The University of the West of Scotland

Address and Location

UWS is Scotland's largest modern university and operates across four campuses in the South West of Scotland: in Paisley, Ayr, Hamilton and Dumfries. UWS holds a regional reputation for vocational and postgraduate courses and places an emphasis on making the local communities more successful through inclusive and high quality education.

 

Background and History

Although the university is new, UWS has inherited a rich history from the various institutions that preceded it. The original institution was founded in 1897 and offered vocational courses. By the early 1900's degree level studies were being offered and late in 1992 it was awarded university status. In 2007, the university merged with nearby Bell College to form the largest modern university in Scotland with 18,000 students and took on the name University of the West of Scotland.

Location and Accessibility

UWS has four different campuses each located in a town in the South West of Scotland.Via car: The M25, M6 and then the M74 motorways are the most direct road routes from London to Glasgow.Via train: You can travel directly to Glasgow from London Euston station and from London Kings Cross station. The journey takes between 4 hours 30 minutes and 5 hours 30 minutes. From Glasgow, there are frequent connections to Ayr, Hamilton and Paisley. You can travel from London Euston Station to Dumfries, via Carlisle. The journey takes around 5 hours.Via sea: the UK can be entered via ferries and a train or coach is the best way to travel from the port to Scotland.For further details for each of the campuses please see the university website.  

What's on Offer?

The university offers a range of taught courses (Certificate, Diploma), Bachelor degrees (BA, BAcc, BEng, BSc), Postgraduate Diplomas, and Masters (MA, MBA, MSc) and research degrees (Master of Research (MRes), Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)).

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements vary according to which course you choose. For further details please see the university's website.

University Accommodation

UWS has invested a lot of money recently into their accommodation across their campuses. Options range from a modern en-suite or studio flat at their recently opened Ayr Campus, to a room in their new £13.2million student accommodation which opened at Paisley in September 2012. With accommodation starting from just £79 per week, UWS accommodation is an affordable choice.All accommodation is self-catered and cooking facilities are provided. You can apply for accommodation when you have received an unconditional offer of a place to study. Priority for places is normally given to first year students who live more than 40 miles from the campus towns or more than an hour's travel time away.

Private Accommodation

UWS also provide listings and advice on private accommodation in Ayr, Dumfries, Hamilton and Paisley. Contact the university for more details.

Faculties and Departments

Examples of degrees include Broadcast Production, Computer Animation, Health Science, Forensic Science, Event Management, Exercise and Health, Sports Development. UWS is organised into 3 faculties and 8 academic schools. The Faculty of Business and Creative Industries; The Faculty of Education, Health and Social Sciences; The Faculty of Science and Technology Business School. School of Computing, School of Creative and Cultural Industries, School of Education, School of Engineering, School of Health, Nursing and Midwifery, School of Science, School of Social Science.

Academic Strengths and Research Profile

In 2001 the university became Scotland's first new university to achieve a 5 rating (Economics and Accounting) denoting international and national excellence. It is also playing a key role in the Scottish Funding Council's Research Pooling Initiative. It was the first UK university to gain accreditation with Cisco, Microsoft and Macromedia and first CIW-approved authorised training partner outside the US.

Tuition Fees 

Fees vary according to degree level and whether you are a Scottish, European or UK student. For up-to-date information it is advisable to contact the university directly.  

Financial Support

UWS has a Finance department which can help students set up bespoke payment plans and advise on other help that is available.

Academic Facilities

There is a well-equipped library at each of the four campuses, including computer laboratories with free email and web access. Across the full range of subjects, specialised facilities and equipment enable students at UWS to develop their skills and gain practical experience to supplement their theoretical knowledge.  

Other on-site Amenities

Ayr campus union holds a range of comedy, music and quiz events. Paisley union has a cyber-cafe, bars, a 450-capacity venue and games areas. Hamilton campus Union has a licensed bar and hosts a varied entertainment programme. Students in Dumfries have access to campus cafe-bar and are close to wide range of local sports and recreational facilities.  

Medical and Social Care

UWS provides a counselling service for students as well as an interfaith spiritual care team.

 

What's on in the Area?

With all of the campuses within historic Scottish towns, easy commuting to Scotland's largest city, Glasgow or Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh, life at UWS really will cater for your every need. Glasgow is a lively city with numerous gigs, restaurants, pubs, bars and clubs. If art is more your thing, there are also many galleries and of course The Glasgow School of Art.

 

Moving On

UWS have a Careers and Employability Service for students to give advice on landing your first graduate job. Their services include advice and support on career planning, graduate recruitment, placement, part-time work, summer jobs and volunteering.They also work with employers and University staff to promote and develop initiatives to help enhance the employability of their students.

A member of the UWS alumni, Emma Nisbet, plays the lead role of the musical 'Fame' in Glasgow. The shortest river in Scotland is River Morar at only 500 meters long.