University of the West of Scotland

The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is one of the most expansive universities in Scotland, with four modern campuses across the country and a student population numbering over 22,000.  

Students at the university come from more than 120 countries worldwide and are able to explore innovative postgraduate programmes across a wide range of subjects. The university places a strong focus on industry-relevant learning and transferable skills, with progressive postgraduate courses available in subjects ranging from computing to the creative industries, engineering to education. 

The university traces its roots back to 1897, having formed from a variety of educational institutions each with their own rich heritage. The Paisley School of Art, University of Paisley, Dumfries and Galloway College of Nursing, Craigie College of Education and Bell College of Technology are all in the genetics of UWS. 

Today, the university has campuses in Paisley, Dumfries, Ayr and Lanarkshire, as well as a London Docklands campus which opened in 2016. Each campus has a unique campus and a distinct range of specialised research equipment and bespoke learning facilities, tailored to the disciplinary focus of its academic community. They also offer a choice between urban life with plenty of professional opportunities and cultural events, or a relaxing and focused student lifestyle in rural West Scotland. 

The Paisley campus is located just 10 minutes from the centre of Glasgow and is home to approximately 10,000 students. With a 20 acre site at the centre of the town, students can enjoy a perfect mix of period architecture, easily accessible campus services and one of the UK’s most exciting cities on their doorstep. 

The University of The West of Scotland offers a wide range of postgraduate courses that are designed to help students achieve their academic or professional goals, as well as a broad programme of influential research opportunities. 

The university achieves strong academic outcomes for its students through the combination of first-class teaching and internationally regarded research activity. Students have the opportunity to learn from expert staff who are leaders in their field, as well as get involved in a range of hands-on and practical research activities in addition to traditional classroom learning. 

Students can explore a range of master’s degree courses including LLM, MA, MBA, MSc and PGCE programmes. Students looking to drive a change in academic direction or lay the foundation for their next professional step may also consider a shorter PGCert or PGDip qualification. 

Postgraduate research students can pursue professional doctorate, PhD and MPhil qualifications under the close supervision of prominent academics, with personalised support throughout. 

Part-time and online learning options are also available, reflecting the university’s modern approach to flexible higher education. 

The University of The West of Scotland applies entry requirements to its postgraduate programmes, to ensure that students are well-suited to their chosen course and can achieve their academic potential. Applicants can be expected to be assessed on their academic qualifications, but may also need to consider their professional experience or the quality of their interview performance and portfolio submission. 

For example, students applying to the MSc in Advanced Computer Systems Development will need to have an undergraduate honours degree at 2:2 level or above, in a subject such as IT or computing. Three or more years of industry experience or equivalent professional qualifications will also be considered. 

Applicants for the MA in Creative Media Practice should demonstrate an undergraduate honours degree at 2:2 level or above, or those with equivalent qualifications and experience. 

Students applying to the PhD in Life Sciences will typically have an honours degree at 2:1 or first-class level, in a relevant subject area. 

Entry requirements for course at UWS may change over time, so consulting the university website before applying is recommended. 

Courses at the University of The West of Scotland are designed with student employability in mind. New programmes are developed at the university to reflect emerging industries and growth areas in society, reflecting the forward-thinking and visionary approach of UWS and its faculty.  

Existing courses are continually updated in collaboration with institutional and industry partners. As a result, students at the university are able to build the knowledge and skills they need to drive progress in their field and mark their mark on the world. 

At UWS, industry placements, internships and other work experience opportunities are frequently available to postgraduate students, whether as part of their curricular activities or in addition to it. In combination with close academic support from lecturers or research supervisors, many students are able to clearly define their goals and work towards them during their studies. 

The university also has a dedicated careers team, who offer access to a wide range of advice, information and specialised professional education. One-on-one appointments, industry events, skills workshops and more are some of the ways that students can prepare for graduate success while they study. 

Accommodation

The University of The West of Scotland appreciates how important the right living arrangements are for the success and wellbeing of its postgraduate students. The university maintains a number of halls of residence that provide a great way to live close to campus facilities, make friends and focus on studies while having support services on hand. 

Each campus has its own distinct range of university accommodation, so students are encouraged to explore the university’s website for specific options once they know which campus they’ll be studying at. In general, however, students at the Ayr and Paisley campus can access a range of self-catered accommodation options, while those learning at the London campus typically source their own accommodation from private providers. 

For postgraduate students who decide to live in private accommodation, the university is available to provide advice and guidance around finding an appropriate place and managing paperwork such as contracts.  

Students at the Paisley campus are able to find private lets in the town itself or may decide to live in the nearby cultural hub of Glasgow, just minutes away by train. Students at the UWS London campus have the whole of the UK capital at their fingertips, with a huge range of unique and atmospheric neighbourhoods to live in. 

Postgraduate students can access a variety of scholarships, bursaries and other awards to support their studies at the University of The West of Scotland. 

Some of the available funding options include: 

• The UWE Postgraduate Tuition Fee Offer, which provides a 10% discount to tuition fees for self-funding postgraduate students who are progressing from undergraduate study at the university. Full-time master’s students only. 
• UWS Sports Scholarships, which are available to postgraduate students who demonstrate professional sporting potential. Three tiers of award are available depending on the level the student is performing at, with different value awards and other financial support relating to each. 
• A range of alternative funds and scholarships are available through trusts, private companies and research institutions. These may be awarded based on student background characteristics, application to certain projects, or other factors. The value of these vary according to the issuing body. 

Students can explore the full range of funding opportunities on the university’s website. The available funding, its eligibility criteria and application deadlines may vary over time.