Study at Glasgow School of Art | Scotland Study Abroad Programs

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Glasgow School of Art

Required GPA: 3.0 (4.0 scale)
Application deadlines: March 15 for fall or full year; October 1 for spring
Program advisor: Laura Wallman

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Program Snapshot

Hallo agus fàilte! We’re so excited that you’re preparing to study abroad on an IFSA-Butler program and have chosen the Glasgow School of Art as your destination. Glasgow is a vibrant city with great arts and entertainment, and lots of friendly faces. We’re sure you’re going to love studying there!

What the Glasgow School of Art has to offer

Leading-edge art study in an inspiring city
Recognized for its international role in educating artists, designers and architects
Located in the iconic Mackintosh Building, considered the masterwork of graduate Charles Rennie Mackintosh
Programs in fine art, design and architecture
Each department is fully equipped with studios and workshops
An active students association offers clubs and societies for social, cultural and athletic interests, including an innovative Drama Club and Film Society
An annual fashion show that all students can work on

Housing

Housing is in student residences less than five minutes from campus with individual rooms and shared living areas and cooking facilities
Students who cannot be placed in student residence accommodation live in non-GSA-operated housing or in University of Glasgow halls of residence
Students in all housing purchase or prepare their own meals

Academics

Students acquire artistic skills, develop vision and imagination and learn communication skills
Students spend 30 to 35 hours a week in the studio working on independent projects under faculty supervision
Students in both fine arts and design enroll in the studio program and one historical and critical studies class per term
Studies in architecture are based on studio work and are strongly biased toward design

We look forward to working with you! You can learn more about the Glasgow School of Art by visiting their website.

Academics

Academic Structure

The way the Glasgow School of Art instructs students is probably very different than what you are accustomed to at your U.S. University. It is important that you understand these differences before filling out the school/department preference form.

Academic differences
Most U.S. students who apply to the Glasgow School of Art are at liberal arts universities rather than art schools and are typically accustomed to lecture environments and technique instructions from art professors. As a studio art school, Glasgow School of Art is based on a tutorial system, which is generally unfamiliar and confusing to U.S. students.

U.S. students who find themselves accepted in second and third-year levels of study can be a bit lost. By the second and third year, Glasgow School of Art expects students to have already learned basic techniques and theories. At this level, students are expected to work independently and in groups on assignments that are often very broad and allow for much creativity, imagination and self-direction. Guidance from instructors is always available, but students must go to initiate contact with their advisors at the GSA. Students will also greatly benefit from group critiques and discussions of their work. If the idea of spending most of your time working independently on projects with little direct supervision appeals to you, then the GSA will be an excellent fit!

Aside from independent studio work, students can expect the following learning methods while at the GSA:

Lectures
One-to-one tutorials
Seminars
Presentations
Studio-based projects
Project briefing
Discussion groups
Practical workshops
Demonstrations
Critical writing
Screenings
Work-based learning
Practice-based learning

What is the Scottish educational system like?
Students in the Scottish educational system study at university for three years. Students in the U.K. begin studying their major subject or medium at age 16 and have extensive knowledge of their area by the time they enter the university system. All students at the Glasgow School of Art, regardless of their year or department, are thus expected to possess a significant level of skill and knowledge in art, even during the first year of study. Students who come to the GSA from a traditional U.S. college or university must adjust to being in a traditional art school where academics are very different.

Academic life at the Glasgow School of Art
Centrally located in the city of Glasgow, the Glasgow School of Art offers three different schools: The School of Fine Art, the School of Design & Craft and the Rennie Mackintosh School of Architecture. First-year students spend their time following a general program in the department of first-year studies. This enables students to confirm or revise their choices of specialization for the following three years. Students at the Glasgow School of Art do not choose courses or seminars; rather, every school and department has a set syllabus for each of the three years of specialization.

Will I take classes at the Glasgow School of Art?
The short answer to this question is ‘not really.’ Students at the Glasgow School of Art do not choose courses or seminars; rather, every school and department has a set syllabus for each of the three years of specialization following the first year of general studies. You will be admitted to a specific school and department, and are expected to undertake the projects that are assigned for that year or semester of study at the GSA.

If I don’t take classes at the GSA, then how are grades assigned?
All work is project-based, and each project is assessed individually. Students are awarded U.S. semester credit hours based on time spent working on each project that is part of that semester/year’s syllabus.

What year of study should I apply for at the GSA?
The staff at the Glasgow School of Art will review your application and portfolio and assign you to a year of study. Most IFSA-Butler students are admitted into year two studies at the Glasgow School of Art. Students who demonstrate extensive background in their chosen medium may be admitted into year three studies.

If you have never attended an art school, or if you do not have at least two or three years of experience in your department of choice, you may want to consider applying for first year studies at the Glasgow School of Art. Although the first-year program is a general course of study focusing on a wide range of issues and concepts in art, students will have the opportunity to work on studio projects in a variety of areas. Furthermore, it should be noted that first-year studies at the Glasgow School of Art are not beginners’ courses. U.S. students must keep in mind that students in the U.K. began studying their major subject or medium when they were 16 years old and have extensive knowledge of their area before entering the university.

What does it take to succeed at the Glasgow School of Art?
Independence and flexibility are two of the most important characteristics U.S. students must have in order to successfully study at the Glasgow School of Art. Students must be willing to substitute the frequent assessments usually found at U.S. universities for a less structured and more self-directed environment. Students who attend the Glasgow School of Art should expect to spend 25 to 35 hours a week working in a studio with little direct supervision. Applicants should also have taken at least three college-level art courses before applying to the Glasgow School of Art.

Courses

Where can I find a list of courses that the university offers?
You can find the Glasgow School of Art's online course catalog here.

Course descriptions give you an overview of the degree programs offered at the Glasgow School of Art. Traditional “classes” are not offered at the Glasgow School of Art. You will enroll in a specific year of study (1-4) in a department within one of the three schools at the Glasgow School of Art. You’ll then follow a set syllabus of projects that are assigned to students in that year of study. To learn more about what is taught in each year of study in the various departments at the Glasgow School of Art, click on one of the many different degrees offered by the school (i.e. BA (hons) Design Textiles), then click on “Course Information” on the left side of the page that opens.
Please also review the “Departmental Information” section in the "Course Form and Portfolio Instructions" tab for more specific information.

What if I need to take a required course?
Please be aware that IFSA-Butler cannot guarantee that your host university will offer a particular course, or that you will be allowed to take that particular course. However, if you need to take a required course, you may indicate that it is required on your course preference form. Your IFSA-Butler program advisor will communicate your needs to your host university.

What courses am I eligible to take?
As an IFSA-Butler student, you are entitled to enroll in undergraduate courses for which you are qualified and in which space is available. Course descriptions in the online course catalog (see above) include prerequisites you must fulfill in order to enroll in each course.

Credits

How many courses am I able to take, and how do I determine U.S. semester credit hours?
IFSA-Butler requires students to enroll in a full course load at the host institution. The number of courses you take depends on the credit value of the courses you select.

At the Glasgow School of Art, a full course load is 12–15 U.S. semester credit hours for the fall term, 15–18 U.S. semester credit hours for the two-term spring semester, and approximately 30 U.S. semester credit hours for the year.

Registration

The course preference form is not a registration form; it is a guideline to let your host university know which courses you are interested in taking abroad. You should discuss your course selections with your academic advisor at your home institution and have several backup choices in mind. Accepted students will receive their provisional schedule shortly after an admissions decision is made. This schedule will be based on the courses listed on the course preference form.

What are the registration conditions?
You must take a full Glasgow School of Art course load as determined by IFSA-Butler. Credit will be awarded on a Butler University transcript based on a typical U.S. full course load. All courses are graded on an A-F scale, and there is no provision for pass/fail or auditing courses unless pass/fail is the only method of assessment for the course. You are not allowed to register for online, distance education or hybrid courses.

You should also be aware that you may be charged additional fees by your home institution or host university to take or process additional credits. Taking less than a full course load may jeopardize your student status and result in personal academic repercussions and/or loss of financial aid.

Exams

What do I need to know about exams?
Because of the differences in the academic systems, you will not know your exam schedule until after you arrive at your host university. Please refer to your program calendar to review the exam period for your host university. Your host university's policies do not permit you to reschedule any exams, request alternate assessments or arrange to have your exams proctored in the United States. If this occurs, IFSA-Butler cannot assist you in conducting a grade query or academic follow-up for the course in which you made this arrangement. You will need to complete and submit all academic work prior to departing the program.

Transcripts

How will my home university know what my classes were and what grades I received?
After you have returned to the U.S., your home university will receive a Butler University transcript with the credit you earned at the University of Stirling. The Butler University transcript will report the equivalent U.S. semester credit hours and letter grades. We also will send an official transcript to your permanent address.

Course Form Guidelines

Instructions for completing the School/Department preference form
Students are required to choose one school and follow the assigned projects for that semester or year of study in a specific department within that school. The schools are:

School of Fine Art
School of Design & Craft
Rennie Mackintosh School of Architecture

If you are applying to the School of Design & Craft or the School of Fine Art, a department must also be selected. The departments are:

School of Fine Art

Environmental Art
Painting and Printmaking
Photography
Sculpture

School of Design & Craft

Interior Design
Silversmithing and Jewelry
Textiles
Visual Communications - choose one of the following:Graphic Design - Illustration - Photography

*Departments not listed here are not available to study abroad students

Departmental Information
Remember that you must have a significant background in the subject area you wish to study while at the Glasgow School of Art. The specific department information and learning objectives for each department can be found on the Glasgow School of Art website. It is strongly recommended that you look through the information provided on the web pages to fully understand what you will be studying while at the Glasgow School of Art.

School of Design & Craft
School of Fine Art
School of Architecture

I am required to take Forum for Critical Inquiry while at the GSA. What is it?
Students are required to take a Forum for Critical Inquiry class. Glasgow School of Art students typically devote four days a week to studio or workshop practice (typically 9a.m. to 5p.m., Monday—Thursday) and one day (Friday) to a course in Forum for Critical Inquiry. Each school and department has a Forum for Critical Inquiry syllabus that reflects the material methods and technology of the subject, as well as the knowledge, expertise and creative interests of the tutors. Here are some titles of Forum for Critical Inquiry courses that were offered in the past:

Performance Art
Restless Natives: Scottish Art 1970-Now
Screening Gender
Brushes with Literature
Artists & Designers in Education
Artists' Films
Cinema by Design
The Fashion System

Though these specific courses may not be offered while you are abroad, this list should give you a general idea of the many directions a Forum for Critical Inquiry course can take!

When is the application deadline?
Once your application is complete, we will submit it to the Glasgow School of Art for an admissions decision. The Glasgow School of Art does not operate on a rolling admissions model.This means that you may have a long wait for an admissions decision. Their application due dates and admissions decision release dates are as follows:

Application Term                                             Fall/Year                             Spring
Applications due at IFSA-Butler                     March 15                            October 1
Admissions decisions issued                      Late May to early June     November

Housing

Housing Options

What are my housing options?
The following housing options are available during your semester or year abroad.

Glasgow School of Art students are housed at the Margaret Macdonald House. This hall of residence accommodates 116 students in self-contained, dorm-style flats. Each flat has single study bedrooms with en-suite facilities (your own bathroom), a communal kitchen and a living area. Margaret Macdonald is within a five-minute walk to the buildings of the Glasgow School of Art. The individual flats are largely self-regulating, and each resident is responsible for participating in the management of the day-to-day issues that arise in their individual flat and the larger community. Cooperation with and consideration for fellow residents is expected.
When housing is not available at the Margaret Macdonald House, students have been housed in student accommodations operated by the University of Glasgow. This rarely happens, but applicants should be aware of the possibility. The University of Glasgow housing is located throughout the city of Glasgow, thus commuting to class may be necessary.
Margaret Macdonald House provides students with pillows and duvets; students are responsible for providing other linens, including duvet covers and pillowcases.

Meals

Meals are self-catered on the Glasgow School of Art program. There are no meal plans available.

Housing FAQs

Is my housing included in the program fee?
Yes. Your program fee includes accommodation at the university while classes are in session. You will be responsible for the cost of your meals (whether a meal plan or self-catered) and any commuting costs you may incur. Some university housing requires students to move out during winter and spring breaks. If you wish to remain in residence during the vacation period(s), you must notify the university housing office upon arrival to make necessary arrangements. Staying in residence during university breaks may incur additional costs not covered by the IFSA-Butler program fee.

When will I receive my housing assignment?
You will most likely receive your housing assignment one to two weeks before your departure. However, in some cases you may not receive your housing assignment until you arrive in Scotland for orientation. Your program advisor will notify you of your housing assignment via e-mail when it is released by the university.

Please keep in mind that while IFSA-Butler guarantees housing, we cannot guarantee your preferences.

Do I have to pay a housing deposit?
Yes. IFSA-Butler requires a refundable housing deposit of $300 before going abroad. We will return this deposit to you after March 1 for fall programs or September 1 for spring and year programs, less any fines, damages or outstanding debts in your name.

Can I arrange my own housing?
Yes. IFSA-Butler recognizes that some students require independent housing for their time abroad. If you choose not to take advantage of our guaranteed housing, you may sign up for independent housing on the housing preference form. Once you've made this choice, we will not provide housing for you or bill you for the accommodation fee.

Please be advised that housing costs can be high abroad, and many times students living independently end up spending more money than students living in IFSA-Butler arranged housing. If you are hoping to save money by arranging housing on your own, please research your options early so you can compare costs. You must notify us of your intention to live in independent housing by December 1 for spring and semester 1 programs or by May 1 for fall and semester 2 programs. We are not able to accommodate independent housing requests after these dates.

Location Info

Population: 650,000
Location: Clyde Valley, in western Scotland

City features

An energetic and hip atmosphere, center of the Scottish cultural renaissance
A stellar arts scene and home to the national Scottish companies of ballet, opera, orchestra and chorus
Offers two repertory theatres, the Glasgow Film Theatre, galleries and museums
Nightlife that ranks among the best in Scotland
Selected to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games, the world's second largest sporting event

Do more!

Head just outside the city to beautiful areas for camping, hiking and backpacking
Travel north into the beautiful Scottish Highlands
Catch a train to Edinburgh (one hour) or London (six hours)

Links
See Glasgow
Visit Glasgow
Glasgow A to Z
Scottish Highlands
Welcome to Glasgow
Glasgow News

Dates & Fees

Glasgow School of Art Dates

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* Independent travelers must arrive at the orientation accommodation in Edinburgh by 3 p.m. on the day marked “Mandatory Scotland arrival.” Students will receive orientation accommodation details and directions in the travel newsletter.

** Students studying on the Glasgow School of Art in Term 1 will be taught in classes and have access to tutors until Friday, November 22. Students who wish to remain in Glasgow after the term officially ends will still have access to your houseing, the library, and the fine art and archtecture studios and workshops until December 13. Please note that access to studios and workshops will be not available to School of Design students after November 22.

Your program end date may change due to circumstances beyond IFSA-Butler's control. Upon arrival at your host university, be sure to verify your exam schedule and program end date. We also strongly recommend that you investigate fees and penalties associated with your airline tickets in case you need to make date or route changes.

Exams must be taken where and when scheduled. Under no circumstances may students request that an exam time be changed. In Scotland, exams are taken under formal examination conditions and changes cannot be made for individuals.

Glasgow School of Art Fees

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What's included in our Scotland program fees
Expense calculator

Academic Year and Fall Payments Due: July 1
Spring Payment Due: November 15

Program Fee Bills
IFSA-Butler will send a single bill for the entire program fee, which includes tuition, services and housing. Students who opt for independent housing will not be charged the housing component of the program fee.

Housing
The housing component of our program fee is based on the average cost of local student self-catering accommodation, usually a shared room in a regular dormitory, apartment or house without any extra features.

† Housing Deposit
This program requires a housing deposit of $300. This payment is in addition to the program fee but is due on the same date. The deposit is held separately from the program fee and should be paid separately. The deposit is refunded to the student after the program, less any damages, fines or outstanding debts in the student’s name.

Personal Cost Estimates

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Expense calculator

These figures are designed to assist students with financial planning but are only estimates based on past students’ experiences at the current exchange rate. They do not include any entertainment or vacation travel costs.

The above numbers are general estimates of expenses during a program abroad. We recommend taking into account your current spending habits, the cost of living in your host country and the current exchange rate. Your IFSA-Butler program advisor can be helpful as you attempt to work on a personal budget for your experience abroad.

*Student Visa: U.S. citizens studying in the U.K. for less than six months (180 days) do not need to apply for a visa, but can instead enter the country as a student visitor at no cost. Student visitors are allowed to remain in the U.K. for up to six months but are not allowed to undertake any paid work or unpaid volunteer activities. Citizens of some countries may be required to obtain a student visa. If this applies to you, your IFSA-Butler program advisor will notify you. Detailed instructions regarding U.K. visas will be sent to all students upon acceptance.

Personal Miscellaneous: Covers general expenses of college life, including course supplies, photocopying, toiletries, snacks, personal care, etc.

All costs are in U.S. dollars.

Forms

To apply to the Glasgow School of Art program, use our easy online application.

Applicants to the Glasgow School of Art must complete five additional forms as part of the application process:

We must receive these forms before we can send your application to the Glasgow School of Art for an admissions decision. They can be sent to IFSA-Butler via email, fax or regular mail. Please submit these forms with the remainder of your program application.

If you have already started an application to the Glasgow School of Art program, you can check the status of your application using the Student Portal.

Meet Your IFSA-Butler Team

IFSA-Butler has a dedicated team of staff who are here to help students prepare for their program in Scotland:

alt Senior Program Advisor Laura Wallman assists with the application process and is here to answer program, cultural, and academic questions before departure. Laura can be reached at the email link above or at 800-858-0229, ext. 4224. Laura studied abroad in both high school and college and has been with the Institute for Study Abroad for the past five years. She currently acts as a senior program advisor for English-speaking programs and focuses on advising students studying in the United Kingdom and Australia.

alt Student Accounts Coordinator Angelita Shaffer assists with the financial side of study abroad and processes payments and invoices. Angelita can be reached at the email link above or at 317-940-4221.

alt Student & Parent Services Manager Donnetta Spears is available to both students and parents for travel questions and information. Donnetta has worked with IFSA-Butler since 2000, and she has traveled through parts of Europe, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand. As the mother of four college students (including one who studied abroad on an IFSA-Butler program), she has a deep understanding of the ins-and-outs of study abroad from a parent perspective. Donnetta can be reached at the email link above or at 317-940-4252.

Once abroad, our students are in the capable hands of our on-site office in Edinburgh. Click here to read more about Resident Director Ruth Casey.

alt Upon return from your study abroad program, Academic Affairs Coordinator Paige Ward processes your Butler University transcript and assists with any academic record queries. Paige graduated from Butler University, and she studied abroad for a semester in Paris, Belfast, London and the English Lake District. Studying abroad for Paige was an eye-opening and knowledge-gaining experience, and she is excited to work with students who are looking for the same. Paige can be reached at the email link above or at 800-858-0229 ext. 4254.

Get Connected

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Connect with IFSA-Butler Students

If you really want to know what it's like to study abroad, connect with IFSA-Butler alumni and students who are currently abroad on an IFSA-Butler program. Check out the following: