A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) student who once struggled to find his place in education is now graduating with first-class honours and plans to return to UWS to pursue a PhD and inspire others as a lecturer.

Brian Boyd, who completed a BA (Hons) in Business and Marketing, described his school years as “terrible” and only went to avoid getting into trouble. Misunderstood and misplaced in additional support classes despite his academic potential, he left school with low confidence and a belief that higher education wasn’t for him.

But everything changed soon after arriving at UWS: “In my first year, I felt I didn’t fit in, I hated it and I nearly dropped out”.

“I couldn’t make sense of the business language, and I struggled to keep up. But when a lecturer noticed I was falling behind and referred me to the disability team, everything started to make sense.”

Following the referral, Brian was diagnosed with dyslexia and later combined type ADHD. He received support from the University’s wellbeing and disability services and was awarded a UWS West Scholarship, which he used to help him fund a private ADHD diagnosis. This marked both a turning point in his academic journey and his confidence:

 

It gave me the biggest confidence boost ever, I’d always felt something wasn’t right at school. UWS gave me the tools to learn differently - the tools I needed to flourish. And it’s led me to be able to chase my dreams.

 

Brian’s time at university was also marked by intense personal hardship. In his second year, his 90-year-old gran who had helped raise him and nurtured his early love of cooking, was diagnosed with cancer. Brian took on full-time caring responsibilities alongside his mum, often operating on just four hours sleep while juggling university, part-time work, and the care of his gran.

“She made me promise to finish my degree,” Brian said. “She passed away in May and the very next day, I got the email to say I’d passed second year. That moment meant everything.”

His commitment was tested again when, later that year, his mum suffered a major heart attack and Brian’s brother, Gary, had to rush her to hospital. Yet through it all, he continued his studies supported by UWS staff.

 

Every single lecturer showed care, flexibility, and understanding. They made me feel seen. UWS gave me a voice and the courage to use it.

 

Brian went on to become a student ambassador and Vice President of the Student Rep Society and at his graduation ceremony in Paisley Abbey was awarded the Court medal for his academic achievement. He credits his transformation to the University’s culture of support, accessibility, and belief in its students.

Now working as a communications officer, Brian’s sights are set firmly on the future. He has already accepted a place to study a master’s at UWS and plans to undertake a PhD in the future, ultimately hoping to teach the next generation of students: “I fell in love with academia in third year. I want to be the kind of lecturer who helps students feel like they belong.

“I want to show them that no matter where you come from, or how long it takes you to get there, your dreams are valid. I want to give back to the university that gave me everything.”

 

Brian’s journey is nothing short of inspirational. He has shown resilience, empathy, and determination throughout his time with us, and has become a role model for a lot of students. We are so proud of his achievements and would be delighted to welcome him back to continue his MSc Digital Marketing programme, and a PhD in the future

Dr Xiuli (Shelly) Guo Programme Leader for BA Business and Marketing.

 

As the leading widening access university in Scotland, UWS is committed to removing barriers to education and creating opportunities for students from all backgrounds. The University’s widening access work is underpinned by targeted support for those with caring responsibilities, additional learning needs, and those who have experienced educational disadvantage.

Brian is now the first person in his family to earn a university degree.

My UWS experience has been life changing. For the first time in my life, I feel like I’ve found my place.