West of Scotland

History

Founded in 1897 to offer vocational courses, the university began offering degree studies in the early 1900s and matured to university status in 1992.
On 1 August 2007 the university merged with Bell College, creating Scotland’s largest modern university with almost 18,000 students.
Name change to University of the West of Scotland 2007.

Location and Transport

There are four campuses at Ayr, Dumfries, Hamilton and Paisley.
Paisley campus is 1.5 km (1 mile) from Glasgow Airport and 10 minutes by train from the centre of Glasgow. Hamilton is also a 10-minute train journey from Glasgow.
Ayr campus is 40 minutes from Glasgow by car or train. Dumfries campus is reached by bus from Dumfries centre.

Accommodation

Students from outside a 40-km (25-mile) radius/one hour's commute are given priority. Self-catering university accommodation costs around £52–£61 a week.
Shared private accommodation costs around £60–£70 a week.
For those who prefer non-university accommodation, listings and advice on private accommodation in Paisley, Ayr, Hamilton and Dumfries are available.
Click here for more information on accommodation at the University of the West of Scotland.

Entry standards
League Table

Arts–based courses require a minimum of three Highers (including English) or two A Levels, or equivalent.
Science-based courses require a minimum of three Highers (including at least two sciences) or two A Levels, or equivalent.
Primary Education requires highest grades with BBBB at Higher or CCD at A Level.
Visit the website for more information on entry standards and courses.

There are no variable tuition fees in Scotland. Fees for 2011–12 have not yet been confirmed. If you are a Scottish-domiciled first degree student you are eligible for your tuition fees to be covered by the Scottish Government. Scottish students should apply to the SAAS to cover this cost. Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland should apply for a fee loan to Student Finance England, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance Northern Ireland as appropriate. Students from elsewhere in the EU should contact the SAAS.
Tuition fees for non-Scottish domiciled students for 2011–12 have yet to be confirmed but in 2010–11 were £1,820 a year (£2,895 for medicine).
The RUK Bursary has been introduced for students normally resident in England, Wales or Northern Ireland only, studying at a Scottish university, who would otherwise have been eligible for a national minimum bursary (i.e. in receipt of full HEMG) had they studied at a university in the rest of the UK. The RUK Bursary will be £329 in 2010-11.
Fees for placement year and year abroad are normally 50% of full-time fee.
University Hardship Fund available.
For more information on bursaries and scholarships at West of Scotland, click here.

Student Mix

The merged institution has over 18,000 students, of which approximately 50% are part-time students.
Over 1,400 international students.
A significant number of students enter the university at advanced level with a range of appropriate college qualifications.

Course flexibility

Strong career focus. Courses designed with industry input.
As part of their degree, students can spend up to a year on paid placements with companies such as Volkswagen and the BBC.
Field work and project work with companies is incorporated into a number of degrees.

Teaching standards
League Table

The QAA’s recent ELIR report states ‘Broad Confidence’ in the university’s management of the quality of its provision and the academic standards of its awards.
‘Broad Confidence’ is the highest of three possible ratings used by the QAA.

Research standards
League Table

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 playing a key role in the Scottish Funding Council’s Research Pooling Initiative.

Academic strengths

First UK university to gain accreditation with Cisco, Microsoft and Macromedia and first CIW-approved authorised training partner outside the US.
Computer Games Technology degree accredited by Skillset, the industry standards body.
Recent degrees include Broadcast Production, Computer Animation, Health Science, Forensic Science, Event Management, Exercise and Health, Sports Development.

Student facilities, including Library and Computing
League Table

Well-equipped library services at all four campuses. Wifi access spots in residences and on campuses.
Microsoft Campus Agreement allows students access to the latest Microsoft products for use on personal computers, on or off campus.
Computing students have access, on Paisley campus, to Playstation games development lab sponsored by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe.

Students’ Union

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.
Visit the website for more information.

Sport

Hamilton campus Leisure Centre was recently upgraded and includes games hall, sauna and fitness studio with cardiovascular and strength resistance machines.
Robertson Trust Sports Centre in Paisley includes a fully equipped gym, fitness suite, and football and rugby pitches.
Visit the website for more details.

Recent/prospective new builds

£5-million Students’ Union in the heart of Paisley town centre.
Currently in development, a cross-campus £1-million Employment Centre offering advice on part-time, summer, graduate work and placement.
£160-million investment plan for campuses, including £72-million redevelopment of Ayr campus.

Availability of Part-time work

The university’s planned Employment Centre will offer advice not just on graduate work but also on summer and part-time jobs.
The university’s Careers Service offers an online system for course related vacancies.
There are opportunities for part-time work throughout the year in the university, in a variety of administrative, guide and presentation roles.
Visit the website for more details.

For further information

Last updated 22/6/2010

In association with: