University of the West of Scotland
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.
Oilthigh na h-Alba an Iar | |
Coat of Arms of the University of the West of Scotland | |
Former names | Paisley College of Technology, Paisley College, University of Paisley, Bell College of Technology, Bell College, Craigie College of Education |
|---|---|
| Motto | Latin: Doctrina Prosperitas |
Motto in English | Learning is success |
| Type | Public university |
| Established | 1897 (as Paisley College of Technology) 1992 (granted university status) 2007 (renamed to UWS) |
| Chancellor | Yekemi Otaru |
| Principal | Professor James Miller |
| Chairman of the Court | Waiyin Hatton |
Administrative staff | 1,300 |
| Students | 16,105 (2019/20) |
| Undergraduates | 13,465 (2019/20) |
| Postgraduates | 2,640 (2019/20) |
| Location | |
| Campus | Multiple |
| Colours | Red, black and white |
| Affiliations | Million+ Scottish Universities Physics Alliance Universities UK EUA |
| Mascot | Francesca the Phoenix (Sports Union), Burnie the Pyro (American Football), Wolfie Wolf (Rugby) |
| Website | www |
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.
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.