One of the most recognisable faces in women’s football has received an Honorary Doctorate from University of the West of Scotland at its summer graduations. 

Scotland and Chelsea women’s footballer, Erin Cuthbert, was recognised amongst almost 2,000 students graduating at Paisley Abbey this week, from 4–7 July 2023.

Erin - a former UWS student - plays for Chelsea in the Football Association’s Barclays Women’s Super League and is a member of the Scotland national team. Born in Irvine, Ayrshire, Erin began her career with a five-year spell at Rangers and then spent two years at Glasgow City before joining Chelsea in 2016. 

Following Erin’s various successes at club level and Champions League football, she was selected for the full Scotland squad for the Euro 2017 qualifiers, making her debut against Belarus in June 2016 at just 17 years old. 

Erin now has 58 caps for Scotland and was the Scottish Women’s Football International Player of the year in 2018, 2019 and 2022.   

At the ceremony, Stephanie Pitticas, Vice-Principal (Internationalisation) delivered the powerful encomium speech for Erin.

Speaking about Erin’s achievements, Stephanie said: “Erin’s remarkable journey to date on the field is a true inspiration to young fans around the world and her impact extends far beyond the confines of the pitch. 

“Erin is an emblem of perseverance and a living testament to the power of dreaming big. She has become a powerful advocate for change, not just on the pitch, but with the work that she does with the Chelsea Foundation, and various other charities. Erin has recognised the significance of visibility and representation in the game, especially for young girls and the importance of being a role model. I extend a huge, heartfelt congratulations to Erin for being recognised with such a well-deserved Honorary Doctorate from UWS.”

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS, who was also in attendance at the ceremony, said: “Graduation is always the highlight of the University calendar; celebrating the amazing achievements of our students as they move on to the next chapter of their life. As well as our students, it is fantastic to recognise the achievements of our Honorary Doctorate, Erin Cuthbert. Erin is a truly inspirational role model; who, through her outstanding contributions to the world of sport, has made significant impacts – both in sport and within the communities she is part of. Congratulations, Erin.”

Discussing her Honorary Doctorate, Erin said: “It’s a great honour for me to be awarded an Honorary Doctorate at such a prestigious Institution like the University of the West of Scotland – back to where it all started for me. I look forward to enhancing my learning, continuing my work in driving women’s sport forward in Scotland, and partaking in several off-field initiatives that are close to my heart.”

During the ceremonies, students graduated from the University’s four academic Schools: Business & Creative Industries; Computing, Engineering & Physical Sciences; Education & Social Sciences and Health & Life Sciences. 

The Paisley graduations follow an online virtual graduation ceremony, which took place on Friday 30 June 2023.