University of the West of Scotland

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.

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.

Entry Standards

Business-, social science-, and arts-based courses require a minimum of four Highers (including English) or three A Levels, or equivalent.

Science- and engineering-based courses generally require a minimum of four Highers (including at least two sciences) or three A Levels, or equivalent.

Computing and Engineering courses generally require a minimum of three Highers or two A levels, or equivalent.

Primary Education requires highest grades with ABBB at Higher or BBC at A Level.

Visit the website for more information on entry standards and courses.

Student Mix

The merged institution has over 15,000 students, of which approximately 35% are part-time students.

Over 1,100 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.