HM Forces

Why choose GCU?

The skills you have gained during your time in service are in demand across many of the industries that look for graduates from this University. At Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU), we can maximise your potential and help you lead a prosperous life after HM Forces.

Those who have served and become our valued students come from all ranks, all services and with a range of experiences. Our Common Good core values of Integrity, Creativity, Responsibility and Confidence, which are embedded in our curriculum, are a perfect fit with the existing skillsets of veterans.

HM Forces Learning Partnership

Our HM Forces Learning Partnership is designed specifically for military personnel looking to advance their career or change direction. We were one of the first Universities to sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant; a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the military and their families are treated fairly. We are also holders of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme's (ERS) gold award, which recognises organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community.

Transferrable skills

Your time in service has given you a range of valuable skills including leadership, decision making, commitment, teamwork, integrity, discipline and courage. You have the potential to apply these to education and move forward with quality, professional employment.

Funding your studies

We can help you to find a flexible pathway into education and employment. We offer a choice of straightforward funding options and opportunities to meet other ex-forces students here at our Glasgow campus.

Enhanced Learning Credit Scheme (ELC)

GCU is an approved provider of the MOD’s Enhanced Learning Credit Scheme (ELC) and is registered with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP). This means you can use ELC funding to pay for or put towards the cost of your course. Furthermore, our student funding team provides funding and budgeting advice, as well as practical help both before you start university and during your studies.

Ministry of Defence (MoD) funding

Service Leavers Scheme pays the tuition fees for ex-service personnel who have not studied higher education before, and the Armed Forces Bereavement Scheme provides university scholarships for children of those killed in the line of duty.

SFC funding and GCU scholarships

Students from Scotland and the EU are eligible for Scottish Funding Council (SFC) funding. In addition we offer a number of scholarships.

Benefit from your experience

When you apply to study here at GCU, you will be invited to make a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) claim.

RPL gives you the opportunity to gain recognition for all of your previous learning. This can include learning which has already been assessed and credit rated at a university or college, or other learning and training provider (credit transfer). It also includes learning gained through life or work experiences (Recognition of Prior informal Learning/RPIL) such as:

• Work (paid or unpaid employment, job training, workshops)
• Community, voluntary or leisure activities
• Family life (caring, domestic organisation)
• Key life experiences and events.

This will ensure that you are studying at the right level and that you gain the credit you deserve. This could allow us to recommend a different level of study or advanced entry into your programme of choice.

Contact our HM Forces Champion

Jim Castle

Our HM Forces Champion, Jim Castle, is here to help with your transition from service into civilian life. He has helped with course selection and how to apply, finding the right entry points, general advice on university life, and when you are here, a point of contact who you can talk to and seek guidance from. For any queries now or in the future:

Contact: james.castle@gcu.ac.uk

or +44 0 101 331 3062