The University of Glasgow was the first institution in the UK to confer degrees in Engineering and established the first Chair of Engineering in the UK in 1840. Today, the James Watt School of Engineering's research and teaching is at the forefront of discovery, creation and practice that is internationally leading in education, innovation and new capability. We are immensely proud of our strong heritage of pioneering engineers and world changers.
Research-led teaching
We offer an exciting range of research-led, professionally accredited undergraduate and postgraduate taught degree programmes that include not only the core engineering disciplines (Aeronautics, Civil, Electronics & Electrical and Mechanical Engineering) but also unique specialist degree programmes, such as Biomedical Engineering, Product Design Engineering, Electronics with Music, and Civil Engineering with Architecture.
Research
Our research environment boasts world leading research groups and facilities within an integrated research structure of sufficient scale to enable major engineering challenges to be tackled effectively. This includes coverage of a broad range of Engineering subjects, as well as the interfaces with biology, chemistry, computer science, medicine and physics. We are part of the Glasgow Research Partnership in Engineering (GRPE).
Our PhD programmes span a wide range of topics and are available to suitably qualified applicants from diverse educational backgrounds.
In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, we were ranked Top in Scotland for engineering research excellence with 96% of our research judged 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent'. We are ranked 3rd (Electrical & Electronic Engineering and Civil Engineering) and 4th (Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering) in the UK in the league tables.
By continuing to invest in internationally excellent research and by providing an outstanding learning environment for talented students from all backgrounds, our aim is to build on our status as one of the select number of institutions which are regarded as being the best in the world.
