University of the West of Scotland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
University of the West of Scotland

Oilthigh na h-Alba an Iar
Coat of Arms of the University of the West of Scotland
Former names	University of Paisley Bell College
Motto	Latin: Doctrina Prosperitas
Motto in English	Learning is success
Type	Public university
Established	1897 (as Paisley College of Technology) 1992 (granted university status) 2007 (renamed to UWS)
Chancellor	Yekemi Otaru
Principal	Professor James Miller
Chairman of the Court	Waiyin Hatton
Administrative staff	1,300
Students	15,555 (2015/16)
Undergraduates	13,395 (2015/16)
Postgraduates	2,565 (2015/16)
Location	4 in Scotland Paisley, Hamilton, Dumfries and Ayr 1 in England London
Colours
Affiliations	Million+ Scottish Universities Physics Alliance Universities UK EUA

The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is a public university in Scotland. It used to be called the University of Paisley. UWS has four main locations in south-western Scotland. These are in the towns of Paisley, Blantyre, Dumfries, and Ayr. There is also a campus in London, England.

The university as it is today started in August 2007. This was after the University of Paisley joined with Bell College in Hamilton. But its history goes back to the late 1800s. Over the years, it has changed names and joined with other colleges. This shows how it has grown across the west of Scotland.

UWS currently has over 15,555 students. About 1,300 staff members work there. The university is divided into four main schools of learning. The Crichton Campus in Dumfries is special. It is run together with other places, like the University of Glasgow.

University History

How UWS Began in Paisley

During the Industrial Revolution, Paisley was famous for making thread. The Coats mill was run by two brothers, Peter and Thomas Coats. They were very generous people. They believed in helping others and gave a lot to the town.

The Coats brothers gave Paisley a museum and a library. They also paid for the Coats Observatory to be built. They strongly supported education for everyone in Paisley.

In 1836, the Philosophical Institution helped start the School of Arts. This school became a Government School of Design in 1846. These schools were set up to make product design better. They trained people for jobs in industry. Peter Coats was a leader in both the Philosophical Institution and the School of Design.

In 1897, Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll laid the first stone for a big new college building. Local business owners, like Peter Brough and Thomas Coats, helped pay for it.

By the early 1900s, the college was called Paisley Technical College and School of Art. It taught courses from the University of London. One famous principal was Lewis Fry Richardson. He was a mathematician and physicist. He also studied weather and war using new math ideas.

After World War II, the college got regular money from the government. It became Paisley College of Technology in 1950. In the 1960s, the college grew a lot. New buildings were added next to the old ones in Paisley town centre.

The college already offered many degrees. In 1992, it was officially named the University of Paisley. It was given the power to award its own degrees.

Joining with Craigie College

In 1993, the University of Paisley joined with Craigie College of Education in Ayr. This also included nursing colleges in the town. The Ayr Campus was part of the University of Paisley before the big merger that created UWS. The campus is set on 20 acres of old parkland. It is next to the River Ayr.

University of the West of Scotland is Formed

UWS Paisley Campus

On August 1, 2007, the University of Paisley joined with Bell College, Hamilton. On November 30, 2007, the new name, University of the West of Scotland, was approved. Many people in Paisley did not like the name change. They felt it broke the link between the university and the town. A campaign called 'Keep It Paisley' tried to stop the change.

Today, the University of the West of Scotland has over 15,000 students. It is one of Scotland's largest newer universities.

Paisley Campus

The Paisley campus is in the middle of Paisley, Scotland's biggest town. About 10,000 students study here. It offers many courses and research chances. These include business, computing, social sciences, engineering, science, health, nursing, and midwifery. Students can live in new accommodation on campus. The Paisley campus covers 20 acres. It has four of the university's academic schools.

Ayr Campus

UWS Ayr Campus

In August 2011, a new campus opened in Ayr. It is next to the river and the old campus. It is shared with Scotland's Rural College. The new campus cost £81 million to build. It is one of the most modern and eco-friendly learning places in the UK. The design was inspired by the local area. The university says it gives students a "stunning space for study."

The Ayr campus also has its own student housing. The buildings are about three minutes from the main campus. They can house up to 200 students.

Lanarkshire Campus

The Hamilton campus used to be on Almada Street. It was known as Bell College of Technology before joining the University of Paisley.

After talking with local groups and students, UWS decided to move. The new UWS Lanarkshire Campus opened in September 2018. It is in Blantyre, at the Hamilton International Technology Park. The old Almada Street campus then closed.

Dumfries Campus

Crichton Memorial Church, completed in 1897, at the Crichton University Campus in Dumfries

The Dumfries campus is a smaller place with several institutions. It is part of the Crichton estate. This is a historic 85-acre parkland. It is two miles from Dumfries town centre. The campus has modern learning facilities. It uses five historic buildings. Students can study full-time or part-time. The university says students benefit from small classes and lots of support.

The Crichton University Campus in Dumfries is a joint project. It involves UWS, the University of Glasgow, Dumfries and Galloway College, and the Open University. It mainly offers business, computing, and nursing courses. It started in 1999 to be a centre for higher education. It has helped the economy in south-west Scotland.

London Campus

The London Campus is in the East India Dock area of London Docklands. It opened in March 2016. It offers UWS degree and postgraduate courses to international students in London.

How UWS is Organized

Student accommodation at UWS Ayr campus

The University of the West of Scotland has four main schools:

• School of Business and Creative Industries
• School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences
• School of Education and Social Sciences
• School of Health and Life Sciences

The university offers over 100-degree courses. These are for both new students and those studying for higher degrees. Many students are also working on their doctorates. UWS also does research and helps businesses. It is second in Scotland for working with businesses on Knowledge Transfer Partnerships.

Many courses at UWS focus on skills for jobs. Students can even spend a year working in a company in the UK or abroad. The university has also partnered with NHS Ayrshire and Arran. This led to Ayr Hospital and Crosshouse Hospital being renamed University Hospitals. It also works with the Gaiety Theatre, Ayr. This created Scotland's first 'Learning Theatre'.

Rankings and Reputation

UWS is known as a top young university in Scotland. This is according to the THE World University Rankings 2020. It is also a leader in helping students from less privileged backgrounds get into university.

UWS is also very good at helping students move from college to university. It helps over 1,200 students each year.

In the 2020 Complete University Guide, UWS was ranked 4th in Scotland for student happiness. It was also ranked second in the UK for Education courses.

Student Life at UWS

Student Housing

The university has several places for students to live. These include modern flats at the Ayr Campus. There are also furnished flats in Paisley. Students in Dumfries can apply for housing managed by the University of Glasgow. In September 2012, a new £13.2 million student residence opened in Paisley. It is right next to the library.

Student Groups

SAUWS

The Students' Association of the University of the West of Scotland (SAUWS) is the official student group. It works for students' rights and to make learning better at UWS. It also offers advice and support. SAUWS organizes events and helps student clubs on all campuses.

Most student groups are run by students for students. These include groups for different religions, politics, and social interests. There are also groups for specific courses. SAUWS also has groups that support students from under-represented backgrounds.

SAUWS has bars at its Paisley and Ayr locations. They host fun events like quiz nights and karaoke.

In 2016, SAUWS won an award for "Higher Education Student Association of the Year." They won again in 2020.

CUCSA

The Crichton University Campus Student Association (CUCSA) helps students at the Dumfries Campus. CUCSA offers fewer sports and clubs. But they are working to add new ones, like Netball and Football clubs.

UWS Radio

The Ayr Campus has the university's student radio station, UWS Radio. It broadcasts on DAB, 87.7FM to the campus, and online. The station has interviewed famous people like Brian May from Queen.

Sports at UWS

Sports at UWS are managed by TeamUWS. This is the sports and clubs part of the Students Association. There are many different sports clubs. These include Aikido, Basketball, Curling, and Snowsports. They often compete in national student competitions. Students who join a sports club must also join the Sports Union.

The university also offers regular sports classes. These are not competitive and are open to all gym members. UWS has two sports centres. One is in Paisley, and the other is in Hamilton.

The university has had other sports clubs in the past, like Ice Hockey and American Football. The American Football team, the Paisley Pyros, played in college leagues.

TeamUWS competes against Edinburgh Napier University in a yearly competition. They play sports like American Flag Football, Badminton, Basketball, Football, Hockey, Netball, Rugby, and Volleyball. Volleyball is currently the biggest sports club.

It is thought that the dated Dam Park Stadium might be given to the university. This would save money for the local council. The stadium would still be used by local sports groups.

Famous People from UWS

Many successful people have studied at UWS. Here are a few:

• Vicki Adams — a curler for Team GB
• Shamshad Akhtar — a leader at the United Nations
• Lord McFall — a leader in the House of Lords
• Morgan McMichaels — a famous drag queen from RuPaul’s Drag Race
• Majid Haq — a cricketer for the Scotland team
• Gavin Hastings — a former Scottish Rugby captain
• James Prime — a lecturer and keyboard player for the band Deacon Blue
• Willie Rennie — a Scottish politician
• Erin Cuthbert — a professional footballer for Chelsea F.C. Women and Scotland women's national football team
• David Sneddon — winner of Fame Academy

See also

• Armorial of UK universities
• List of universities in the United Kingdom
• Universities in Scotland