarded to outstanding scholars with leadership potential. Awards are typically for a one year Master’s degree at universities across the UK. There are over 50,000 Chevening Alumni around the world who together comprise an influential and highly regarded global network.
For further information, please refer to the Chevening website.
Erasmus+ Master Degree Loans
Erasmus+ Master Degree Loans are EU-guaranteed loans with favourable pay-back terms. They’re designed to help prospective students finance their Master’s courses in an Erasmus+ Programme country while leaving as little of a lasting economic footprint as possible.
The scheme is designed to provide postgraduate students with the means to pay their tuition and living expenses – thereby allowing individuals to focus on their degree instead of managing their bank balance. The programme aims to be as inclusive as possible, working under the following guidelines:
- No need for collateral from students or parents - ensuring equality of access
- Favourable, better-than-market interest rates
- Pay-back terms that allow graduates up to two years to find work before beginning repayment.
Please visit the Erasmus+ Master Degree Loans website for more information.
Postgraduate Student Loan (Scotland and EU)
Eligible full-time and part-time students, undertaking an eligible postgraduate course, can apply for a tuition fee loan up to a maximum of £7,000 towards their course. Eligible full-time postgraduate students can apply for a living-cost loan of up to £4,500.
This support extends to online Masters or Postgraduate Diplomas, and not to the online Postgraduate Certificate courses.
For more information visit the SAAS website.
Postgraduate Loans for Welsh Students
If you are a Welsh student looking to study a postgraduate programme* in Glasgow then you can apply for a student loan in exactly the same way as you would for a Welsh University.
* does not apply to Erasmus Mundus programmes
For more information visit Student Finance Wales
Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loans England only (PTFL)
If you’re an English student looking to study a taught Masters programme in Glasgow then you can apply for a student loan. Students from England are able to apply for a non-means tested Postgraduate Master’s Loan of up to £11,570 to help with course fees and living costs. You have to repay your Postgraduate Master’s Loan at the same time as any other student loans you have. You’ll be charged interest from the day you get the first payment.
If you’re studying by distance learning, you can also apply.
Colfuturo Fundacion para el Futuro de Colombia
The University of Glasgow offer discounts to all successful Fundacion para el Futuro de Colombia (Colfuturo) scholars who enrol at the University of Glasgow to complete a postgraduate programme.
Commonwealth Scholarship Schemes
Commonwealth Scholarships enable talented and motivated individuals to gain the knowledge and skills required for sustainable development, and are offered to citizens from low and middle income Commonwealth countries. The majority of Scholarships are funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), with the aim of contributing to the UK’s international development aims and wider overseas interests, supporting excellence in UK higher education, and sustaining the principles of the Commonwealth.
Postgraduate Student Loan (NI)
If you are a Northern Irish student looking to study a taught Masters programme* in Glasgow then you can apply for a student loan in exactly the same way as you would for a University in Northern Ireland.
Northern Irish students are able to apply for non-means-tested tuition fee loans of up to £5,500, to help with the costs of funding.
For more information visit www.studentfinanceni.co.uk/types-of-finance/postgraduate .
* does not apply to Erasmus Mundus programmes
DAAD-University of Glasgow 1-year Master’s grant
The University of Glasgow will offer a full tuition waiver to those students that successfully apply and are nominated by DAAD to the University. DAAD offers a monthly stipend and travel bursary, as well as health, accident, and personal liability insurance coverage in addition to the full tuition fee waiver from the University of Glasgow.
Wichtige Hinweise zu DAAD-Stipendien - DAAD (general info on DAAD tuition fee reimbursement)
Current list of tuition reduction / waiving offers (not including U Glasgow yet) : Stipendien für ein Masterstudium im Ausland - DAAD - Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst
Alumni Discount
To recognise our returning University of Glasgow graduates, we are pleased to offer a 20% tuition fee discount to eligible self-funded alumni starting a Postgraduate Taught (PGT) Masters or Postgraduate Research (PGR) programme in the 2026/27 academic year.
Sanctuary Scholarships
The University of Glasgow Sanctuary Scholarship has been created to support applicants with Refugee or Asylum Seeker status who are currently living in the UK and hold an offer to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year. The scholarship is open to prospective undergraduate and postgraduate taught students at the University of Glasgow applying for entry in September 2026/27. Please note that you must have applied to the University before submitting an application for this scholarship.
As a University of Sanctuary, we are committed to ensuring that those with the ambition and determination to pursue higher education have the opportunity to do so. This scholarship provides a full tuition fee waiver along with financial support for living costs, helping recipients focus on their studies and thrive both academically and personally.
Through this initiative, we aim to offer meaningful opportunities to talented individuals seeking sanctuary, enabling them to rebuild their futures and become part of our global #TeamUofG community. Full eligibility criteria can be found below.
The scholarship will meet the cost of tuition fees for the duration of your programme, for applicants who are unable to access mainstream funding through Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) or Student Finance. The Sanctuary Scholarship also provides a £5,000 per year stipend, to assist with study costs.
This scholarship is not available to PGdip, PDGE or part time programmes.
Undergraduate students with refugee status (or equivalent) and access to funding, are eligible to apply for the scholarship and would receive the £5,000 stipend towards study costs only, if successful.
Postgraduate Taught Masters students with refugee status (or equivalent) and access to funding, are eligible to apply for the scholarship and would receive the £5,000 stipend towards study costs and a partial tuition fee waiver, to cover any shortfall not met by your Postgraduate Masters tuition fee loan.
The Dima Alhaj Scholarship
The Dima Alhaj Scholarship was set up in 2024 in memory of a University of Glasgow alumna. After graduating, Dima worked in Gaza with the World Health Organization as a patient administrator at the limb reconstruction centre, as part of the trauma and emergency team and was tragically killed in Gaza in November 2023.
The University is offering the Dima Alhaj Scholarship to 1 undergraduate applicant and 1 postgraduate taught applicant joining us in September 2026. Please note that you must have a programme application in progress before applying for this scholarship. If you have not yet started a programme application, please submit this first and then return to complete the scholarship application process.
This scholarship is not available to PhD, PGdip, PDGE or part time programmes.
This scholarship can not be combined with any other University of Glasgow scholarship. In the event you are offered 2 scholarships, the lower value scholarship will be removed from your student account.
Travel Bursary for Forced Migrants
The University of Glasgow is offering travel bursaries to assist with public transport travel costs, to support undergraduate and postgraduate students are currently asylum seekers and who could face financial difficulties in taking up their place to study at the University for 2026 entry. The value of the bursary is 50% of your monthly public transport travel costs to get to University, up to a maximum value of £50 per month.
Glasgow Highland Society Scholarship
The University of Glasgow is excited to promote this scholarship opportunity on behalf of the Glasgow Highland Society.
The Glasgow Highland Society is offering multiple grants of up to £500 for new and continuing students of Glasgow university who fit the eligibility requirements of the scholarship
The scholarships above are relevant to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database
Entry requirements
2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in any subject.
You should also have a minimum of two weeks of work experience in a related field.
A 2.2 Honours degree may be considered if supported by directly relevant experience. Substantial professional experience may also be accepted in place of formal qualifications. Please upload a short personal statement (500 words) as a PDF, outlining your interest in the programme and relevant experience.
English language requirements
For applicants from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)
- 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
- IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Common equivalent English language qualifications accepted for entry to this programme:
TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)
Tests taken up to 20 January 2026
- 90 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Tests taken from 21 January 2026
- 92 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 22; Listening 20; Speaking 23; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Pearsons PTE Academic
- 65 overall with no subtest less than Reading 60; Listening 60; Speaking 65; Writing 60
- Online PTE not accepted for entry
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
- 176 overall with no subtest less than 169
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Oxford English Test
- 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
LanguageCert Academic/ Academic Online
- 70 overall with no subtest less than 65
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Password Skills Plus
- 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Trinity College Integrated Skills in English II
- Two subtests at 96 or higher, and two subtests at 80 or higher
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Kaplan Test of English
- Any two subtests at 480 or higher, and any two subtests at 450 or higher
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.
Alternatives to English Language qualification
- Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have studied for a minimum of their final year at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
- Undergraduate 2+2 and 3+1 degrees from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have completed their final year of study in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.
Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study. Our courses give you:
- direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS);
- essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University;
- flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.
More information on our Pre-sessional courses.
We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:
- Heriot Watt
- Kingston Upon Thames
- Middlesex University
- Manchester University
- Reading University
- Edinburgh University
- ST Andrews University
- UCL
- Durham
For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office using our enquiry form
International students
We are proud of our diverse University community that includes students and staff from more than 140 different countries.
- Find out more about entry requirements and other country-specific information
- International student support & visas
How to apply
To apply for a postgraduate taught degree you must apply online. We cannot accept applications any other way.
Please check you meet the Entry requirements for this programme before you begin your application.
Documents
As part of your online application, you also need to submit the following supporting documents:
- A copy (or copies) of your official degree certificate(s) (if you have already completed your degree)
- A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained
- Official English translations of the certificate(s) and transcript(s)
- Evidence of your English language ability (if your first language is not English)
- Any additional documents required for this programme (see Entry requirements for this programme)
- A copy of the photo page of your passport
- A personal statement
We may also request additional documents such as a personal statement, portfolio, references or a sample of academic writing to support your application.
You have 42 days to submit your application once you begin the process.
You may save and return to your application as many times as you wish to update information, complete sections or upload supporting documents such as your final transcript or your language test.
For more information about submitting documents or other topics related to applying to a postgraduate taught programme, see how to apply for a postgraduate taught degree
Guidance notes for using the online application
These notes are intended to help you complete the online application form accurately; they are also available within the help section of the online application form.
If you experience any difficulties accessing the online application, see Application System Help.
- Name and Date of birth: must appear exactly as they do on your passport. Please take time to check the spelling and lay-out.
- Contact Details: Correspondence address. All contact relevant to your application will be sent to this address including the offer letter(s). If your address changes, please contact us as soon as possible.
- Choice of course: Please select carefully the course you want to study. As your application will be sent to the admissions committee for each course you select it is important to consider at this stage why you are interested in the course and that it is reflected in your application.
- Proposed date of entry: Please state your preferred start date including the month and the year. Taught masters degrees tend to begin in September. Research degrees may start in any month.
- Education and Qualifications: Please complete this section as fully as possible indicating any relevant Higher Education qualifications starting with the most recent. Complete the name of the Institution (s) as it appears on the degree certificate or transcript.
- English Language Proficiency: Please state the date of any English language test taken (or to be taken) and the award date (or expected award date if known).
- Employment and Experience: Please complete this section as fully as possible with all employments relevant to your course. Additional details may be attached in your personal statement/proposal where appropriate.
Application deadlines
International & EU applicants
Due to demand for degree places on this programme, the University has an application process with application rounds which recognises that different geographical areas complete and submit their applications at different times of the year. This process aims to ensure fairness and equity to applicants from all geographic regions.
Round 1 application dates: 1 October 2025 to 5th November 2025
All International and EU applications submitted within these dates will be reviewed with no priority given to any geographic region. You will receive our decision on your application by 16 January 2026.
Round 2 application dates: 6 November 2025 to 17 December 2025
All International and EU applications submitted within these dates will be reviewed with no priority given to any geographic region. You will receive our decision on your application by 25 February 2026.
Round 3 application dates: 18 December 2025 to 4 February 2026
Priority will be given to under-represented geographic regions. You will receive our decision on your application by 8 April 2026.
Round 4 application dates: 5 February 2026 to 25 March 2026
Priority will be given to under-represented geographic regions. You will receive our decision on your application by 6 May 2026.
Round 5 application dates: 26 March 2026 to 13 May 2026
Priority will be given to under-represented geographic regions. You will receive our decision on your application by 17 June 2026.
Round 6 application dates: 14 May 2026 to 8 July 2026
Priority will be given to under-represented geographic regions. You will receive our decision on your application by 29 July 2026.
All international applications submitted by 17 December 2025 will be reviewed and processed normally with no priority given to any geographic region. From 18 December 2025, priority will be given to applications from geographic areas which have been unable to submit applications before that point.
As we receive a great number of applications, prospective students are only allowed to apply once per year to the same programme. However, students may submit multiple applications in a year as long as each application is for a different programme.
Home applicants
- 21 August 2026
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Related links
- Taught degree programmes A‑Z
- How to apply for a postgraduate taught degree
- Postgraduate research opportunities A-Z
- How to apply for a postgraduate research degree
- Fees and funding
- Erasmus Mundus