Our at-a-glance guide to the University of the West of Scotland

The University of the West of Scotland was formed in August 2007 by the merging of the University of Paisley with Bell College. The university operates over four campuses in the south and south-west of Scotland, offering higher education to local people, and giving students from outside the area a chance to live in a lovely part of the country. The main campus is in Paisley, six miles from Glasgow; a second is located in Ayr, a third outside Dumfries and a fourth in Hamilton. The university is one of Scotland's most vocational higher education institutions, boasting strong links with industrial and commercial partners. Students can take the option of a year's paid work placement as part of many degrees.

Fees
£1,820 for full-time undergraduates in 2010-11. Students resident in Scotland or in non-UK EU countries may be eligible for free tuition, but may have to pay the graduate endowment upon completing their course.

Bursaries
The university is supported by organisations who offer scholarships/bursaries to students each year. Visit uws.ac.uk/finance.

Accommodation
Students from outside a 40-mile radius are given priority. University self-catering accommodation cost about £68 a week in 2009-10. The university offers advice on private accommodation.

Facilities
Well-equipped libraries at all four campuses. Wi-Fi access spots in residences and on campus. Computing students have access to a PlayStation games development lab sponsored by Sony. The £5m student union smack bang in the middle of Paisley has a cyber-cafe, bars, a 450-capacity venue and a games areas.

Transport
Paisley campus is two miles from Glasgow airport and 10 minutes from the centre of Glasgow by train. Hamilton campus is 15 minutes by train from Glasgow, Ayr campus is 40 minutes from Glasgow by car or train. Dumfries campus is reached by bus from Dumfries centre.

Contact
Tel: 0141 848 3000
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Web: uws.ac.uk
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