Dumfries and Galloway College (DGC) and the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) have today announced the signing of a new Strategic Partnership Agreement ─ a landmark in collaborative tertiary education and skills development.

The two institutions, sharing a campus in Dumfries, have spearheaded Scotland-leading innovative education pathways in the region. The new agreement establishes a framework for joint planning and delivery in curriculum development, innovation funding bids, shared services, staff development and stakeholder engagement, with ambitious new commitments to meet current and future skills demands throughout the South of Scotland.

DGC and UWS will jointly plan and provide educational pathways in key areas such as Business, Computing, Health and Social Care, as well as other emerging sectors aligned with Dumfries and Galloway’s economic priorities.

In addition to shaping education and skills provision, the partnership will see the two institutions work together on facility and service development across student services, library and learning resources, wellbeing and fitness facilities and wider academic activities.

Both organisations will seek to engage further with key regional stakeholders ─ including NHS Dumfries and Galloway, the Scottish Funding Council, South of Scotland Enterprise, Skills Development Scotland and Dumfries and Galloway Council ─ to ensure their collaborative work aligns with ongoing regional development plans.

Douglas Dickson, CEO and Principal of Dumfries and Galloway College, said: “This strategic partnership with the University of the West of Scotland heralds an exciting step forward for both our organisations and also for the region.

“By working together and combining our strengths, we are committed to developing more pathways and opportunities for everyone by building a robust and integrated educational landscape for the future.”

By working together and combining our strengths, we are committed to developing more pathways and opportunities for everyone by building a robust and integrated educational landscape for the future.

Douglas Dickson, CEO and Principal of Dumfries and Galloway College

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of University of the West of Scotland, said: “Both the College and UWS are committed to the South of Scotland, proud of what we’ve achieved in the region, but excited by the opportunities that exists when we co-create together.

“By putting the needs of learners, businesses, and organisations at the heart of our thinking, together we know we can fulfil our ambition to play an even larger role in Dumfries and Galloway.”

By putting the needs of learners, businesses, and organisations at the heart of our thinking, together we know we can fulfil our ambition to play an even larger role in Dumfries and Galloway

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of University of the West of Scotland