Scotland’s First Minister joins University business partners and students at GCU London

Scotland's First Minister John Swinney met Glasgow Caledonian University's international students, staff and business partners at its London campus overlooking the City today (February 12).

Operating within a mile of one of the financial capitals of the world, GCU London offers a range of Masters programmes with professional practice placements which give its students the chance to study and gain valuable work experience to raise their employability potential.

During the visit, the First Minister toured Glasgow Caledonian's campus in Spitalfields and took part in a roundtable meeting to hear more about the University's professional practice programmes and discuss them with the University's employment partners, students, staff and alumni, before taking part in a photo-opportunity on the campus' roof overlooking the City of London.

First Minister John Swinney said: "Our higher education institutions are vital connections between Scotland and the wider world. They help us to look outwards, while their outstanding global reputation draws students to our country where they form deep attachments and make welcome contributions to our society. That is why I called for the UK Government to work with us on a 'Scottish Graduate Visa' that would allow international students to stay in Scotland for up to two years after their studies.

"In the meantime, we are committed to working with our university partners to build on their global connections through our International Education Strategy, so I very much welcomed the chance to discuss it with students, staff, alumni and employers during my visit to Glasgow Caledonian University's London campus.

"It was also an opportunity to hear about the University's collaboration with industry to ensure graduates have the skills employers need to grow their businesses and meet the challenges and opportunities of the future."

The University's Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Steve Decent was delighted to welcome the First Minister and said: "It's fantastic that the First Minister joined us to hear more about how our Masters professional practice programmes are improving the social and professional capital of our students and supporting the needs of employers.

"A major part of our success in both Glasgow and London is our strong reputation for supporting our students, and providing degrees with a strong vocational nature built on our longstanding partnerships with business and industry."

Glasgow Caledonian is Scotland's largest and leading modern university, was ranked UK Modern University of the Year in 2024, is Scotland's leading provider of Graduate Apprenticeships and has the highest proportion of employed graduates in highly skilled occupations (82%) compared to other Scottish modern universities.

Students from around the world choose GCU London so they can live and learn in a global capital amongst a thriving, diverse and business-focused community.

Photo shows GCU London students meeting Scotland's First Minister on the campus rooftop overlooking the City of London - (left to right) - Mahak Gupta, Wilfred Obi Abdul Haseeb, John Swinney, Verdha Mishel and Tanishka Santosh Chandwadkar.