The University of the West of Scotland can trace its roots back to 1897, and has undergone many name changes throughout its expansion over the years. It gained its official university status in 2007 when the University of Paisley merged with Bell College in Hamilton. Today the university is based over four campuses in the south west of Scotland; in Paisley, Hamilton, Dumfries and Ayr.
The university offers a range of courses which are arranged into 6 academic schools. These schools are:
- School of Business and Enterprise
- School of Education
- School of Engineering and Computing
- School of Health, Nursing and Midwifery
- School of Media, Culture and Society
- School of Science and Sport
The student union at the University of the West of Scotland supports over 25 sports clubs including some team sports which compete in the BUCS League every Wednesday. The union also support 15 student led societies for students to become involved in outside of their academic studies.
At each of their campuses, the University of the West of Scotland provide first year students with accommodation in their halls of residences. At the Ayr campus, there are 194 en-suite bedrooms on offer, just a short walk away from the campus. The prices start at £109.50 for a large en-suite bedroom. At the Dumfries campus you have to apply for accommodation through their partner housing company, who are responsible for their halls of residences that are located close to both the campus and the town centre. The accommodation at the Hamilton campus is perfect for students who need quick access to the library, leisure club and students union. The facilities at these halls are basic, and therefore have a lower rental payment of £85 per week. The largest halls of residence are based at the Paisley campus, with over 300 en-suite rooms priced at £109.50 per week.
