Travelling To and Around the GSA Campus
The Glasgow School of Art main campus is spread-out across many buildings, mostly in the Garnethill area of Glasgow which can be geographically challenging. Most footpaths around campus have steep gradients and there are many hills connecting the buildings. Despite its location, we have tried to make as many GSA buildings accessible as possible and are continuing our efforts to develop accessibility on campus.
As the campus is centrally located, with good public transport links, students are generally discouraged from bringing their cars to GSA. However, individuals who hold a Blue Badge can apply for a parking permit to access one of the disabled parking bays, which are offered on a first-come-first-served basis. Please note that you will be required to show evidence of your Blue Badge to Student Support for this to be facilitated. Exceptions may apply in some situations where a Blue Badge cannot be shown. Our disabled parking bays are located at the Stow Building on Shamrock Street.
Disabled students who are UK-domiciled but do not have a car, may be eligible to apply for Disabled Students Allowance for taxi funds for traveling to and from the campus. Our Student Support Team can provide assistance in applying for Disabled Students Allowance.
For further information on the GSA main campus, please see the Glasgow Campus Map
School of Simulation and Visualisation
Courses within the School of Simulation and Visualisation are taught in the Pacific Quay area of Glasgow. There is a bus stop directly outside the Simulation and Visualisation building and transport to and from the main campus area is available by bus and train. Disabled parking bay are also available directly outside the building and can be used by Blue Badge holders.
Highland Campus
Located on the Altyre Estate near Forres, the GSA Highland Campus is easily accessible by car, with adequate parking adjacent. We promote active travel to campus and provide bike and e-bike loans for local commuting to and from student accommodation in Forres. We also provide regular bus transport between the campus and student accommodation. Our Highland campus buildings are wheelchair accessible throughout.
Accessibility Facilities
At Glasgow School of Art, teaching areas can be accessed by either lift or stair lift. Entrances to some buildings have automatic doors, and ramps however there are buildings that still require adjustment.
Accessible toilet facilities are available in all the main teaching and service buildings on campus.
Accommodations such as specific studio spaces or access to quiet rooms, can be granted on request.
An accessibility audit was completed in 2021, which will be informing our 10-year Estates plan.
Support for Deaf Students
Some lecture theatres and reception areas within the Glasgow School of Art campus have a hearing loop system. Where required, an Electronic Notetaker can be arranged to support Deaf students in learning situations.
Contact Scotland BSL is a video relay service, providing instant British Sign Language (BSL) video interpreting for all calls to Scotland.
Contact Scotland BSL is funded by The Scottish Government to enable full access to make calls 24 hours, 7 days a week in British Sign Language.
This service is for any Deaf person to make free calls to any Scottish services. They can also call family, friends, businesses, or services anywhere in the UK. Services etc, can also call back the Deaf person if they are registered with Contact Scotland BSL.
If you are a Deaf, you can use Contact Scotland BSL on a computer, smartphone or tablet. If you are using a PC or Mac, you can visit Contact Scotland BSL web through the website: service.signvideo.uk/contactscotland or you can download the free Contact Scotland BSL app via smartphone or tablet.
Student Support
Before you begin your studies at the Glasgow School of Art, it is important that you discuss your support needs (if any) with our Student Support Team, so that we can begin putting reasonable adjustments in place for you and supporting you in applying for Disabled Students Allowance (if applicable).
You may also benefit from a pre-entry visit. These visits are separate from Offer Holder Days and Open Days, and give you an opportunity to see how our facilities, studios, accommodation, and the local area work for you.
If you are concerned about accessibility and want to begin discussing your support needs with our Student Support Team, or to arrange a pre-entry visit, please email the Student Support Administrator Jemma Cairns (J.Cairns@gsa.ac.uk) or call our Student Support Hub on +44 (0) 141 353 4787.
A lot can be done to put support in place before you commence your studies, so get in touch as soon as you can and we can begin tailoring your experience around your needs.
At Glasgow School of Art we are committed to continuously developing our accessibility practices and ensuring these are inclusive. We, therefore, welcome feedback on your experience of visiting or studying on campus.
