University of the West of Scotland

The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is located in the centre of Paisley town, Scotland. The University offers undergraduate, postgraduate and over 600 short-term and professional programmes in several fields and disciplines. The programmes offered are career-relevant, making a great impact on the economic, social and cultural development of the West of Scotland. Alongside these programmes, UWS has also carried out several high-quality innovative research programmes that are nationally and internationally recognised. UWS has established strong associations and connections with several leading corporations like BBC, Rolls Royce, CERN and the NHS. The ranks and recognitions awarded to the University include the sixth position on The Guardian University League Tables for its philosophy programme. UWS was also placed at the 28th position among the top 121 institutions in the country. Being a modern University, the University is home to four distinct campuses situated in the west and south-west of Scotland. Ayr, Dumfries, Lanarkshire and Paisley are the main campuses of the University within Scotland; and one campus is located in London. Since Scotland is rich in tradition and diverse in culture; modernity, history and beautiful country sites greet students enabling them to explore endlessly during their academic life.

• UWS is one of the country’s largest modern universities; ranked among the world’s top 150 universities in the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2019.
• The University excels in teaching and research bringing forth students who are work-ready. Research at this University helps develop innovative outputs that have a positive impact on society across the globe. The Research Excellence Framework 2014 rated this university’s research outputs particularly high, with more than half of the submissions being ranked as world leading and internationally excellent research.
• Each campus at this University is located in a beautiful town with many museums, art galleries, pubs, clubs, and shopping places. The social scene of the location presents an atmosphere of tranquillity and individuality that enriches a student’s academic experience.
• Students can be a part of communities, clubs, and societies within the University. Their Students’ Association (SAUWS) runs vibrant and diverse social events, which give students the opportunity to engage in extra-curricular activities and build friendships.
• The University has a comprehensive range of student services that provide advice, support, and guidance to students within the campus as well as internationally for students moving to the UK for the first time. It has been recognized as Student Support Team of the Year in the 2017 Herald Higher Education Awards.

• Career Services: Placement is an important part of USW’s academic programmes and the University provides students with that experience within their chosen field. Placements are given to students while they are studying as well as during their work experience abroad interning with international partnerships. There is a Careers Team within the University campus to aid students with development of their career or in guidance with placements after completion of their academic endeavour. All students are automatically registered with the UWS Online Careers and Skills Centre where they will find a wide variety of resources for Career and Academic Skills Development.
• Success Rate: According to The Guardian’s News Datablog, Employment statistics of students who graduated from the University of the West of Scotland stand at 90.3%.

Notable Alumni: The notable alumni of the University of the West of Scotland include:

• Lucy J Whyte: a Scottish broadcast journalist, currently working for BBC Reporting Scotland as Education Reporter.
• Shamshad Akhtar: Economist, Diplomat and Intellectual.
• Gavin Hastings: Scottish former Rugby Union Player.
• Majid Haq: Pakistani Scottish Cricketer.
• Kirsty Gilmour: Badminton Player from Scotland.

• Student Services: The University of the West of Scotland hosts several beautifully equipped campuses to accommodate the growing number of students enrolled in the University. The campuses are equipped with four Lecture theatres where students may attend lectures delivered by distinguished personalities from time to time namely. The University’s lecture theatres are called The Harvard Style Lecture Space Auditorium, Lecture Theatre, and Harvard Style Lecture Space. The University also provides various learning workspaces where students may collaborate learning on various subjects amongst themselves like Collaboration Zone, Social Workspace, Collaboration Zone, Collaborative Classroom, and Gardner Building Enterprise Zone. The University of the West of Scotland cares about the overall development of each student and makes provision for student support and wellbeing through a cell dedicated to making students get the most out of their university experience, regardless of their personal circumstances and background. There is a wide range of support services available to ensure that all students fulfill their potential, achieve their goals, and enjoy their time at UWS.
• Library: The University provides high-quality books and resources to support the students’ learning and the teachers’ teaching needs. The library provides for a self-service portal where students may help themselves to a wide range of books on every subject as required.
• Arts and Culture: The Centre for Culture, Sport, and Events focuses on four key themed areas. These include place-focused cultural regeneration; arts, cultural diplomacy, and soft power; sports events and festivals; and, media communication and digital cultures. Through the Centre for Culture, Sport, and Events, the University aims to support students in their academic research with regards to the social and cultural values crucial to their own knowledge and understanding.
• Accommodation: Student residences are fully equipped with shared kitchens, onsite laundry facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Alternative accommodation facilities may also be availed from the surrounding areas.
• Sports Facilities: The sports pitches, conditioning gyms, sports hall, and exercise classes are available to all. They cater to many fitness interests and all abilities. In September 2018 the University provided free gym memberships to all students for use of UWS operated fitness facilities. This provided students with free access to on-campus gym facilities in Ayr, Lanarkshire, and Paisley. The move aimed to remove barriers to entry ensuring all students can get active and pursue a healthy lifestyle.
• Medical Services: To facilitate the physical well-being of the students, the University provides for a number of health facilities within the campus. These include the General Ward, Child Health Ward, Midwifery Ward, and Domus Unit.
• Clubs: The University supports and encourages students' Clubs and Societies on the campus through which it hopes to provide students with a more holistic and fulfilling university life. Students can join various groups within the University. There are course-related groups such as the Chemical Engineering and Midwifery group, and interest societies such as the Debating Society and the Table-top Gaming Society. There's also the LGBT+ liberation group, the Nigerian Forum, and the Anime and Manga Games Development group. Students may also join the other wide variety of sports clubs available.