Founded in 1897 to offer vocational courses, West of Scotland began offering degree studies in the early 1900s and matured to University status in 1992.

Today, the University of West of Scotland (UWS) has an enviable reputation for innovation and excellence, and is widening the provision of higher education in the west and south-west of Scotland with its additional campuses in Ayr and Dumfries.

Currently we have some 1,300 staff guiding more than 11,500 students in over 100 degree courses designed to give them the qualifications, skills and personal attributes they need to compete in the employment market and make a valued contribution within their chosen career.

The UWS is committed to providing students with the best possible facilities to support them in their studies. Each of our three campuses boasts a well-stocked library plus computer laboratories with free e-mail and web access. And there are campus bookshops in Paisley and Ayr. Across the full range of subjects, specialised facilities and equipment enable students to develop their skills and gain practical experience to supplement their theoretical knowledge. The University's media and multimedia facilities, in particular, are among the best in the higher education sector.

Scotland is a truly beautiful country, offering some of the UK's most stunning scenery. It is diverse, sporting modern towns and cities as well as a rich history. Scottish education enjoys a reputation for quality throughout the world. Scotland has a highly skilled workforce and holds an enviable reputation in the fields of engineering, business and the development of innovative technologies.

The Scottish people are warm and friendly and have a history and culture steeped in tradition coupled with a cosmopolitan outlook to life.

The strength of the partnership between the University and industry allows us to offer the most relevant, flexible and practical courses to students in the development of their learning.

Scotland is known the world over for the high standards of its education system. Scotland's universities and collages produce the highest number of graduates per capita in the EU, exceeded worldwide only by Norway and the USA. The Scottish Parliament has stated its dedication and commitment to education by giving people at all levels of society the opportunity to increase their knowledge, earning potential and status.

This approach to education is at the very centre of the UWS philosophy.

Committed to excellence and quality, the UWS is a modern, vocationally- oriented institution which responds to market changes. Employers welcome and respect the UWS's attitude to providing courses that are highly vocational, which in turn produces graduates with strong employment skills. The UWS is responsive, welcoming and alive with possibilities!

Academics Schools
The University is organised into seven academic schools, supported with various departments and units.

Business School, Computing, Education, Engineering & Science, Media, Language & Music, Health, Nursing & Midwifery, Social Sciences

Student Life
The University is home to over 1100 international students of many nationalities who bring a wealth of cultural diversity creating an exciting, international community in Paisley.

As well as University resources, students can rely on the lively Students' Association for support and assistance. The Students' Association plays host to a variety of clubs and societies where students get the chance to make friends, have fun and take a break from their studies.

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