The Royal College of Science and Technology was a higher education college that existed in Glasgow, Scotland between 1887 and 1964. Tracing its history back to the Andersonian Institute (founded in 1796), it is the direct predecessor institution of the University of Strathclyde (along with the Scottish College of Commerce). Its main building on George Street now serves as one of the major academic and administration buildings of the University of Strathclyde.
History
Originally the "Glasgow and West of Scotland Technical College", The Royal College of Science and Technology was formed in 1887. Glasgow and West of Scotland Technical College'was formed through the amalgamation of Anderson's Institute, the College of Science and Arts, Allan Glen's Institution, the Young Chair of Technical Chemistry and Atkinson's Institution. In the case of Anderson's Institute, the history of the college could be traced back to 1796. Because of the ever-increasing number of students attending the college, larger premises became necessary. Work to expand the Glasgow and West of Scotland Technical College building began in 1903, taking nine years to complete. At that time, it was the largest single educational complex in Europe.
After seeking permission from King George V in 1912 the College changed its name to the Royal Technical College. In 1956 there was another change of name for the College and it became the Royal College of Science and Technology.
thumb|left|250px|The McCance Building and Livingstone Tower were completed in 1964, just as the College obtained its Royal Charter to become the University of Strathclyde
After plans had been stalled by World War 2, by the 1950s work had resumed on the Royal College's campus to the north of the 1903 building. An extension was added onto the John Street side of the building in 1949 which housed a new swimming pool. St Paul's Church was purchased by the College in 1953 to act as its Chaplaincy, while in 1956 construction began on the new Engineering Block on Montrose Street (subsequently named as the James Weir Building). A new Student's Union was built in 1959 on John Street. The Engineering Block was extended in 1962 along with a new Chemistry Block (later named for the College's famous alumnus Thomas Graham) built on the former site of John Street Ironworks. All four buildings form what is now known as the "Island Site", and have undergone major renovations in recent years. In 1961 the Royal College entered into an agreement with Glasgow Corporation to jointly redevelop the adjacent Richmond Street site which had recently been cleared of its housing and a former church. The development would give the College a new and expanded home for the Andersonian Library as well as new accommodation for its new social sciences departments – this opening as the McCance Building in 1964, while the merged University of Strathclyde would take possession of the entire complex which included the 13-storey Alec House in 1965 which it subsequently renamed the Livingstone Tower.
In 1959, renowned physicist Sir Samuel Curran took up the position of principal of the Royal College of Science and Technology, and following extensive discussions with Sir Keith Murray (chairman of the University Grants Committee), the College was granted full university status in 1964 as the University of Strathclyde. Curran was appointed its first Principal and Vice-Chancellor. This was the first new university in Scotland for 381 years and the first technological university in Britain,