Queen Margaret College, Glasgow

Association for the Higher Education of Women

University of Glasgow

Queen Margaret College was established in 1883 through the incorporation of the Association for the Higher Education of Women. In 1895 it was incorporated into Glasgow University, following a decision taken by Glasgow University's commissioners in 1892 to open up the University to women. Consequently the College became the Women's Department of the University of Glasgow.

The College was based at North Park House and grounds, which were presented to it by Mrs John Elder. Following the College's incorporation into the University of Glasgow, the building and grounds and a £25,000 endowment was handed over to the University on the understanding that they were kept for the teaching of women only. By 1935, however, separate teaching of women came to an end and the building was sold to BBC Scotland.

In 1883 a curriculum in arts was offered and teaching commenced in 1884. Three students were soon awarded with degrees but these were withheld as the College had no authority to issue them. It was not until the Universities (Scotland) Act 1889 that women were permitted to graduate. Dr Henry Muirhead bequeathed money for the erection and endowment of a medical college for women, but when an agreement could not be settled with the Muirhead Trust, a medical school was attached to Queen Margaret College anyway in 1890. The sessions, class fees and regulations of the College were identical to those of Glasgow University and they even shared some of the same lecturing staff. Although the women were taught separately they took the same degree exams as the male students. Marion Gilchrist graduated with a high commendation in 1894 and was the first woman to receive a degree from Glasgow University.

The College had its own governing body consisting of 12 men and 9 women.

GB 0248 DC 233

List of sources for the administrative information:

Mackie, J.D., The University of Glasgow, 1451-1951: a short history, (Glasgow, Jackson, 1954)

Authority record created according to the National Council on ArchivesRules for the Construction of Personal, Place and Corporate Names (NCA Rules)1997 and International Council on Archives: Ad Hoc Committee on Descriptive StandardsInternational Standard Archival Authority Record for Corporate Bodies, Persons and Families (ISAAR)CPF1995.

Corporate name authority record compiled for the GASHE project by Emily Woolmore, GASHE project archivist, 28 March 2000