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	James A Miller
Chairman of the Court	Kate Allum
Administrative staff	1,300
Students	(2015/16)
Undergraduates	(2015/16)
Postgraduates	(2015/16)
Location	4 in Scotland Paisley, Hamilton, Dumfries and Ayr 1 in England London
Colours
Affiliations	MillionPlus Scottish Universities Physics Alliance Universities UK EUA

The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is a large public university. It has four campuses in Scotland and one in London, England. The Scottish campuses are in Paisley, Blantyre, Dumfries, and Ayr.

UWS was formed in August 2007. This happened when the University of Paisley joined with Bell College in Hamilton. The university's history goes back to the late 1800s. It has grown a lot over the years, changing names and merging with other colleges.

Today, UWS has many students and about 1,300 staff members. It is divided into four main schools of learning. The campus in Dumfries works together with other schools, like the University of Glasgow.

Discovering UWS History

How the University of Paisley Began

During the Industrial Revolution, Paisley was famous for making thread. Two brothers, Peter and Thomas Coats, owned a big mill. They were very generous and helped their town a lot. They gave Paisley a museum and a library. They also paid for the Coats observatory and supported education.

In 1836, the Philosophical Institution helped start the School of Arts. This school aimed to teach people how to design better products for factories. In 1897, Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll laid the first stone for a new college building. Local business owners 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. A famous leader of the college was Lewis Fry Richardson. He was a mathematician and scientist. He helped create modern ways to predict weather. He also studied how wars start and worked on fractals.

After World War II, the college became Paisley College of Technology. It received money from the government. In the 1960s, the college grew a lot. New buildings were added next to the old ones in Paisley. In 1992, the college became the University of Paisley. It was then able to give out its own degrees.

Joining with Craigie College of Education

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 it became UWS. This campus is set in a large park area near the River Ayr.

The University of the West of Scotland Today

UWS Paisley Campus

On August 1, 2007, the University of Paisley joined with Bell College in Hamilton. On November 30, 2007, the new name, University of the West of Scotland, was approved. Some people in Paisley did not like the name change. They felt it broke the university's ties to the town.

Today, the University of the West of Scotland has over 15,000 students. It is one of Scotland's biggest "new universities." In July 2023, the university had a cyber incident. This affected some of its computer systems and staff information. A hacking group called Rhysida claimed to have stolen data.

Exploring UWS Campuses

Paisley Campus: Scotland's Largest Town Location

The Paisley campus is in the middle of Paisley, Scotland's largest town. About 10,000 students study here. They can take courses in business, computing, social sciences, engineering, science, and health. There are also nursing and midwifery programs. New student housing is available on campus. The Paisley campus covers 20 acres and has four academic schools.

Ayr Campus: Modern Learning by the River

UWS Ayr Campus

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

The Ayr campus also has its own student housing. These buildings are very close to the main campus. They can house up to 200 students.

Lanarkshire Campus: A New Home in Blantyre

The Hamilton campus used to be on Almada Street. It was known as Bell College before it joined UWS. After talking with local groups, UWS decided to move the campus. The new UWS Lanarkshire Campus opened in September 2018. It is located in Blantyre, at the Hamilton International Technology Park.

Dumfries Campus: Historic Estate for Learning

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

The Dumfries campus is a smaller facility. It is part of the Crichton estate, a historic 85-acre parkland. The campus has modern learning tools. 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 is a joint project. It includes UWS, the University of Glasgow, Dumfries and Galloway College, and the Open University. It mainly offers business, computing, and nursing courses. It was started in 1999 to create a center for higher education in southwest Scotland.

London Campus: International Study in the City

The London Campus is in the East India Dock area of London Docklands. It opened in March 2016. This campus offers UWS degree programs 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 different degree courses. These include programs for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Many students are also working on their doctoral degrees. UWS also works with businesses to do research. It is known for its partnerships with companies. Many courses at UWS focus on practical skills. Students can even spend a year working in a company.

UWS has also partnered with NHS Ayrshire and Arran. This led to Ayr Hospital being renamed University Hospital Ayr. Crosshouse Hospital became University Hospital Crosshouse. The university also works with the Gaiety Theatre, Ayr. They created Scotland's first "Learning Theatre" together.

UWS Rankings and Reputation

UWS is a top young university in Scotland. This was noted in the THE World University Rankings 2020. It is also a leader in helping students from all backgrounds. UWS helps many students transfer from college to university.

The university has high student satisfaction in Scotland. It is also ranked very well for Education courses in the UK.

Student Life at UWS

Student Housing Options

The university has several places for students to live. These are called halls of residence. They range from modern flats at Ayr Campus to furnished flats in Paisley. Students at Dumfries can apply for housing managed by the University of Glasgow. A new student residence opened in Paisley in September 2012. It is located next to the library.

Student Associations and Groups

SAUWS: Your Student Voice

The Students' Association of the University of the West of Scotland (SAUWS) is the official student group. It works to help students with their issues. It also tries to make learning better at UWS. SAUWS offers advice and support. It also organizes events and helps student clubs.

Most student groups are for students at the Scottish campuses. Students run these groups themselves. They include religious, political, and social clubs. There are also groups that support different student communities.

SAUWS has bars at its Paisley and Ayr locations. They host fun events like quiz nights and karaoke. SAUWS won the "Higher Education Student Association of the Year" award in 2016 and 2020. This was for their work on campaigns and student services.

CUCSA: Dumfries Campus Student Support

Crichton University Campus Student Association (CUCSA) helps students at the Dumfries Campus. CUCSA offers a smaller number of sports and clubs. They are working to add new clubs like Netball and Football.

UWS Radio: Student Broadcasts

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

TeamUWS: Sports and Clubs

TeamUWS manages all sports and clubs at the university. It is part of the main Students Association. There are many different clubs, like Aikido, Basketball, and Curling. These clubs often compete in national student competitions. Students who join a sports club must also join the Sports Union.

The university also offers non-competitive sports classes. These are open to all university gym members. UWS has two sports centers in Scotland. One is in Paisley, and the other is in Hamilton.

In the past, the university had teams for 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 sports competition. This event includes sports like Flag Football, Badminton, and Basketball.

Notable People from UWS

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

• Vicki Adams — Team GB curler
• Shamshad Akhtar — a leader at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
• John Christie — former leader of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
• Erin Cuthbert — professional footballer for Chelsea F.C. Women and the Scotland women's national football team
• Douglas Dryburgh - Olympic curler
• Meghan Gallacher — a member of the Scottish Parliament
• Majid Haq — cricketer for the Scotland national team
• Gavin Hastings — former Scottish Rugby internationalist and captain of British and Irish Lions
• Mohammad Bagher Nobakht — Iranian politician
• Lord McFall — Lord Speaker in the House of Lords
• Morgan McMichaels — a famous drag queen
• James Prime — lecturer and keyboard player for Deacon Blue
• Willie Rennie — former leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats
• Ngozi Odu — Nigerian politician and professor
• David Scott — senior lecturer in commercial music
• David Sneddon — winner of Fame Academy
• Shirley R. Steinberg — professor in youth & community studies
• David Torrance — expert on government at the House of Commons Library

See also

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