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UWS influences the economic, social and cultural development of the west of Scotland and beyond. We provide career-relevant, inclusive higher education alongside internationally recognised research.
Course Search
Find your course of interest from our career-focused undergraduate, postgraduate (taught) and post-experience options.
Start your UWS Journey
In the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025, UWS was the 26th most impactful university in the world for ‘reducing inequalities’ (UN Sustainable Development Goal 10). This demonstrates our commitment to sustainability, transforming our world and improving lives. Find out more about studying at UWS.
Why UWS?
UWS is committed to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs); embedding them in our Strategy 2030. In the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025, UWS has been ranked in the world’s top 300 universities for sustainable development.
And 26th in the world for impact on reducing inequalities (United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 10 - SDG10). Over 1200 universities from around the globe were assessed for their contributions to SDG10; with the top institutions selected for their commitment to ensuring equal opportunity and inclusion.
In addition, at UWS, you'll be taught by academic leaders in their field. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (2021), 90% of research at UWS was classed as world-leading, internationally excellent, or recognised internationally.
Open Days and events at UWS
Join us at an Open Day to experience #LifeAtUWS. Hosted across at Ayr, Dumfries, Lanarkshire and Paisley campuses, these events provide the perfect opportunity to find out everything there is to know about studying at UWS.
Attend an Open Day
Undergraduate study
Kick-start your career with an undergraduate degree from UWS.
Our undergraduate prospectus is digital! Just provide a few details and in a matter of moments you’ll get access to your personalised downloadable prospectus packed with the information that matters most to you. No filler. No jargon. Just your UWS. Your way.
View our Undergraduate Courses
Create a personalised digital prospectus
Postgraduate study
UWS postgraduate taught degree courses are career-focused. They will help you develop advanced knowledge and understanding in your chosen field.
Whether you’re looking to build on your undergraduate studies, boost your professional experience, or are interested in taking your career in a new direction, our digital postgraduate and post-experience prospectus is here to help you take your skills to the next level.
Tell us a little about yourself and we’ll send your personalised digital prospectus, packed with the information that matters most to you, straight to your inbox.
Create a personalised digital prospectus
Postgraduate Research Opportunities
Postgraduate Research degrees from University of the West of Scotland enable you to work at the cutting-edge of your industry or sector and contribute to the advancement of knowledge.
We offer a wide range of research degrees in all Academic Schools and subject areas with excellent facilities, specialist knowledge and would leading industry experts.
UWS Research Degrees
GRADUATE APPRENTICESHIPS
Graduate Apprenticeships provide a new way into degree-level study for individuals who are currently employed, or who want to go straight into work.
By investing in their staff through apprenticeships, employers are developing their workforce and supporting staff to build their skills to industry and professional standards.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR GRADUATE APPRENTICESHIPS
Continuing Professional Development
The UWS Centre for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) has a growing catalogue of courses delivered by academic experts in their field and offers an unparalleled learning experience for all.
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Widening Access
UWS is Scotland’s leading widening participation university. At UWS, Widening Access has always been central to our institution. We believe in supporting and enabling students to achieve their potential regardless of their background.
Get to know our students
Hear from students and discover how they found their place at UWS!
Chat to a UWS Student
Want to know what it's like to study at UWS? Select and connect with UWS students who have chosen a similar path to you. Find common ground and hear real stories about life at UWS.
UWS Unibuddy
Life at UWS
Going to university is about much more than getting a qualification, it’s also the chance to enjoy an exciting social life, gain some independence and make the most of the new opportunities available.
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