University of the West of Scotland (UWS) has been named The Times and The Sunday Times Scottish University of the Year for Social Inclusion 2026.

UWS is a leading institution for widening participation in higher education, committed to driving social inclusion and reducing inequalities through education, research and knowledge exchange. The University was also ranked first in the Higher Education Policy Institute’s Scottish Social Mobility Index.

“We’re incredibly proud to be named as the leading university in Scotland for social inclusion through the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide. This accolade recognises our deep commitment to supporting our diverse student population and the impact our graduates make in the communities they serve."
Professor James A. Miller FRSE, Principal of University of the West of Scotland

“This achievement is also testament to our dedication to addressing the UN Strategic Development Goals, especially in relation to reducing inequalities, and the tireless work of colleagues in embedding that ethos in line with our commitment to maximising the success of our students.”

The criteria used by The Times and The Sunday Times for Scottish University of the Year for Social Inclusion sees factors such as state school admissions, ethnic minority students, black awarding gap, white working class, low participation areas/ deprived areas, first-generation students, disabled students and mature students alongside data sourced from HESA, UCAS and the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation.

View the full rankings here.