The University of Glasgow - UOFG (reviews)

During my four years studying Sociology at the University of Glasgow, I had a truly positive experience. Located in the heart of the West End, the university’s setting is not just convenient but also vibrant, offering a great blend of academic and social opportunities.

The course structure and the format of the exams were aspects I particularly appreciated. They provided a straightforward and effective way to assess our understanding and knowledge, with exams during my time at Glasgow Uni being primarily online. The lecturers were always approachable and willing to help, which made a significant difference in my academic journey. Their support and guidance were invaluable, especially when looking at challenging topics or seeking advice on assignments. A great aspect of my Sociology degree was the wide variety of courses available, allowing me to tailor my studies to my interests. This variety ensured there was always something I was keen to study, not only keeping me interested but broadening my academic horizons. The flexibility offered by lecturers in choosing essay topics was especially beneficial, enabling me to explore issues that I was most passionate about and engage deeply with the material. Additionally, the flexible nature of the degree programs, which allow students to explore different subjects in the first two years is another highlight of Glasgow University. This allows you a bit of time to figure out what you want your final degree subject to be, as well as allowing you to develop skills in multiple fields.

Additionally, the university’s facilities, from the gym to the study spaces and the library, were great. I spent many productive hours in the library, making the most of the resources available. The opportunity to engage in various sports and activities, along with the vibrant student unions, added a lot to my university life. Also living in Murano, one of the student accommodations was a highlight of my university experience. It was a busy and sometimes chaotic time but it was where I met the friends I went on to live with for the rest of my degree and beyond.

However, the experience wasn’t without its challenges. Issues like strikes and marking boycotts resulted in significantly delayed degree results and coupled with poor communication on this industrial action, dampened my graduation. Also, while most courses were excellently taught, there were a few that didn’t quite meet the same standard.

Despite these cons, my time at the University of Glasgow was incredibly rewarding, and I would highly recommend it to anyone considering studying there.

Overall, my experience at the University of Glasgow has been incredible. The lecturers for Sociology and Social and Public Policy have been great and the courses are interesting and engaging. There are also many exciting ways to get involved outside of coursework such as societies, events at the university Unions, and other opportunities. The University also offers student jobs and internships, which can be a great way to gain experience and help fund your studies. I have taken advantage of many of these opportunities and have worked for the University for three years as well as participated actively in three societies, all of which have made my experience more meaningful. Part of what makes the University so great is the location on the West End of Glasgow which is a great place to live as a student where you can quickly feel at home no matter where you are coming from. While I have felt supported by most of my lecturers, I do feel the University can improve their communication and support to students. For example, the University failed to address the recent housing crisis which impacted many students’ ability to return to campus. Lastly, while the UCU strikes were national, there was limited communication, support, or understanding for the impact the strikes had on our learning. Aside from these external factors, I have loved my experience and would absolutely recommend it to anyone considering studying here.

Throughout my four years at Glasgow I have to say I loved 99.9% of it – as the University has four student unions and hundreds of social and sports clubs, it’s super easy to get involved in clubs, societies or volunteering work that suits you! I made a ton of friends right off the bat in Queen Margaret Residences, but there were opportunities to expand your horizons and get involved with other clubs for as long as you’re at the uni – and even beyond! Lecturers were super friendly and approachable on the whole and would respond to queries really quickly (at least on the Zoology course). Lots of opportunities for both intra- and extra-curricular trips, I even found myself doing my dissertation research in the Caribbean for 9 weeks through the Exploration Society! The one downer for me was Glasgow’s reaction to the UCU marking boycott – we’ve still not received our final degree results even though we graduated in June as Glasgow won’t negotiate with the union 🙁 However, right up until then I had no complaints!

Studying at University of Glasgow is one of the best decisions I have made. I like that the university offers flexible degrees, meaning you can take multiple subjects in your first two years before focusing on your degree subject. There are a wide variety of subjects offered, all taught by friendly and knowledgable staff. The courses are always intellectually stimulating and well-taught. The campus is also beautiful, with ancient buildings and also modern ones. There is a subway nearby and many nice shops in Glasgow’s west end. Students from all over the world come to study here, and meeting fellow students has exposed me to new cultures and a diverse group of people. I would highly recommend studying here.