Located in the Scottish town of Paisley, we find the University of the West of Scotland (UWS). This institution also owns and operates three other secondary campuses in Ayr, Blantyre and Dumfries. Paisley campus is attended by a medium-sized student population of roughly 10,000 and provides the opportunity to study a selection of programmes related to Nursing, Engineering, Social Sciences, Business, and Computing.
Latest ranking updates for University of the West of Scotland
- July 2024: Publication of Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities. Ranking position #1284.
- June 2024: New edition of US News: Best Global Universities. University of the West of Scotland ranked #880.
- June 2024: Nature Index announced latest results of Nature Index - Top Academic Institutions by Subject (Health Sciences) with University of the West of Scotland in position 1909.
- June 2024: Publication of Nature Index: Research Leaders Academic Sector. Ranking position #2502.
University rankings
-
-
- #14
- #126
-
The Times Good University Guide
[Published 15 September, 2023]
-
-
- #14
- #119
-
The Guardian League Table
[Published 09 September, 2023]
-
-
- #13
- #128
-
CUG The Complete University Guide
[Published 14 May, 2024]
-
-
- #12
- #601
-
THE World University Rankings
[Published 27 September, 2023]
-
-
- #10
- #880
-
US News: Best Global Universities
[Published 24 June, 2024]
-
-
- #12
- #1056
-
Scimago Institutions Rankings
[Published 06 March, 2024]
-
-
- #10
- #1726
-
CWUR Center for World University Rankings
[Published 13 May, 2024]
-
-
- #2
- #159
-
THE Young University Rankings
[Published 14 May, 2024]
-
-
- #15
- #2502
-
Nature Index: Research Leaders Academic Sector
[Published 15 June, 2024]
-
-
- #13
- #2053
-
URAP World Ranking - University Ranking by Academic Performance
[Published 19 December, 2023]
-
-
- #4
- #142
-
StuDocu World University Ranking - EMEA - Europe, the Middle East and Africa
[Published 30 January, 2023]
-
-
- #12
- #1201
-
QS World University Rankings: Sustainability
[Published 05 December, 2023]
-
-
- #11
- #1284
-
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 12 July, 2024]
-
-
- #9
- #301
-
THE World University Impact Rankings - Overall
[Published 12 June, 2024]
-
-
- #11
- #976
-
THE China Subject Ratings Overall
[Published 27 March, 2024]
Historic rankings in TOP global university rankings
Subject rankings
Arts Visual & Performing
-
-
- #6
- #68
-
- Music
-
The Times Good University Guide by Subject
[Published 15 September, 2023]
-
-
- #7
- #77
-
- Music
-
CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
[Published 14 May, 2024]
-
-
- #6
- #78
-
- Music
-
The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
[Published 09 September, 2023]
Business
-
-
- #6
- #84
-
- Marketing
-
CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
[Published 14 May, 2024]
Computer Science
-
-
- #12
- #70
-
- Computer Science
-
The Times Good University Guide by Subject
[Published 15 September, 2023]
-
-
- #12
- #103
-
- Computer Science
-
CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
[Published 14 May, 2024]
Education
-
-
- #8
- #22
-
- Education
-
The Times Good University Guide by Subject
[Published 15 September, 2023]
-
-
- #4
- #44
-
- Education
-
The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
[Published 09 September, 2023]
-
-
- #8
- #55
-
- Education
-
CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
[Published 14 May, 2024]
-
-
- #8
- #401
-
- Education
-
THE World University Rankings by Subject
[Published 19 October, 2023]
Engineering
-
-
- #2
- #30
-
- Aerospace Engineering
-
The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
[Published 09 September, 2023]
-
-
- #5
- #34
-
- Chemical Engineering
-
CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
[Published 14 May, 2024]
-
-
- #5
- #34
-
- Chemical Engineering
-
The Times Good University Guide by Subject
[Published 15 September, 2023]
-
-
- #8
- #44
-
- Civil Engineering
-
The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
[Published 09 September, 2023]
-
-
- #10
- #48
-
- Civil Engineering
-
The Times Good University Guide by Subject
[Published 15 September, 2023]
-
-
- #9
- #51
-
- Civil Engineering
-
CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
[Published 14 May, 2024]
-
-
- #6
- #401
-
- Engineering
-
THE World University Rankings by Subject
[Published 19 October, 2023]
-
-
- #10
- #61
-
- Mechanical Engineering
-
CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
[Published 14 May, 2024]
-
-
- #10
- #64
-
- Mechanical Engineering
-
The Times Good University Guide by Subject
[Published 15 September, 2023]
Law
-
-
- #11
- #87
-
- Law
-
The Times Good University Guide by Subject
[Published 15 September, 2023]
-
-
- #11
- #104
-
- Law
-
The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
[Published 09 September, 2023]
-
-
- #11
- #106
-
- Law
-
CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
[Published 14 May, 2024]
Natural Sciences
-
-
- #9
- #42
-
- Biology
-
The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
[Published 09 September, 2023]
Social Studies & Humanities
-
-
- #10
- #68
-
- Psychology
-
The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
[Published 09 September, 2023]
-
-
- #13
- #76
-
- Psychology
-
The Times Good University Guide by Subject
[Published 15 September, 2023]
-
-
- #12
- #107
-
- Psychology
-
CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
[Published 14 May, 2024]
-
-
- #11
- #501
-
- Psychology
-
THE World University Rankings by Subject
[Published 19 October, 2023]
-
-
- #11
- #601
-
- Social Sciences
-
THE World University Rankings by Subject
[Published 19 October, 2023]
-
-
- #6
- #43
-
- Social Work
-
The Times Good University Guide by Subject
[Published 15 September, 2023]
-
-
- #6
- #47
-
- Social Work
-
The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
[Published 09 September, 2023]
-
-
- #6
- #70
-
- Social Work
-
CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
[Published 14 May, 2024]
-
-
- #9
- #71
-
- Sociology
-
The Times Good University Guide by Subject
[Published 15 September, 2023]
Sports Science
-
-
- #8
- #58
-
- Sports Science
-
The Times Good University Guide by Subject
[Published 15 September, 2023]
-
-
- #8
- #69
-
- Sports Science
-
CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
[Published 14 May, 2024]
-
-
- #10
- #86
-
- Sports Science
-
The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
[Published 09 September, 2023]
Highest subject rankings for University of the West of Scotland
Education
The Times Good University Guide by Subject
#22
Education
Aerospace Engineering
The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
#30
Engineering
Biology
The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
#42
Natural Sciences
Social Work
The Times Good University Guide by Subject
#43
Social Studies & Humanities
Sports Science
The Times Good University Guide by Subject
#58
Sports Science
Music
The Times Good University Guide by Subject
#68
Arts Visual & Performing
Computer Science
The Times Good University Guide by Subject
#70
Computer Science
Marketing
CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
#84
Business
Law
The Times Good University Guide by Subject
#87
Law
About University of the West of Scotland
PROS
- There are three accommodation options for Paisley campus, in either Storie Street, George Street, or Lady Lane. The latter two residence halls are the more affordable of all the options, with housing options starting from £97 per week.
- While mandatory work experience requirements are in place, alumni express that the university’s support systems are helpful in negotiating the reimbursement of any travel costs. This means that the student will not spend their own money by working.
- Small class sizes across the majority of programmes, improving students’ access to their professors.
CONS
- The completion of a work -placement period is a requirement for most programmes, but students report that the university is not always able to find work placements for those enrolled, meaning that these students cannot complete their course on time.
- During the busiest hours, it’s usually difficult to find a study space with a computer. Current students recommend that new students bring their own laptop.
Key facts
- Foundation year:
- 1897
- Telephone:
- +44 141 848 3000
- Address:
-
- High Street
- PA1 2BE, Paisley
- Scotland
- Website:
- https://www.uws.ac.uk/
- Social:
THE Student Experience Survey by Times Higher Education
Times Higher Education has surveyed 20251 undergraduate students in the UK about their study experience. 85 students of University of the West of Scotland participated in the survey.
Below you'll find the results for each of the survey questions for University of the West of Scotland in comparison to the average for all UK universities.
Overall score: 66.5
Data is from 2018 which was the last year for which the survey was published. Survey was discontinued after 2018. Details of Methodology
Map of University of the West of Scotland
FAQ
University of the West of Scotland ranks #13 in Scotland in our meta ranking of 123 university rankings. See rankings of all 20 universities in Scotland.
University of the West of Scotland ranks #1 in Paisley in our meta ranking.
University of the West of Scotland is listed in The Times Good University Guide, The Guardian League Table, CUG The Complete University Guide, THE World University Rankings, US News: Best Global Universities, Scimago Institutions Rankings and more. See all 22 rankings of University of the West of Scotland.
University of the West of Scotland achieved #119 in The Guardian League Table. This is the university’s highest ranking in the 123 rankings tracked on our website. See all rankings for University of the West of Scotland.
University of the West of Scotland achieved the highest ranking for Natural Sciences. It is ranked #9 in The Guardian University League Tables by Subject (Zoology). See all subject rankings for University of the West of Scotland.
A large number of university rankings include surveys among academics on reputation. In our meta ranking of 123 university rankings University of the West of Scotland ranks #1 among universities in Paisley and #13 among universities in Scotland. See all rankings of University of the West of Scotland.
In our meta ranking University of the West of Scotland ranks #13 among all universities in Scotland and The University of Edinburgh ranks #1. Apart from rankings you may also want to see the ratings from students who attended the universities.
Ranking publishers
The Times and The Sunday Times
- Published:
- 15 September, 2023
- Published:
- 15 September, 2023
The Guardian News and Media Limited
- Published:
- 09 September, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -The Guardian League Table:
- Student to Staff Ratio: 15%
Entry Standards: 15%
Expenditure per Student: 5%
Continuation 15% (non-medical subjects) OR 5% (medical subjects)
NSS - Teaching: 8%
NSS - Assessment & Feedback: 8%
NSS - Overall Satisfaction: 4%
Career Prospects: 15%
Value added: 15%
- Published:
- 09 September, 2023
The University League Tables
- Published:
- 14 May, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -CUG The Complete University Guide:
- Entry Standards 12.5%
Student Satisfaction 18.75%
Student-Staff Ratio 12.5%
Research Quality 12.5%
Research Intensity 6.25%
Academic Service Spending 6.25%
Facilities Spending 6.25%
Graduate Prospects 12.5%
Degree Completion Rate 12.5%
- Published:
- 14 May, 2024
Rogers Digital Media
U-Ranking
RUY
América Economía
Perspektywy
THE Times Higher Education, UK
- Published:
- 27 September, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -THE World University Rankings:
- 30% Teaching (the Learning Environment)
- Reputation survey: 15%
- Staff-to-student ratio: 4.5%
- Doctorate-to-bachelor’s ratio: 2.25%
- Doctorates-awarded-to-academic-staff ratio: 6%
- Institutional income: 2.25%
30% Research (Volume, Income and Reputation)
- Reputation survey: 18%
- Research income: 6%
- Research productivity: 6%
30% Citations (Research Influence)
7.5% International Outlook (Staff, Students and Research)
- Proportion of international students: 2.5%
- Proportion of international staff: 2.5%
- International collaboration: 2.5%
2.5% Industry Income (Knowledge Transfer)"
- Published:
- 23 November, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -THE Global Employability University Ranking:
- Employability (survey) 100%
- Published:
- 19 October, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -THE World University Rankings by Subject:
- 37.4% Teaching (the Learning Environment)
37.6% Research (Volume, Income and Reputation)
15% Citations (Research Influence)
7.5% International Outlook (Staff, Students and Research)
2.5% Industry Income (Knowledge Transfer)
- Published:
- 27 July, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -THE World Reputation Rankings:
- Research Reputation 66,6%
Teaching Reputation 33,3%
- Published:
- 25 January, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -THE World’s Most International Universities:
- Proportion of international students 25%
Proportion of international staff 25%
Proportion of journal publications with one or more international co-authors 25%
University’s international reputation 25%
- Published:
- 14 May, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -THE Young University Rankings:
- Teaching 30%
Research (volume, income and reputation) 30%
Citations 30%
International outlook (staff, students, research) 7.5%
Industry income (knowledge transfer) 2.5%
- Published:
- 17 April, 2024
- Published:
- 27 March, 2024
- Published:
- 12 June, 2024
British Quacquarelli Symonds, UK
- Published:
- 04 June, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -QS World University Rankings:
- Academic Reputation 40%
Employer Reputation 10%
Faculty/Student Ratio 20%
Citations per faculty 20%
International Faculty Ratio 5%
International Student Ratio 5%
- Published:
- 23 September, 2021
- Criteria used in ranking -QS Employability Rankings:
- Employer reputation 30%
Alumni outcomes 25%
Partnerships with Employers per Faculty 25%
Employer/Student Connections 10%
Graduate employment rate 10%
- Published:
- 05 December, 2023
RUF
Sapiens Research
Thomson Reuters
- Published:
- 30 April, 2019
- Criteria used in ranking -Reuters Most Innovative Universities Europe:
- Patent volume 11.11%
Patent success 11.11%
Global patents 11.11%
Patent citations 11.11%
Percent of patents cited / Patent citation impact 11.11%
Patent to Article Citation Impact 11.11%
Industry Article Citation Impact 11.11%
Percent of Industry Collaborative Articles 11.11%
Total Web of Science Core Collection Papers 11.11%
- Published:
- 30 April, 2019
- Criteria used in ranking -Reuters Most Innovative Universities Europe:
- Patent volume 11.11%
Patent success 11.11%
Global patents 11.11%
Patent citations 11.11%
Percent of patents cited / Patent citation impact 11.11%
Patent to Article Citation Impact 11.11%
Industry Article Citation Impact 11.11%
Percent of Industry Collaborative Articles 11.11%
Total Web of Science Core Collection Papers 11.11%
National Institutional Ranking Framework
Careers360
Us News
- Published:
- 24 June, 2024
Urap
- Published:
- 19 December, 2023
Forbes
Payscale
ShanghaiRanking Consultancy
- Published:
- 15 August, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -ARWU Academic Ranking of World Universities - ShanghaiRanking:
- **Quality of Education 10%**
- Alumni winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 10%
**Quality of Faculty 40%**
- Staff winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 20%
- Highly Cited Researchers 20%
**Research Output 40%**
- Papers published in Nature and Science 20%
- Papers indexed in Science Citation Index-Expanded & Social Science Citation Index 20%
**Per Capita Performance 10%**
Washington Monthly
Kiplinger
The Princeton Review
Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Leiden University, Netherlands
- Published:
- 03 July, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -CWTS Leiden Ranking:
- Scientific Impact
Number of Publications
Collaboration
Open Access
Gender Diversity
Scimago Institutions
- Published:
- 06 March, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -Scimago Institutions Rankings:
- Research 50%
Innovation 30%
Societal 20%
CWUR Center for World University Rankings
- Published:
- 13 May, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -CWUR Center for World University Rankings:
- **Research Performance: 40%**
- Research Output: 10%
- High-Quality Publications: 10%
- Influence: 10%
- Citations: 10%
**Quality of Education: 25%**
**Alumni Employment: 25%**
**Quality of Faculty: 10%**
MONEY
Nature Index
- Published:
- 15 June, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -Nature Index: Research Leaders Academic Sector:
- Article count (AC)
Fractional count (FC)
Weighted fractional count (WFC)
NTU ranking
- Published:
- 11 July, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -NTU Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers:
- **Research Productivity: 25%**
- \# Articles last 11 years: 10%
- \# Articles current year: 15%
**Research Impact: 35%**
- \# Citations last 11 years: 15%
- \# Citations last 2 years: 10%
- Average \# citations last 11 years: 10%
**Research Excellence: 40%**
- H-index last 2 years: 10%
- \# Highly cited papers last 11 years: 15%
- \# Articles current year in high-impact journals: 15%
RUR Ranking Agency (Moscow, Russia)
- Published:
- 25 May, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -RUR Academic Rankings:
- Normalized citation impact (Citations of research publications from all university authors compared with world averages) 20%
Citation per papers 20%
Papers per academic and research staff 20%
International research reputation 20%
Share of research publications written in international co-authorship 20%
- Published:
- 25 May, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -RUR Reputation Ranking:
- Teaching Reputation 50%
Research Reputation 50%
- Published:
- 30 May, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -RUR World University Rankings:
- **Teaching: 40%**
- Ratio Faculty/Student: 8%
- Ratio Faculty/Bachelor Degrees Awarded: 8%
- Ratio Faculty/Doctoral Degrees Awarded: 8%
- Ratio Doctoral Degrees Awarded/Bachelor Degrees Awarded: 8%
- World Teaching Reputation: 8%
**Research: 40%**
- Citations per Academic/Research Staff: 8%
- Doctoral Degrees per Accepted PhD: 8%
- Normalized Citation Impact: 8%
- Papers per Academic/Research Staff: 8%
- World Research Reputation: 8%
**International Diversity: 10%**
- International Faculty: 2%
- International Students: 2%
- International Co-Authored Papers: 2%
- Reputation Outside Geographical Region: 2%
- International Level: 2%
**Financial Sustainability: 10%**
- Institutional Income per Faculty: 2%
- Institutional Income per Student: 2%
- Papers per Research Income: 2%
- Research Income per Academic/Research Staff: 2%
- Research Income per Institutional Income: 2%
StuDocu
- Published:
- 30 January, 2023
4icu
- Published:
- 07 February, 2024
- Published:
- 07 February, 2024
Webometrics
- Published:
- 12 July, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities:
- Visibility 50%
Excellence 35%
Transparency 10%
Presence 5%