The future is bright for the first cohort of students to have graduated from Scotland’s first joint Undergraduate School, run in partnership by the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) and New College Lanarkshire (NCL).

A total of 41 UWS/NCL students took part in graduation ceremonies this week as part of UWS’s Winter Graduation ceremonies at Paisley Abbey, with a further 12 graduating in absentia.

The award winning UWS/NCL Undergraduate School emerged from over a decade partnership between UWS and NCL. It seeks to address below-national average degree attainment in North Lanarkshire by providing a pathway to access industry-focused university degrees within a supportive college environment.

The courses on offer at the Undergraduate School have been designed to meet skills gaps in the region - identified in collaboration with stakeholders including Skills Development Scotland and North Lanarkshire Council - and have a focus on supporting and growing the local SME community.

More than 400 students are currently enrolled on the Undergraduate School’s courses, with UWS and NCL having set out a shared ambition to grow the collaborative portfolio of degrees available over the coming years.

One of the students to graduate is 32-year-old Laura Henderson, who enrolled on BA Business Enterprise and Marketing to further her studies after achieving a HND in Makeup Artistry at NCL in 2018. On the benefits of the Undergraduate School, she said: “I enjoyed the relaxed college setting. As a mature learner I was anxious to begin studying at a university, as I thought it would overwhelm me, however the NCL/UWS collaboration is a perfect substitute for those who want to continue to learn and are looking for a gentle segue back into that space.

“The flexibility in class times was so beneficial as I run my own business in the beauty industry, I was able to continue this full time whilst studying. The condensed learning hours meant I could see my clients around my studies and utilise the 24-hour UWS library to ensure I was up to date.”

The flexibility in class times was so beneficial as I run my own business in the beauty industry, I was able to continue this full time whilst studying.

Laura Henderson, Student

Also graduating is Lina Viatkute, who is originally from Lithuania and achieved a HND in Beauty Therapy at NCL in 2024. She too runs a small business in the beauty industry, and when the opportunity to study Business Enterprise and Marketing arose, it felt like a natural next step. She said: “The job market is competitive, and I knew that having more knowledge in this area would benefit my business and future career.

“I never even thought university would be an option for me. When I found out I could access a degree on the Undergraduate School, I jumped at the chance. English isn’t my first language, but that has never been a barrier – there’s so much one-to-one support from lecturers who genuinely want you to succeed, and you benefit from double the expertise from NCL and UWS.

“To graduate feels very good, I’m proud of myself. I’m 43-years-old, but I really feel it’s never too late to learn or access education.”

I really feel it’s never too late to learn or access education.

Lina Viatkute, Student

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of University of the West of Scotland said: “All graduation ceremonies are special, but this week’s were made even more special as we mark the first cohort of students to come through the Undergraduate School.
“These graduates are testament to the success of our joint endeavour, which priorities the needs of the learner and the local economy. It’s wonderful to watch the effort and dedication of our students pay-off as they celebrate the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. We look forward to seeing all that they go on to achieve next.”

These graduates are testament to the success of our joint endeavour, which priorities the needs of the learner and the local economy.

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

Professor Christopher Moore, Principal and Chief Executive of New College Lanarkshire said: “It is wonderful to see these first graduates from the Undergraduate school. We formed this partnership with UWS to give people in North Lanarkshire the opportunity to study for degrees that are relevant to their needs and aspirations. The success of these students shows how much this initiative was needed and I know they will go on to do great things for themselves, their families and their communities."

The success of these students shows how much this initiative was needed and I know they will go on to do great things for themselves, their families and their communities.

Professor Christopher Moore, Principal and Chief Executive of New College Lanarkshire

The Undergraduate School reflects University of the West of Scotland’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4: quality education and Goal 10: reduced inequalities.