About UWS

University of the West of Scotland is one of Scotland’s most modern, innovative and dynamic universities. With a rich history that can be traced back to 1897, the University’s four easily accessible campuses in Ayr, Dumfries, Lanarkshire and Paisley are based in the heart of the west of Scotland. The University offers an exciting range of career-focused undergraduate, postgraduate and research study options across Business and Enterprise;Comp,Eng & Physical Sciences;Education; Health and Life Sciences; Media, Culture and Society.

1897

Founded in1897

3000

3000 International students

136

Come from 136 Countries

Overview of the University of the West of Scotland

Higher Educational Institution of the Year (The Herald Higher Education Awards 2022)
In the top 800 universities in Times Higher Education 2024 World University Rankings (source: The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024)
In the top 200 in Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2022 (source: The Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2023)
One of Scotland's largest modern universities and one of its most socially inclusive (source: The Times / The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022)
First in Scotland and 14th in UK for the measure in Times Higher Education's Global Impact rankings, which rates universities according to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (source: The Times / The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022)
Childhood and Youth Studies is ranked 4th in the UK overall and in the top 10 for Student Satisfaction, Research Intensity and Graduate Prospects (source: Complete University Guide 2021-22)
Education (Initial Teacher Training) at UWS was ranked 8th in the UK overall & 1st in UK for Graduate Prospects (source: Complete University Guide 2021-22)*
Education (Initial Teacher Training) at UWS was ranked 12th in the UK overall (source: The Times / The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022)*
Top 100 in the UK for Teaching Quality and Graduate Prospects (source: The Times / The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022)

Why choose UWS

· Over 100 years of academic excellence

· One of the largest universities in Scotland with state-of-the-art facilities

· Excellent selection of professionally-recognised, career-focused programmes across diverse subject categories

· Four beautiful campuses in the west of Scotland – Ayr, Dumfries, Lanarkshire and Paisley, close to major Scottish cities such as Glasgow and Edinburgh

· Dedicated support for international students

· Programmes taught by academic experts

· Cutting-edge research

· Expert careers support and advice

· Strong industry links

· Affordable, convenient and comfortable on-campus accommodation

· Generous partial academic scholarships for international students

UWS Campuses

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Ayr Campus
Located just a 10-minute walk from Ayr town centre on the Craigie Estate next to the River Ayr, UWS's £81 million Ayr Campus creates a truly innovative learning environment for students.

Opened in August 2011, the campus was developed in partnership with Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) and in consultation with Historic Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scottish Wildlife Trust. It provides Ayrshire with one of the UK's most modern, environmentally friendly and sustainable higher education learning facilities. The campus design was inspired by the area's woodland surroundings and offers students a stunning space for study.

£81 million campus
2420 UWS students
4 UWS academic schools
1 hour to Glasgow
10 minutes to Ayr town centre
3 minute walk to campus accommodation
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Dumfries
Dumfries is UWS's smallest campus, but it is a unique multi-institution facility located within the beautiful Crichton estate – a historic 85-acre parkland estate just two miles from the centre of Dumfries.

Dumfries is UWS's smallest campus, but it is a unique multi-institution facility located within the beautiful Crichton estate – a historic 85-acre parkland estate just two miles from the centre of Dumfries.

The campus has state-of-the-art learning facilities and currently operates across five distinct, historic buildings. A range of flexible full and part-time study opportunities are available and an enthusiastic team of experienced teaching staff are waiting to welcome you. Students benefit from small class sizes, low staff: student ratios and a supportive study environment.

The campus is home to an award-winning Student Services team who will equip you with the information you need about careers, funding, employability and student support.

UWS is the biggest provider of education in Dumfries and Galloway
30 minute walk to Dumfries town centre
The campus is set in an 85-acre woodland estate
4 UWS academic schools
Over 500 UWS students
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Lanarkshire
Located at Hamilton International Technology Park, our new £110m Lanarkshire Campus is now open and welcoming all new and returning students: the future of learning has arrived, come and discover the opportunities for yourself.

We’ve invested £110m to create a truly innovative, dynamic and collaborative new university campus. Hosting inspiring and flexible learning and teaching spaces packed with rich technology to give staff and students access to some of the most modern university facilities in the UK.

With state-of-the art gym, health and fitness facilities UWS Lanarkshire Campus is also one of the UK’s greenest educational environments, powered by 100% renewable energy.

Wherever you are on the campus, you’ll always be connected. From campus-wide Wi-Fi, device charging points across the campus and a range of exciting social spaces to connect with fellow students and colleagues.

Located in one of Scotland’s most successful business parks, Hamilton International Technology Park, UWS Lanarkshire Campus seamlessly integrates industry and academia and allows for mutually beneficial partnerships between students, staff and local businesses.
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Paisley
Located in the centre of Paisley – Scotland's largest town – the campus is just 10 minutes by train from Glasgow, one of Europe's most exciting and dynamic cities.

Combining the town's history and heritage with modern, contemporary teaching facilities, UWS Paisley Campus provides a dynamic and inspiring learning environment. The campus is home to around 10,000 students and offers a range of courses and research opportunities in business; computing; social sciences; engineering and science; and health, nursing and midwifery.

10 minutes from central Glasgow by train
New £13.2 million student residence
4 UWS academic schools