About University of the West of Scotland
The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is a modern Scottish university with campuses in Paisley, Hamilton, Ayr, Dumfries and London, delivering industry-focused degrees in health, engineering, business, and the creative industries with a strong widening-access mission.
Key Information
Student Statistics
- • 17,000 total students
- • 4,000 international students
- • 80 student societies
Location
- • Located in Paisley
- • Public university
- • Established 1897
Subject Rankings
Academics & Faculties
Degrees Offered
Bachelor, Master, PhD, Foundation
Popular Subjects
NursingBusinessEngineeringSports ScienceFilm and Media
Student-Staff Ratio
17 : 1
Faculties & Departments
School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences
Computing, Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Cyber Security
School of Business and Creative Industries
Business, Accounting, Journalism and Film, Music and Performance
School of Health and Life Sciences
Nursing, Midwifery, Allied Health, Biomedical Science
School of Education and Social Sciences
Education, Psychology, Social Work, Politics and Society
Entry Requirements
Undergraduate
Academic: Typical offers range from 96–120 UCAS points (CCC–BBB A-level / Scottish Highers BBBC).
Alternatives: Scottish HNC/HND with B grades, BTEC Extended Diploma MMM
IELTS: 6
R 5.5 / W 5.5 / L 5.5 / S 5.5
TOEFL iBT: 80
Interviews for nursing, education, and social work • Auditions for music and performance
Postgraduate
Minimum Qualification: 2:2 honours degree or equivalent professional experience
GPA: 0
IELTS: 6.5
R 6 / W 6 / L 6 / S 6
TOEFL iBT: 90
Research proposal for doctorate • Professional references for health programmes
Fees & Funding
Tuition (International)
- Undergraduate: £13,000
- Postgraduate: £13,000
- Foundation: £12,500
Living Costs (Annual)
- Accommodation: £5,200
- Food: £1,800
- Transport: £700
- Entertainment: £800
- Other: £700
- Total: £9,200
Scholarships
UWS Global Scholarship
MeritValue: £1,500 (Partial)
International fee payer • Minimum 60% overall in previous study • Offer accepted by May deadline
Commonwealth Master's Scholarship
InternationalValue: £10,000 (Partial)
Citizens of eligible Commonwealth countries • Motivation statement on social impact
Campus & Facilities
Paisley Campus, High Street, Paisley PA1 2BE
Multi-campus university with sites in Paisley, Lanarkshire, Dumfries and Ayr, serving the west of Scotland
Size: 25 acres
Facilities
Academic
Robertson Trust Library, Science Building, Engineering labs, Creative Media Centre
Student Services
Students' Association, Sports facilities, Careers centre
Accommodation
Paisley halls
Self-catered flats next to campus with en-suite and standard rooms.
Cost: £118 - £165 (per week)
Wi-Fi • Utilities included • Common rooms
Distance: On campus
Contract: 39-50 weeks
Lanarkshire studios
Eco-friendly smart apartments beside the Hamilton International Technology Park campus.
Cost: £150 - £190 (per week)
Smart climate control • Cycle storage • On-site gym
Distance: 2-minute walk
Contract: 44-51 weeks
Students apply through the UWS accommodation portal; first-year international students are guaranteed if they apply by July.
Airport pickup weekends, bedding packs, and help securing private rentals for families.
Student Life & Support
Clubs & Sports
Clubs: 80
Teams: 25
Cultural Activities
- Union of Students offers ceilidh nights, film screenings at the Ayr Riverside Theatre, and volunteering in local communities.
Health & Wellbeing
- Medical centre: Yes
- Counselling: Yes
- Disability support: Yes
- Emergency: N/A
Careers & Outcomes
Employability Rank
118
Graduate Outcomes
Employed: 76%
Further study: 11%
Unemployed: 7%
Average Salary
£24,500
annual
Top Employers
NHS ScotlandScottish Police AuthorityLocal councilsCivil engineering firmsBAE Systems
Location & Transportation
Nearest Airport
Glasgow Airport
5 km • 10 minutes by bus
Public Transport
- Rail: Paisley Gilmour Street station offers frequent trains to Glasgow Central in 11 minutes • £4 return
- Bus: First Bus network connects Paisley, Ayr and Hamilton campuses • £2-£4 per journey
Local Area
Paisley combines historic architecture, cafes, and quick rail links to Glasgow, the Clyde coast and the Highlands.
Cost of Living: Medium
Attractions: Paisley Abbey, Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Isle of Arran day trips
Shopping: Braehead Shopping Centre, Buchanan Street Glasgow, Paisley High Street independents
Entertainment: SEC Hydro concerts, Glasgow International Comedy Festival, Ayr Beach events
Additional Information
Metadata
Source: UWS prospectus 2024/25, Graduate Outcomes survey, and public HESA open data
Last Updated: 2025-12-03T00:00:00Z
Verified: No
Contact Email: data@ukuni.io