Frequently Asked Questions, International Students, at University of the West of the Scotland

Frequently Asked Questions

choose a programme

How do I choose the course that is right for me?
The best place to start researching your options is to look at the University Prospectus. The Prospectus is organised by grouping similar degrees together so if you have a particular interest in, say science, all of the options are listed together.

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How can I find detailed information about my specific programme?
You can request an undergraduate and postgraduate prospectus via the Courses section of this website. You can also view our online course information. If you would like more detailed information on individual modules, you can contact the admissions officer for a particular programme by using the contact details listed at the bottom of the corresponding page in the prospectus.

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Where can I find information about employment or research opportunities at the University?
The University has a strong reputation as a provider of applied research and innovation - meeting the needs of industry, commerce, professional bodies and other research institutions. It operates across many fields - from civil engineering and computing science to European studies and psychology. Please visit the Research and Knowledge Transfer web pages for further information.

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applying to the university

What is an international student?
An international student is anyone whose permanent residence is out with the United Kingdom. International students are categorized into a) students from the EEA and b) students from out with the EEA.

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How do I apply to the University?

Undergraduate Courses
All applications for degree courses are through the Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS). You can apply online at www.ucas.com.

Postgraduate Courses
Applications for postgraduate courses are made directly to the University. Application forms can be requested by contacting University Direct on
+ 44 (0) 141 848 7044, by email uni-direct@uws.ac.uk or by visiting the apply section of this website.

Research
Information about our research opportunities is available from the Research and Knowledge Transfer web pages.

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What qualifications do I require for admission?
Qualifications are assessed from each individual country to ascertain the equivalence to UK qualifications. Requirements will also depend on the subject area to be studied and the level of entry applied for.

If you require help with comparisons of your qualifications please contact your nearest British Council Office or contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (Naric).

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What is considered an "Official" transcript or test score report?
A transcript or statement of result would be accepted on official headed paper from an institution or examination board. The documents must be signed and stamped by the appropriate authority. Please contact our Admissions team for further guidance.

What documents are NOT considered "Official"?
Any document other than that stated above would not be regarded as official.

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What is the deadline for applying for admission?
Generally, the closing date for UCAS is 15th January. If you haven't met this deadline you can still send in your application until 30th June. However, this will be dependant on suitable vacancies remaining and may limit your course choices.

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What should I say in my Statement of Purpose?
A statement of purpose is not required to apply to the University. However, if you would like to complete one, a short essay stating your purpose for undertaking undergraduate or postgraduate study in your chosen field would be sufficient. This also may include academic objectives, professional or research interests and career plans.

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How do I know which codes to use on my UCAS application form?
The UCAS Institution Code which is allocated to the University is B40.

To find out the Course Code for your particular area of interest please visit apply section of our website or www.ucas.com

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Does the Admissions Office/Officer have a pre-established number of international students to whom it will offer admission?
No, there is not a pre-established number of places for international students.

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Can I enrol in a graduate programme as a part-time student?
Student visas are issued to Non-EU students for a full-time course at University. Therefore, it is not possible for non-EU students to study on a part-time basis.

EU students can apply to study on a part-time basis.

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What is a trimester?
The University timetable is split into 3 trimesters. Trimester 1 and 2 encompass teaching time; 2 weeks for studying and completing coursework; and 1 week for final examinations. Trimester 3 encompasses summer course teaching and postgraduate dissertation writing.

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What is the University's policy on rules and discipline?
The University has a Regulatory Framework which encompasses the code of discipline for students and programme regulations. Further information about this is provided to enrolled students.

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applying for a visa

How do I get a student visa?

Students from countries within the European Economic Area (EEA): If you are from the European Economic Area (EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway) you should be granted entry to the UK on production of a valid passport. However, we advise that you have evidence of financial support and evidence of your acceptance as a full-time student with you on arrival in the country. You do not require a student visa.

Students from non-EEA countries require a valid passport and must obtain entry clearance before they travel to the UK. Entry clearance can either be a Visa or an Entry Certificate depending on which country you come from. Entry clearance is obtained from your nearest British official representative (Embassy, High Commission, Consulate or other authorised office) who will advise on the type of entry clearance required.

For detailed information about applying for a student visa, we advise you to download the UKCISA information sheet "Making a student immigration application in your home country ". In addition, the UK Borders Agency (UKBA) website provides information and guidance.

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the university and surrounding area

Where is the University?
The University has four campuses spread across the South and South West of Scotland.

The Paisley Campus is in the heart of Paisley, the largest town in Scotland. It is situated opposite the Museum and Art Gallery, and a short walk from Gilmour Street Railway Station. Regular public bus and rail services operate from Glasgow and the south-west.

The Ayr Campus is situated on the West Coast of Scotland. Ayr is a lively town with a population of 50,000 and provides excellent shopping, leisure and cultural events. Paisley and Glasgow are just under an hour away by train or car. The Campus itself has a friendly atmosphere and excellent facilities, located closely to the centre of town in Craigie Estate, 20 acres of parkland bordering the River Ayr.

Located in the South-West of Scotland, the Dumfries campus is located a short distance from the centre of town. Although only minutes from the town centre by bus or car, the campus is surrounded by 80 acres of parkland and woods overlooking the River Nith and Galloway hills.

The Hamilton Campus is located in the heart of Lanarkshire offering a lively, safe and friendly atmosphere. Hamilton is well-served with travel links and is centrally located just eleven miles south of Glasgow. Burns Country, Loch Lomond, the Trossachs as well as the cultural cities of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirling are all within easy reach. The main rail line from London and the Midlands to Glasgow is ten minutes from Hamilton, and there is also a fast and frequent service from Hamilton to Glasgow. The campus is also within two hours of Stranraer and Cairnryan ferry terminals.

Visit the campuses section of this web site to find out more about our campus locations.

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Where can I find information about Ayr and the local area?
www.ayr.org
www.ayrshire-arran.com
Undiscovered Scotland
www.visitscotland.com

Where can I find information about Dumfries and the local area?
www.dumfries-and-galloway.co.uk
Undiscovered Scotland
www.visitscotland.com

Where can I find information about Hamilton and the local area?
Undiscovered Scotland
www.visitscotland.com

Where can I find information about Paisley and the Glasgow area?
www.paisley.org.uk
www.seeglasgow.org
Undiscovered Scotland
www.visitscotland.com

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How far is the University from the closest international airport?
Please visit the travel page for information about traveling to and from the campuses.

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accommodation

Do you have on-campus housing? Am I required to live on campus?
Accommodation is guaranteed to all non-European Union (EU) students and priority is given to EU students, provided they apply for accommodation by mid-August.

Ayr Campus: The halls of residence are on campus and accommodate 103 students.

Dumfries Campus: There are no University owned residences located at our Dumfries Campus. However, the Residential Accommodation Unit can assist with identifying suitable options.

Hamilton Campus: The modern halls of residence are located on campus. Accommodating 156 students with a single study bedroom, each flat houses 6 students with a communal lounge and kitchen, 2 shower rooms and 2 toilets. Each bedroom is furnished and heated. The kitchen/living rooms are spacious with dining table and chairs, cooker, sink, fridge freezer and storage. Some flats are adapted for residents with disabilities.

Paisley Campus: There are 2 halls of residence and numerous flats located around Paisley town.

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What is the University accommodation like?
Please visit the Accommodation section of our web site for further information.

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Where can I find information on housing?
Listings of private accommodation; including flats, bed-sits, bed & breakfast and full board accommodation are available from each campus or by e-mailing the Residential Accommodation Unit.

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What do I need to buy for my Halls of Residence? How do students do their laundry?
All residences and flats are self-catering with cooking facilities provided for you to prepare your own food. You will be provided with a bedding pack if you are staying in a University owned residence. There are laundery facilities available in the residences.

In addition, there is a communal laundry on the Paisley Campus.

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finance

What is the cost of tuition fees at the University?

Students from non-EEA countries:
At the University our tuition fees for 2009/2010 are £9,300 for a science-based course (band 1) and £10,050 for an arts-based course (band 2). Tuition fees apply to each year of study of an undergraduate course and for a one-year postgraduate course. There are a number of international scholarships available; visit our scholarship section to see if you meet the eligibility criteria.

N.B. Students are required to pay 50% of their tuition fees at the time of enrolment with the balance being due at the start of the second trimester. Failure to adhere to this could result in being formally withdrawn from the course and, if necessary, action may be taken to recoup any monies owed. In addition, the University is obliged to advise the UK Borders Agency of non payment; a breach of the current student visa regulations. Students with any outstanding payments owed to the University are ineligible to graduate until final payment is made.

Students from EU countries:
The 'home' fees for the academic year 2009/2010 are as follows:

Undergraduate courses: £1,820
Postgraduate courses: £3,400

You may be eligible to have your tuition fees paid for by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS).

Are there any additional costs?
Not with regards to your tuition. The figures quoted for the University's international fees include all tuition, registration and examinations costs.

You will be responsible for your living costs for the duration of your study.

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Will I pay the 'home' or 'overseas' tuition fees?

Please read the UKCISA Guidance sheet 'Tuition fees for study in Scotland' for advice on whether you will pay the 'home' or 'overseas' rate of fees.

Where can I find information about scholarships? Is financial aid available at the University?
For comprehensive information about scholarships and funding, visit the UKCISA website, click on 'Advice for international students' and 'Complete list of information sheets'. You can download the notes on 'Sources of funding for international students'.

The University is able to provide information about internal and external funding and incentive schemes. We would encourage any candidate who feels that they might meet the criteria to make enquiries to the contact points included in the scholarship section of this website.

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Can I pay my tuition fees and accommodation charges online?

Yes, the Finance Office has launched a new online payment facility for students.

Further information about making online payments can be obtained from the Frequently Asked Questions section of the Finance web site.

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Can I work during the time I am attending the University of the West of Scotland on a student visa?
Please visit the International Student Support section of the web site for guidance on working in the UK.

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How do I open a bank account?
Please visit the Orientation section of our web site for information about opening a bank account.

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english language requirements

What are the TOEFL/IELTS requirements?
It is essential that you have a good command of written and spoken English if you wish to excel in your studies. The University's entry requirements for academic courses can be viewed on our web site . As a rough guide, a TOEFL score of 550 or above or an IELTS score of 6 or above (5 in each component) are acceptable as evidence of proficiency in English.

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What if I don't meet the English language entry requirements?
We have an English Language Foundation Course which is designed to assist international students with developing their English language proficiency.

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resources

What counselling resources are provided for students?
Our International Student Advisors can help you with visa and immigration matters, queries on funding and student support, student hardship, working in the UK and general welfare issues. Expert advice is available on how to contact other agencies concerned with the needs of international students.

For further information visit the International Student Support web page

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Are there sports facilities for students?

Students on the Dumfries Campus benefit from a brand new leisure and sports facility in the Dumfries & Galloway College building on the Campus, shared by university and college students.

Our Hamilton Campus has a games hall for five-a-side, badminton, netball and basketball, and a fitness studio with cardiovascular and strength resistance machines. Students can join the gym for a discounted rate and professional instruction and supervision are available with fitness programming tailored to students’ needs.

The Robertson Trust Sports Centre in Paisley provides a range of sporting facilities. An indoor sports hall and gym provides sports and fitness equipment and machines, whilst outdoors, there are 3 floodlit third generation 5-a-side football pitches, full-size football and rugby pitches, all-purpose training area and jogging routes.

Students studying at our Ayr campus can take advantage of the numerous sports facilities in Ayr town.

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What are the library resources like?
As well as books and journals, the library at Ayr Campus houses an impressive range of resources and facilities including CDs, DVDs and videos. The library also has many PCs for students to access the library catalogue, electronic services and other internet resources.

The Library at Dumfries Campus offers lending and enquiry services, study space, access to the Internet, e-mail, Microsoft Office applications and library catalogues. The Library collection includes books, journals, electronic resources, audio-visual and printed materials.

The well-equipped library at the Hamilton Campus has 160 study spaces, open access IT facilities, photocopy facilities, wireless internet access and a range of resources including 80,000 books and 1,000 journals.

The Robertson Trust Library and Learning Resource Centre, Paisley Campus, accommodates almost 200,000 volumes, many reference journals and increasing numbers of resources and services in electronic format. These can be accessed via the Internet, on CD-Rom, through specialised services or by direct online access. Some are linked through staff or student networks. There's an IT lab and interactive video players for language materials, as well as specialist and archival collections. Facilities include individual and group study areas as well as network connection points allowing students to plug in their own laptops to access the online information sources.

Students can access an online catalogue which contains details of all material held at all campuses and checks availability.

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How is technology a part of the University experience? Do I have to own my own computer?
The University recognises the importance of IT literacy in all students - not just those who are studying computing. All students at the University have free e-mail and web access. Our technology facilities across the campuses offer advanced hardware and software facilities. The University offers an abundance of PCs with an open access policy for students to use.

If you do have your own PC or laptop you can take advantage of free WiFi access.

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What services of worship are offered at the University?
Details of the provision at all campuses can be obtained from the Spiritual Care Team or from Student Services, at each of the campuses. The Spiritual Care Team offers spiritual support and is staffed by people from various local churches.

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Can students have cars on campus? Do I need a car?
There is no student parking at the Paisley campus except for students with special needs. This can be organised with the University's Special Needs Advisor.

No, you don't need a car to get around. If staying at the University's Underwood Residences or George/Christie Street and Lady Lane flats, then you can walk to the University in minutes. Thornly Park Residence is on a main bus route and there are several bus services which can be used. The journey takes around 10 minutes. The city of Glasgow is only 12 minutes away by train. The train station, Gilmour Street Railway Station, is located in the centre of Paisley.

Parking on the Hamilton Campus is available subject to the purchase of pre-paid parking tickets from the refectory or library.

There is free student parking available at Ayr and Dumfries Campuses.

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"I came to the University of the West of Scotland because of course, the location and the cost.

I was very interested in Multimedia Communications and this course is not widely available in all universities. My tuition fees are considerably less here than at other UK or US universities as well. I was aware of the strong focus that the University places on industrial placement and it is renowned back home in Pakistan.

The facilities are good. The Library has a large bank of books and is user friendly. The Students' Union is a good place to meet other international students. It broadens your exposure to other nationalities. I have greatly benefited from the 24 hour labs, which are easily accessible. The Internet Café is a great facility too.

The course structure at Paisley is much more flexible and definitely more beneficial. You can shape your career, by choosing modules you have an interest in as well as the core modules necessary for your course. I think my job prospects both in the UK and Pakistan will be enhanced by this. "

Syed Munib Hadi
Pakistan
MSc Multimedia Communications

International