Innovation for the digital age is at the heart of a new partnership between University of the West of Scotland (UWS), Ayrshire College and Phoenix Software, with advancements in artificial intelligence, cyber security and technological innovation set to transform the institutions’ education programmes. 

UWS and Ayrshire College have signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement with the IT services firm, demonstrating a shared commitment to advancing digital and technological skills, delivering educational excellence and addressing real-life industry skills needs.

Through the collaboration, students and staff will have access to cutting-edge software and emerging technologies, with the aim of enhancing the overall learning experience, bolstering students’ employability and improving operational efficiency at both the college and university. 

The new alliance with Phoenix Software builds on an existing strategic partnership between UWS and Ayrshire College, which was signed earlier this year, committing both institutions to collaborate to support innovation and address current and future economic opportunities in Ayrshire.

Among the strategic partnership with Phoenix Software’s key components will be AI strategy, cybersecurity and IT governance - with joint initiatives to help UWS and Ayrshire College roadmap, implement and scale AI responsibly, developing best practices and shared learning across both institutions. 

Meanwhile, students and staff will benefit from digital workshops, training sessions and information events, with emphasis on latest tools from Microsoft and other leading technology platforms, giving students the skills needed when it comes to navigating the workplace. 

Archie MacIver, Vice-Principal of Finance and Infrastructure at UWS, said: “At UWS, we are constantly evolving to ensure the very best experience for our students and staff, and being at the forefront of digital innovation is key to that ambition. This partnership demonstrates our commitment to maximising our students’ success and creating and applying new knowledge, as set out in our Strategy 2030. 

“We are also delighted to be building on our existing partnership with Ayrshire College with this new initiative, which we hope will give our students and staff the tools needed to thrive in a digital world.”

At UWS, we are constantly evolving to ensure the very best experience for our students and staff, and being at the forefront of digital innovation is key to that ambition.

Archie MacIver, Vice-Principal of Finance and Infrastructure at UWS

Alan Ritchie, Vice Principal - Finance and Infrastructure at Ayrshire College, said: “This partnership highlights the power of collaboration in transforming education. By working closely with UWS and Phoenix Software, we are creating new opportunities for our students to engage with emerging technologies, strengthen their digital skills and gain valuable experience that will prepare them for success in the modern workplace.”

We are creating new opportunities for our students to engage with emerging technologies, strengthen their digital skills and gain valuable experience that will prepare them for success in the modern workplace.

Alan Ritchie, Vice Principal - Finance and Infrastructure at Ayrshire College

Craig Taylor, Chief Technology Officer at Phoenix Software, said: “Our shared focus in areas such as cyber security, governance and AI transformation has been a driving force throughout our collaboration. We know from experience that technology and digital solutions can help revolutionise education services, making them more efficient, effective, and staff and student centric. We want to redefine what it means to deliver education services in the digital age. That process starts today.” 

We want to redefine what it means to deliver education services in the digital age. That process starts today.

Craig Taylor, Chief Technology Officer at Phoenix Software

The partnership reflects University of the West of Scotland’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4: quality education and Goal 9: industry, innovation and infrastructure.