University Alliance (UA) is pleased to announce that Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) has become its twentieth member.
With a strong track record in widening participation, social innovation and industry collaboration, Glasgow Caledonian University will bring significant expertise and insight to the Alliance.
The largest post-92 institution in Scotland, GCU has a wide range of professionally accredited courses and links with over 300 industry partners. The University delivers excellent outcomes for its students, with more than 90% of graduates in employment or further study after 15 months. It was the top-ranked UK modern university in the Times and Sunday Times Guide 2026, and named the UK’s University of the Year for Graduate Jobs 2026 in the Daily Mail University Guide. It is Scotland’s leading provider of Graduate Apprenticeships.
Meanwhile, they have considerable strength in applied research with their 72% rated world-leading or internationally excellent in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF).
As UA’s second Scottish member alongside Robert Gordon University, GCU follow Bournemouth University and De Montfort University as former members who have returned to University Alliance in recent months.
Widening access is central to GCU as one of Scotland’s leading universities for supporting learners from the country’s most underrepresented communities. Through its work with schools and colleges, it helps build confidence, opportunity and aspiration across Glasgow and beyond. Scottish Funding Council figures highlighted that 23% of its Scottish full-time, first-degree entrants were drawn from the country’s 20% most-disadvantaged backgrounds (SFC 2025).
GCU’s renewed membership will strengthen UA’s mission to connect and champion professional and technical universities and to promote regional economic growth and high-level skills development.
Vanessa Wilson, Chief Executive of University Alliance, said:
“I’m absolutely thrilled that Glasgow Caledonian University are once again members of University Alliance. They are a superb addition to our mission group, and their commitment to social impact, widening participation and industry partnerships aligns perfectly with our collective mission. On a personal note, I am delighted to again be working with Professor Mairi Watson, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of GCU, but an alumna of UA. We look forward to once again to be working with Mairi and her incredible team.”
Professor Mairi Watson, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University, said:
“Glasgow Caledonian University is delighted to become a member of the University Alliance. As a university with a major focus on industry and business engagement, graduate apprenticeships, widening access, and delivering work-ready graduates, there is clear alignment with the Alliance’s mission and we look forward to contributing to the group’s valuable work.”
