Welcome to our pitches page, where our editors carefully curate article ideas for you to write about. If you’re interested in writing any of these, please email libraries@guu.co.uk with the pitch you want to take, and we’ll forward it on to our editors who will work with you to help you produce an article.
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Editor: Dan Brophy
My Experience as a Kneecap Fan in Glasgow: A misunderstood radical community (700)
Kneecap has performed a fair bit in Glasgow recently, and there is certainly a big community who support them in the city. It’s fair to say that the issues they rap about converge historically with many things incredibly relevant to Glasgow and Scotland, past and present. As a Kneecap fan based in Glasgow, tell us what the band mean to you in the current political context, tell us how this relates to Glasgow, Glaswegians, British History, and the idea of culture and community in the city
How to join a band at UofG (700words)
It’s in the name. A road map to joining a band at UofG e.g., where to go, who to meet, where to practice, how to gig, which shops to go to, how to get it all started and make a good experience out of it?
John Akomfrah - Mimesis: African soldier- Art over time (700)
GoMA's current main gallery exhibition is John Akomfrah’s Mimesis: African Soldier, a film installation shown across three screens. The thing about GoMA’s main exhibition is that it’s there for months, almost a year, pretty much the entire academic year. When I lived near GoMA, I used to visit almost every day, just to pop in for 5 minutes and stare at the main exhibit. How does our perception of art change as we see it everyday? What does the relationship mean and how does it develop and grow? How do we see things differently and how is this affected by our everyday lives, ups and downs, and the changing seasons?
A review: the buskers of Buchanan St. (700)
Something undeniably iconic/chaotic/charming about Buchanan St. is its buskers. We may not have a Selfridges, but Oxford St. doesn’t have Glasgow’s Buskers. And there are a few notable faces, there day or night, rain or shine. Explore a bit. Get to know the Buskers. Shine a light and profile some of the unsung heroes of Glasgow’s cultural capital.
[PITCH TAKEN] An ode to Cineworld (1000)
it’s like Glasgow’s very own Empire State. At my time at Glasgow, I’ve had so many fun experiences here. I know there’s GFT and the Grovenor, which are cool and indie and really good and deserve our support and attention. But I can’t help thinking that Cineworld deserves its flowers. In a rainy day this place just hits different, and there’s always something to see, cos it’s bloody massive. I’m looking for a piece where personal experience converges with informative prose about this amazing place, the deals on offer, the times to be had, the cultural significance to Glasgow etc
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Editor: Amelia Yasin
The lost city of Grahamston: (700)
Long buried beneath Glasgow Central Station lies Grahamston — a once-thriving neighbourhood erased. This feature dives into the forgotten history of Grahamston: who lived there, what was lost, and what still remains under the tracks. Through archival research, maybe an interview? and the remnants still visible on Central Station tours, we’ll uncover the story of a city within a city — and ask what it means to pave over a community in the name of development.
The 100 years of Barras market: (700)
For over a century, the Barras Market has stood as a beating heart of Glasgow’s East End — a place where deals are made, and generations gather. This feature will trace the rich 100-year history of the Barras, from its working-class roots and the legendary Maggie McIver to its present-day reinventions as a cultural and creative hub. Explore how the market has survived war, economic downturns, and gentrification — and why it remains one of Glasgow’s most iconic, resilient, and authentic spaces.
Becoming the Fintech powerhouse: (500)
Glasgow is quietly emerging as one of the UK’s leading FinTech hubs, as startups thrive alongside global firms. With major players like JP Morgan expanding operations and a new wave of tech-driven financial companies choosing Glasgow as home, this piece will explore why the city is becoming a magnet for FinTech talent. Investigate how Glasgow’s mix of skilled graduates, government backing, and lower operational costs is transforming its economic future, and what that means for students hoping to break into finance, tech, or both.
The UNESCO City of Music- the true economic cost of being one (700)
Glasgow is the UK’s largest music economy outside London. Live music here isn’t just culture – it’s big business. The sector generates hundreds of millions annually, sustains thousands of jobs, and drives tourism and the night-time economy.Venues like the Barrowlands, King Tut’s, and the Hydro put Glasgow on the global stage. With over 130 live events a week, music is woven into the city’s fabric – socially and economically. UNESCO status wouldn’t just be symbolic. It would recognise music as essential infrastructure – and Glasgow as a global leader in it.
The pressure of Glasgow’s Public Servants (700)
Glasgow has borne the brunt of over a decade of austerity. Cuts to local government budgets have left libraries shuttered, social care overstretched, and community centres on the brink. While national governments debate figures, the impact is felt in queues for mental health support, overworked council staff, and crumbling public buildings.This piece exposes how a working-class city is being slowly hollowed out — and asks whether Glasgow can afford any more political complacency.
Margaret Calvert and British Industrial Design (700)
You may not know it, but you interact with something designed by Margaret Calvert, and her business partner, Jock Kinnier. Road signs, signage at railway stations, even the yellow-on-black airport signage systems that are ubiquitous today. Her impact on the course of industrial and graphic design simply cannot be overstated. Do some research into Calvert and her work, and how it has impacted Britain and Glasgow. Try and get an interview, gold star if you do.
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Editor: Rosalind Herbert
Chips, Cheese & Doner, We’re on it ‘Til the ‘Morra (700)
A piece on the significance of a kebab after a night out, whether you’re headed to 727 to scowl at the £5 card minimum or Blue Lagoon after stumbling out of a club, what does your post-pub scran mean to you? More importantly, what do you think this greasy ritual says about modern nightlife in Glasgow and beyond. Finally, tell us your chip shop and order of choice, salt and vinegar on that?
To Flee or Not to Flee: Should UofG Students Get out of the West End? (700)
We can’t deny that it’s super useful to hang about Hillhead: the University Campus, the abundance of coffee shops and lunch spots and a decent amount of nightlife to survive off of. But should students get out of the posh West End bubble? Especially students who aren’t Glasgow natives? Glasgow undeniably has lots to offer, so should non-Glaswegian students make an effort to venture south of the Clyde and really appreciate the whole of Glasgow, not just the privilege of the West End? Give us your thoughts, and if you’re well acquainted with the non-student side of Glasgow, give us some recommendations for places to check out to respect more of the city.
Creative piece on study spots (500)
A short, creative writing piece on study spots at UofG, what do they say about the people who study there? Looking for linguistically beautiful prose and informed commentary.
Pasta: check, Fajitas: check, Toast and Soup: check… Now What? (750)
Cooking for yourself at uni can get repetitive as we all know, so let’s share some new recipes. Submit your easy and cheap recipes for a collaborative piece showcasing some of Glasgow’s most weird and wonderful student meals. Please keep recipes under about 75 words: just a brief outline of ingredients and method. Submissions can be anything from a masterful example of student cuisine to the type of meal you’re embarrassed to tell your friends you’ve invented. Note: meal submissions can be anonymous or credited (let us know which you’d prefer) but please note your meals will be published alongside other students’.
The Horror of Halls (500)
An advice piece to first year students living in halls for the first time. What to do when you have a terrible flatmate? How to deal with the fomo of every other flat seemingly having parties every night? How do you personalise your room on a student budget? Uplifting piece that still takes into account the sometimes non-ideal aspects of student halls.
Union Beverage Critic (500)
Assemble a group of friends, spend a week circling the union bars (both GUU and QMU) to try and find out where to drink the cream of the crop: where do you get the best Guinness? The best lager? The best Pint of Fun? Don’t forget to include Hive in the ratings! If you’re particularly of a mind, assemble a table or ranking system, perhaps a diary: where have you been, what did you have, how was it?
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Editor: Charlotte McFadzean
Whats in the name? (700 words)
Informative piece related to the often forgotten characters who founded many of the beloved clubs/societies and buildings at UofG. Adam Smith might be world famous but how have the less famous characters impacted the university. Find any unique characters and interesting stories about people who have impacted UofG.
GUSA clubs and where to start? (700 words)
GUSA clubs are often intimidating, especially for those not involved in sports before university. An overview of beginner friendly GUSA clubs, interviews and testimonies from club members.
Where to cure the hangover? (500 words)
Even after a long evening, life must go on. This piece will discuss the best food and drinks spots around campus to help on those tough mornings. Talk about places on Byres road, woodlands and options on campus
Cheaper Sports in Glasgow (450 words)
Don’t want to spend £175 on the UofG gym membership but still want to be active? where else can you go? Kelvingrove, Glasgow Life, away from the west end. Discuss the alternatives, including prices and differences from the Stevie gym.
The Commonwealth Games and the West End (500 words)
The Commonwealth Games are coming to Scotstoun (10 minute drive from campus). What will the impact of both the construction and actual event be on Glasgow as a whole. Will this bring more jobs? Better resources and opportunities? Or is it just an inconvenience for locals?