The University of Stirling is an international university with a global reputation for high-quality teaching and research. By striving for success, our teaching and research makes a real and demonstrable impact on the economy, environment and society in Scotland and beyond.
We’re ambitious for our students to shape the global communities they will work in. We’re not resting on our current success. We launched the Strategic Plan 2016-2021 with ambitious targets on our research profile and international standing that will lead us to become one of the top 25 universities in the UK.
Our vision is to be recognised across the world as a university that addresses the needs of society through innovative interdisciplinary research, learning and teaching of the highest quality and by sharing our knowledge with the world.
Focusing on innovation and excellence, the strategy sets out our vision, institutional priorities and objectives for the next five years. Staff and students were invited to contribute to and help shape this next important phase in the University’s development.
At the University of Stirling, being the difference is in our DNA – providing education with a purpose and carrying out research that helps to shape society.
We are an international university with pioneering spirit and a global reputation for high-quality teaching and research. We are passionate about creating impact in everything we do.
Stirling is a place where ability – not background – is valued.
To be recognised across the world as a University that addresses the needs of society through innovative and interdisciplinary research; learning and teaching of the highest quality; and by sharing our knowledge with the world.
Positioning statement
At the University of Stirling our thinkers are bright, inquisitive and innovative.
Everything we do, as an institution and as individuals, has purpose and impact. This shapes our culture, our personality and our mindset. It encourages us to challenge the status quo and push the norm. We have a constant desire to innovate and improve in order to benefit society and make a difference to the communities we serve.
We use our thinking to improve everything. By connecting, innovating and transforming, we believe our thinking can change the world.
Our contribution and approach are defined by:
Developing people and helping society through the pursuit and understanding of knowledge. We create the conditions for innovative, interdisciplinary research, and communicate what we have learned to the wider world in a clear and useful manner.
Transforming the lives of our students and staff by giving them opportunities to reach their full potential intellectually and emotionally; by making them resilient and giving them the skills they need for the modern world; and by instilling in them a sense of responsibility to promote public good.
Creating global citizens, working in partnership with governments, business and industry, the public and third sectors, and colleagues in other institutions, to identify and meet the changing needs of society.
Excellence
Leading the way globally in our areas of research expertise and through the delivery of an outstanding learning experience.
Openness
Being open in all we do, communicating the work and worth of the University to the wider world, and engaging people in the delivery of our vision.
Ambition
Growing the University in innovative ways, embedding sustainability, and making it a role model for the sector.
The Guardian University Guide 2020
- Accounting and Finance - top 5 in Scotland
- Business, Management and Marketing - top 5 in Scotland
- Criminology - 1st in Scotland, top 10 in the UK
- Economics - 2nd in Scotland, top 10 in the UK
- Education - 2nd in Scotland, top 10 in the UK
- English and Creative Writing - top 5 in Scotland
- Geography and Environmental Studies - top 5 in Scotland
- Journalism, Publishing and Public Relations - 2nd in Scotland
- Media and Film Studies - 3rd in Scotland
- Modern Languages and Linguistics - top 5 in Scotland
- Nursing and Midwifery - top 5 in Scotland
- Philosophy - top 5 in Scotland
- Social Work - top 5 in Scotland
- Sociology - 3rd in Scotland
- Sports Science - top 5 in Scotland
QS World University Rankings 2020
As part of the QS World University Rankings 2020, the University of Stirling has been awarded 5 stars in the following areas:
Teaching
Employability
Internationalisation
Facilities
Inclusiveness
The Complete University Guide 2020
- Accounting and Finance – top 20 in the UK
- Communication and Media Studies – 2nd in Scotland, top 15 in the UK
- Education – 3rd in Scotland and the UK
- English – top 5 in Scotland
- French – 3rd in Scotland and top 20 in the UK
- Geography and Environmental Science – 3rd in Scotland and top 20 in the UK
- Iberian Languages – top 5 in Scotland and top 20 in the UK
- Marketing – 2nd in Scotland and top 10 in the UK
- Nursing – top 5 in Scotland
- Social Policy – top 5 in Scotland and top 15 in the UK
- Social Work – 2nd in Scotland and 3rd in the UK
- Sociology – 3rd in Scotland and top 20 in the UK
- Sports Science – top 5 in Scotland and top 20 in the UK
Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020
- Sports University of the Year 2020
- Social Work - 1st in Scotland and in the UK
- Criminology - 1st in Scotland, top 15 in the UK
- Communication & Media - 2nd in Scotland, top 15 in the UK
- French - 3rd in Scotland, top 20 in the UK
- Politics - 3rd in Scotland, top 20 in the UK
- Education - top 5 in Scotland, top 10 in the UK
- Business Studies - top 5 in Scotland, top 20 in the UK
- Economics - top 5 in Scotland, top 20 in the UK
- Iberian Languages - top 5 in Scotland, top 20 in the UK
- Sociology - top 5 in Scotland, top 20 in the UK
- Sports Science - top 5 in Scotland, top 20 in the UK
- Accounting and Finance - top 5 in Scotland
- English - top 5 in Scotland
- Geography - top 5 in Scotland
- Philosophy - top 5 in Scotland
- Psychology - top 5 in Scotland
- Social Policy - top 5 in Scotland
