About UWS
Discover our respected and high-quality
Scottish higher education options in London
%
of undergraduate students in work or further study within 6 months
of graduating
(HESA destination of leavers in
higher education 2016/17)
%
of postgraduate students in work or further study within 6 months
of graduating
(HESA destination of leavers in
higher education 2016/17)
%
overall student satisfaction
at the University of the
West of Scotland
(International Student Barometer /
Student Barometer iGraduate survey 2018)
%
of respondents were happy
with their life at the University of the West of Scotland
(International Student Barometer /
Student Barometer iGraduate survey 2018)
Making a difference
Entering university study can seem like a daunting prospect, however, it offers a wealth of opportunities for personal and academic development, as well as shaping your future career.
Every year at University of the West of Scotland, London Campus, we welcome hundreds of home and international students into our vibrant and diverse academic community.
We do everything we can to help them prepare for life at UWS as well as supporting them during their studies. And we aim to provide our students with an enriching and rewarding experience that they’ll look back on with fond memories.


UWS was ranked 1st
in the UK for Teacher Education.
(The Times and Sunday Times
Good University Guide 2020)

UWS was ranked 1st in the UK for Teacher Education
(Guardian University Guide
rankings 2020)

UWS is ranked in the top 600 universities worldwide
(Times Higher Education 2021
World University Rankings)
UWS is in the top 150 Young University World Rankings.
(Times Higher Education 2021
World University Rankings)
Preparing you for success
University of the West of Scotland is one of the country’s most innovative modern universities and was recognised as being in the top 600 of universities worldwide by Times Higher Education (THE) in their World University Rankings 2020.
We provide career-relevant, high-quality, inclusive higher education alongside innovative, internationally recognised research. Spread across four campuses in the west of Scotland and our new London Campus, we offer a unique and unparalleled student experience.

Community at UWS
UWS students come from all over the world, and you’ll find a great community feel and real energy on our campuses.
There are lots of opportunities to get involved in extracurricular activities and build friendships for life.
Across all campuses, there are over 3000 international students from countries which represent 1/3 of the globe.
Here for you when you need us
We want to make sure that all of our students get the most out of their university experience.
That’s why we offer a comprehensive range of student services to provide advice, support and guidance when you need it.

International student support
We have a dedicated team of International Student Advisers (ISAs)Â to help students who are moving to the UK to study for the first time.
They can help you to prepare for your time at UWS and support you during your studies.
Our advisers offer tailored guidance, including visa and immigration advice, and can answer questions about finance and your general welfare.
You can also read our guide to moving to London for international students.
Teaching & research excellence​
At UWS, we invest in our students’ future. Our graduates go out into the world ready to succeed thanks to our industry-relevant courses, modern facilities and innovative teaching underpinned by professionally relevant research, knowledge exchange and enterprise. We offer a range of career-focused undergraduate, postgraduate and research degree opportunities across our academic schools.
We are committed to producing work-ready graduates. Our vocational degree courses combine input from industry and the professions to help develop your insight and knowledge to prepare you for a career in your chosen field or discipline.
We combine first-class teaching with world-leading and internationally excellent research. We aim to develop research outputs that have a tangible, early and positive impact on society across the globe.
Our research-active teaching staff are dedicated to making a real difference to the world, developing innovative technologies and shaping our society.
Our history
University of the West of Scotland has grown to become one of Scotland’s most innovative, forward-thinking universities.
Our history shows our strong traditions in higher education and the development of our modern footprint that makes us Scotland’s highest ranked young university.
Bringing high-quality Scottish higher education to an even wider audience saw us establish UWS London Campus and our development continues.
1848
Paisley School of Design is established.
1897
Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll, daughter of Queen Victoria, lays the foundation stone for Paisley Technical School – the historic roots of UWS.
1900
Paisley Technical School is officially opened to meet the needs of business and industry in the west of Scotland.
1993
The College becomes University of Paisley, with campuses in Paisley and Ayr.
1999
The University establishes its Dumfries Campus in southwest Scotland.
2007
The University grows through merger to become University of the West of Scotland and establishes its fourth Scottish campus, in Lanarkshire.
2011
UWS’s new £81 million state-of-the-art Ayr Campus opens.
2015
UWS London Campus is launched.
2018
UWS’s award-winning £110million Lanarkshire Campus opens.
2020
UWS London Campus expands in a stunning new Dockland’s facility.
Today
Over 20,000 students, representing over 70 countries, across 5 campuses.