Glasgow Caledonian University

Enabling student impact at Glasgow Caledonian University

At Glasgow Caledonian University, our commitment to the Common Good – the use of our skills and expertise to benefit society - underpins everything we do. As part of this we seek to enable our students to create positive impact while at university through a combination of two student awards. 

The University’s Magnusson Award and Common Good Award are two unique opportunities open to our students annually that drive powerful and multi-layered social impact. The awards not only have a positive influence on the students themselves, but in turn they have a domino effect, leaving a lasting benefit and legacy in the communities our students work in. 

Established in 2007 in honour of our late Chancellor, Magnus Magnusson KBE, the Magnusson Awards provide Glasgow Caledonian students with the opportunity to receive up to £5,000 funding to support their dreams and ambitions.

The Common Good Award is a skills and personal development award which aims to encourage, support and reward students who are engaged in co and extra-curricular activity aligned to the Common Good. 

What the Judges Thought

A wide reaching initiative impacting societies across the globe - providing students with the opportunity of innovating and delivering a breadth of social impact projects. Really great example of inspiring learners, allowing them autonomy, and the domino effect that the project can have on societies across the globe. Success begets success, and the availability of this project will undoubtedly attract students with the 'common good' in mind, leading to even more impact.

What it Means to Win

"Glasgow Caledonian University makes a positive impact on the communities we serve through our education and research. We transform our students lives and in turn support them to transform lives and benefit society. We are delighted we have won this Award, and are very proud of our brilliant students and staff." 

Professor Stephen Decent, Principal and Vice-Chancellor

Top 3 Learnings

1. Changing the life of one person, can in turn change many other lives.
2. Access to opportunities and experiences can significantly boost the confidence and raise students future aspirations.
3. Common Good attributes are strongly valued by employers who recognise we all need to contribute to a fairer, more sustainable society.