University of the West of Scotland (UWS) has ranked first in the UK for its contribution to decent work and economic growth in the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings.

The University also ranked joint first in Scotland for Quality Education, with the overall results recognising UWS’s role in widening opportunity, supporting fair work and contributing to social and economic development.

The Impact Ratings is the only global ranking measuring how institutions worldwide are advancing sustainability in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing global challenges including ending poverty and protecting the planet.

The 2026 rankings evaluate 1,646 universities from 116 countries and territories across the 17 SDGs. 

These results recognise the distinctive contribution UWS makes to fair work, quality education, widening opportunity and social and economic development. 

Professor James Miller, Principal & Vice-Chancellor of UWS

UWS, which maintained its position as a top 300 university, ranked number one in the UK for its contribution to Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG8), which encourages sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, productive employment and decent work for all.

Meanwhile, the institution ranked joint first in Scotland and fourth in the UK for providing Quality Education (SDG4), which looks at ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities.

Commenting on the THE Sustainability Impact Ratings, Professor James Miller, Principal & Vice-Chancellor of UWS, said: "These results recognise the distinctive contribution UWS makes to fair work, quality education, widening opportunity and social and economic development. 

"To be ranked first in the UK for Decent Work and Economic Growth is a significant endorsement of our commitment to responsible employment practices, student opportunity and regional impact. 

"Our performance also reflects the work of colleagues across the University who are helping to deliver Strategy 2030 and ensure UWS continues to make a positive difference for our students, staff, partners and communities." 

For Decent Work and Economic Growth, UWS was assessed for its SDG research, employment practices, expenditure per employee, number of students on work placements and secure contracts. Overall, for this measure it ranked 39th globally. 

In Quality Education, along with its SDG research, UWS was assessed for number of graduates with teaching qualifications, lifelong learning measures such as free educational resources and events for those outside the university, its outreach beyond campus, and number of first-generation students.

Together, the results highlight the practical contribution universities make through education, research, skills, fair employment, public engagement and regional partnership.

UWS previously committed to addressing the UN SDGs through their embedding in its Strategy 2030 agenda – a five-year roadmap designed by the institution to position itself as a global leader in forging impactful partnerships and co-creating solutions for societal change.

The news follows the university’s recent accolade as The Times and The Sunday Times Scottish University of the Year for Social Inclusion 20