University Guide
University of West Scotland
The University of West Scotland used to be known as the University of Paisley, and has its main campus in that town which borders Glasgow. The university can trace its history back to the 1800's and now attracts over 17,000 students.
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The overview
The main things you need to know about studying at the University of West Scotland .
Rankings
The University of West Scotland was named the 128th best University in 2024 by the Complete University Guide rankings of 2024. It is also currently placed as the 70th best university in the UK by the Times Higher education ranking 2024.
Employability
The University runs the Higher Education Achievement Report which allows students to document their experiences In the university and awards students who take part in extra curricula activities. It can be used to demonstrate great employability skills.The awards currently recognised include the Change Maker Award, the Employer Mentoring Award, and the International Engagement Award as well as 14 more which can be found here.
Fees
Course fees vary depending on degree programme but the cost for Scottish and EU students is £1820 per year. For English, Northern Irish, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Welsh students the cost is £9250 per year. For International non EU students the fee is around £12-14,000 per year. For a full breakdown of specific fees in relation to courses you can find more here.
Bursaries
There are two main funding opportunities available to students and those are The Carnegie Trust Undergraduate Tuition Fee Grant and the UWS Care Experienced Grant 2020. The Carnegie Trust is for students who do not recieve government funding and the Care Experienced Grant provides £750 to students who can’t cover the one off start of university costs.
Accommodation
Accommodation for the University of West Scotland is located across the three campuses: Ayr, London and Paisley. The Ayr campus offers en suite rooms at £111 per week and studio flats at £160 per week. The Paisley campus offers en suite rooms at £111 per week on Storie Street and George Street/Lady Lane residence at £95 to £160 per week.
Need a place to stay in Glasgow?
We have lots of available student accommodation in Glasgow.
Students' Union
The Students’ Union operates across all the campuses and offers a Welfare and Advice service as well as access to 54 societies.
Famous for
The University of west Scotland has alumni’s such as Vicki Adams, the Team GB curler and David Sneddon, winner of Fame Academy.
News
The University of West Scotland was named as the top institution in Scotland this year in the World University rankings and had the 4th highest level of student satisfaction in the 2020 complete university guide as well as ranking second in the UK for Education in the same guide.
AFS says
"The largest city in Scotland, Glasgow has become a true hub of culture, student bars, music, food, and arts.While trying to shake off its reputation as a “mean” city, it’s maintained its humour and charm, making it one of the most fun cities in the UK. Plus, a perfect place to be a student".
Still looking for accommodation?
We have lots of great student properties available near the University of West Scotland .
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