What makes Scottish universities distinctive?

Within the context of the UK, universities in Scotland, and particularly Scotland's ancient universities, offer something distinctive.  This is for historical reasons, as Scotland's separate education and legal systems, along with other distinctive aspects of Scottish life, were preserved when Scotland joined the United Kingdom in 1707.  Under today's system of devolved national government in Scotland, the Scottish Parliament is responsible for education.  Scottish schools follow their own curriculum and have an entirely separate school examination system; Scottish students pay no undergraduate tuition fees at Scottish universities (students from other UK countries studying at Scottish universities do).

Scotland has a highly-respected and long-standing tradition of university education.  Until the early 1800s, England had two universities, Oxford and Cambridge (with the Inns of Court in London providing university-standard education to the legal profession), whilst Scotland had four universities (St Andrews, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen).  In the distant past, students in Scotland tended to enter university at a younger age than in England, and education was available to a wider social group (in England it was limited for hundreds of years to young men from rich families).

Most traditional undergraduate degrees at Scottish universities last for four years (in England typically undergraduate degrees last three years).  Typically, the first two years of undergraduate study at Scottish universities involve a general course, with the third and fourth years involving specialist or 'honours' study.  This system today means that, as in the USA, students apply initially for a general course, and then - subject to completing the first two years successfully - progress to two years of specialist honours (or joint honours) study.

The ancient pedigree of Scotland's most famous universities is an attraction to many students.  St Andrews (founded 1418) and Aberdeen (founded 1495) feature historic buildings which are as atmospheric as those at Oxford and Cambridge, whilst Glasgow (founded 1451) and Edinburgh (founded 1582) are housed in (relatively) more recent historic buildings.  All four 'ancient' Scottish universities are academic institutions older than all save two universities in England and Wales. 

The historic universities of Scotland are situated in some of the most inspiring urban landscapes in Europe.  St Andrews is a small town * dominated by the charming buildings of its university.  Edinburgh's students are educated in the centre of the Scottish capital *, a UNESCO World Heritage site.  Glasgow University's main campus students study in the city's beautiful West End *, the heart of the university centring on the 19th-century main building featured in the picture above.  Aberdeen university is in the Old Town * area of one of Europe's most distinctive small cities, the so-called 'granite city' built in a unique local stone.

Scotland's four ancient universities are complemented by a further 11 universities, most of which are situated in the main centres of population of this small country.

Scottish students studying for undergraduate degrees at Scottish universities pay no tuition fees; students from other nations of the United Kingdom pay tuition fees; students from the EU and EEA pay higher 'international student' fees.

Here's a link to an article reviewing Scotland's universities and nominating a 'top 8' *.

Here's a link to another article, reviewing Edinburgh, Scotland's capital *, as a student city.

This link * takes you to general information about fees and finance at Scottish universities.

a selection of Scotland's best-known universities:

• University of Aberdeen *

One of Scotland's four 'ancient' universities, it was founded in 1495, and remains one of the smaller top-ranking UK universities, with around 15,500 students.  Aberdeen is a small, dynamic city on Scotland's north-east coast, its economy over the past 50 or so years reflecting the fluctuating fortunes of the North Sea oil industry.

• University of Dundee *

Dundee, after Glasgow, was Scotland's second industrial city for many years, famed for a variety of factory-made products.  The post-industrial revival of this small, attractive city has in recent years centred on tourism and services - the V&A Museum in the city is the flagship of the city's renaissance.  The university has over 18,000 students.

• University of Edinburgh * (Russell Group)

In terms of date of foundation, Edinburgh is the 'youngest' of Scotland's four 'ancient' universities, dating back to 1583.  In terms of academic reputation, Edinburgh is one of the top universities in Scotland, and due to this, and to its location in the spectacular centre of Scotland's distinctive, atmospheric capital, attracts a large number of applicants.  With over 41,000 students, it is one of Scotland's largest universities.

• University of Glasgow * (Russell Group)

The University of Glasgow was established in 1451, making it the fourth oldest in the United Kingdom (and in the English-speaking world).   It is a very large community of nearly 43,000 students, and is thus the largest university in Scotland.  Most students study in Glasgow, but the university also offers a handful of courses (Health & Social Policy, Primary Education, Environmental Science and Sustainability) at a (shared) campus in the south-western town of Dumfries, some 76 miles from Glasgow.

• Heriot-Watt University (Edinburgh) *

Heriot-Watt University is Edinburgh's newer university, traditionally excelling in scientific, technical and vocational degrees.  The main campus was established outside the city centre, in the village of Riccarton.  Over 11,000 students study at the Edinburgh campus, but the university has other campuses beyond Edinburgh - in Galashiels in the Scottish Borders, in the Orkney Islands, and in Dubai and Malaysia.

• University of St Andrews *

Given its status as the third-oldest university in the English-speaking world, the University of St Andrews has traditionally been a favourite of applicants seeking something of an 'Oxbridge' experience.  In reality, St Andrews offers a highly distinctive Scottish version of an English-speaking ancient university experience, quite unlike either Oxford or Cambridge - instead a delightful, small-scale university of under 12,000 students, dominating a small town on the coast of the Scottish county of Fife.  St Andrews is one of the UK's top-ranking universities, but (anomalously) is not a member of the Russell Group.

• University of Stirling *

The university of Stirling is a relatively modern establishment, situated in the historic town of Stirling, a place dominated by its spectacular castle and the grandeur of the surrounding countryside. The university educates around 12,000 students, and offers a wide range of degree courses.

• University of Strathclyde, Glasgow *

The University of Strathclyde is Glasgow's newer university (but dating back to 1795), traditionally specialising in technology and science courses, but today a centre of excellence in many areas, educating nearly 26,000 students, and offering a very wide range of degrees.  The university buildings are centred on the eastern quarter of Glasgow's compact city centre.

Photo - West Quadrangle at The University of Glasgow, Scotland.  Photo - Wikimedia Commons.