University of the West of Scotland

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
MottoLatin: Doctrina Prosperitas
Motto in English
Learning is success
TypePublic university
Established1897 (as Paisley College of Technology)
1992 (granted university status)
2007 (renamed to UWS)
ChancellorYekemi Otaru
PrincipalProfessor James A Miller FRSE
Chairman of the CourtKate Allum
Administrative staff
1,300
Students19,555 (2022/23)[1]
Undergraduates12,950 (2022/23)[1]
Postgraduates6,605 (2022/23)[1]
Location
4 in Scotland
Paisley, Hamilton, Dumfries and Ayr
1 in England
London
Colours   
AffiliationsMillion+
Scottish Universities Physics Alliance
Universities UK
EUA
Websiteuws.ac.uk

The University of the West of Scotland (Scottish Gaelic: Oilthigh na h-Alba an Iar), formerly the University of Paisley, is a public university with four campuses in south-western Scotland, in the towns of Paisley, Blantyre, Dumfries and Ayr, as well as a campus in London, England. The present institution dates from August 2007, following the merger of the University of Paisley with Bell College, Hamilton. It can trace its roots to the late 19th century, and has undergone numerous name changes and mergers over the last century, reflecting its gradual expansion throughout the west of Scotland region.[2]

The university currently has 16,105 students, with approximately 1300 staff, spread across four schools of learning. The Crichton Campus in Dumfries is maintained in partnership with a number of other institutions, including the University of Glasgow.[3]

  1. ^ a b c "Where do HE students study?". Higher Education Statistics Agency. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
  2. ^ "UWS History". Archived from the original on 14 July 2022.
  3. ^ "University of Glasgow School of Interdisciplinary Studies". Archived from the original on 9 February 2022.