Why UWS?

UWS is a large, modern, multi-campus university with a rich history dating back to 1897.

As well as meeting people from across the globe, students have the opportunity to meet the local, Scottish students and discover more about the Scottish way of life.

Across our five campuses we boast some of the most modern, innovative and sustainable Higher Education learning and teaching facilities in the UK.

We are proud to be a university where ambition, student support and student success are at the heart of everything we do.

At UWS we treat our students as individuals, partners and future leaders in their fields, providing them with the knowledge, skills and confidence to shape the world around them and with the inspiration to achieve their dreams.

Why Scotland?

Scotland is an exciting place to live, work and study. It’s rich in tradition yet culturally diverse and there really is something for everyone. Our Scottish campuses are perfectly placed for our students to enjoy everything that Scotland has to offer. Find out more at www.uws.ac.uk/campuses

  • Fall Semester (called ‘Term 1’): Early September – mid December.
  • Spring Semester (called ‘Term 2’): Early January – early May (includes 1 week Spring break).
  • Assessment is completed by the end of each semester for visiting students.
  • We offer a large range of attractive modules available to visiting students.
  • Network of mobility coordinators – faculty members within schools whose role is to advise incoming students and to help with curriculum mapping.
  • Large range of clubs and societies, with a strong focus on sports, and opportunities for volunteering.
  • University accommodation is well-priced and guaranteed to visiting students applying by our deadlines.
  • Some institutions call these courses. We call them modules at UWS.
  • The load for a Semester (we call this a Term at UWS) is 60 UWS credits (= 30 ECTS credits).
  • Most modules are 20 credits, so a typical load is three modules per semester.

Be aware that UWS operates on several campuses. Normally you will want to choose all your modules on either the Paisley Campus or on the Ayr Campus.

Accommodation

Paisley accommodation

Learn More

Ayr accommodation

Learn more

Accommodation is guaranteed if application is made online by the last Monday in June, for Term 1 and by the last Monday in October for Term 2.

To find out more about our accommodation visit www.uws.ac.uk/accommodation. 

For further details on accommodation costs please contact Studyabroadatuws@uws.ac.uk.

 

What our students say

Katie Walsh is studying Cultural Diplomacy & International Events at UWS Paisley Campus and is from Long Island.

Yuleicy Suarez is studying Aircraft Engineering at UWS Paisley Campus and is from New York.

Katie Knotts is studying Filmmaking at UWS Ayr Campus and is from Maryland.

2026/27

  • Term 1 (Fall 2026) – £8,138
  • Term 2 (Spring 2027) – £8,138
  • Full academic year – £16, 275

Term Dates Session 2026/27

  • Term 2 commences – 12th Jan 2026
  • Spring break – 6th April 2026
  • Term 2 continues – 13th April 2026
  • Term 2 finishes – 8th May 2026
  • Term 1 commences – 7th Sept 2026
  • Term 1 ends – 18th Dec 2026
  • Term 2 commences – 12th Jan 2027
  • Spring break – 5th April 2027
  • Term 2 continues – 12th April 2027
  • Term 2 finishes – 7th May 2027

Application deadlines

  • Term 1 (Fall 2026) - 31st May 2026
  • Term 2 (Spring 2027) - 31st October 2026

We may be able to accept applications after these deadlines. Contact us for more information.

  1. Your first step should be to discuss your plans with the Study Abroad team at your home institution.
  2. Complete your home institution’s application process by its deadline.
  3. Explore the range of classes (modules) available at UWS. A full semester comprises 60 UWS credits, so normally three 20-credit modules. We recommend that you indicate five modules, to allow for modules that may not run, have timetable clashes, or are otherwise not suitable. We shall do our very best to approve your first-choice modules.
  4. Make your selection, after discussing with your home institution to ensure the classes you have chosen will transfer back to meet your degree program requirements.
  5. We want to support you in your module choice, ensuring you have the necessary pre-requisites, so we do ask for an up-to-date transcript during the application process.
  6. You institution will forward your details to us and we will arrange a Zoom call and send you a step by step application guide.
  7. At any point in the process should you have any questions please contact studyabroadatuws@uws.ac.uk.
Paisley Campus Coffee Shop | University Life at UWS | University of the West of Scotland

Contact us

You can contact our Study Abroad team by email at studyabroadatuws@uws.ac.uk or by phone/Whatsapp on +44 (0) 7966 285871.

Last updated: 28/04/2026