Career-focused Courses - Changing Lives
With over 120 years of experience, UWS offers a wide range of career-focused, industrially-relevant degree programmes. UWS is one of the UK’s most innovative modern universities, and with more than one century of academic experience and expertise, our courses prepare you for the real-world. The stories below are inspirational stories of just some of our amazing students and show how UWS has changed their lives, and can change yours.
Health & Lifestyle
Preparing for a career in care
Student Peter Cartwright had been exposed to the issue of mental health from a young age and decided this was the profession for him.
The performance analyst
Why study sport at UWS? Michael Gallacher is the perfect person to ask that question – he’s done it twice!
On track for career success
When you ask David Fallon, the new Head of Development for Scottish athletics, about his most important career decisions, he immediately takes you back to his choice to study at UWS.
Learning from each other
When you ask John McVeigh, what the best thing about studying at UWS is, he’s very clear on his answer. “It’s the people,” he says.
Re-learning how to study
A chance conversation with her line manager led Andrea Boyd back to study after a break of 20 years. Andrea, a Practice Development Occupational Therapist took the leap to progress her career.
Tokyo 2021 Bound
BSc (Hons) Sport Development graduate and Team GB Para table tennis player, Martin Perry, prepares for the 2021 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Helping others achieve
A passion for helping young people find their own voice saw David Brady quit his Business Analyst job to return to full-time education in order to help them move ahead in their lives.
Four must-visit places
Alwell Maduakolam is an international student who studies MSc Public Health at the University of the West of Scotland. He’s found out that there’s much more to University life in Scotland than study…
Fit for a new career
When homecare worker Lynn Greenlees decided to start going to her local gym, she never imagined it would reignite her passion for exercise, and help kickstart a new career.
Studying in Scotland as an International Student
Alwell Maduakolam, from Nigeria, is a member of the Student Social Media Team at UWS, studying MSc Public Health and sharing useful tips on life as an international student.
Science (Life & Physical)
Adding up to a successful career
Mature student, Matt Bradbury, is pursuing a career change; undertaking UWS’s BSc (Hons) Mathematics with Education degree.
Researching COPD
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science graduate Kirsty McCallum is carrying out PhD research to find out why chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
New Blood
Louise Jackson was working full-time before many of her peers had even finished their training after completing the accredited BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science.
Investigating new horizons
Franklin wanted to combine his interest in biology with his fascination for forensics. This led him to UWS, and its unique BSc (Hons) course in Applied Bioscience with Forensic Investigation.
The Cure Finder
After completing his part-time BSc (Hons) Chemistry, Andrew Fraser now works in medicinal chemistry, researching cures for neglected diseases: working on African sleeping sickness and leishmaniasis, among others.
Siren call
UWS has welcomed its first cohort of students onto the new BSc Paramedic Science programme in partnership with the Scottish Ambulance Service.
KTP success for graduate
Cecilia Chaine has benefited from undertaking the University’s MSc Waste & Resource Management, recently landing the post of KTP Associate in a UWS/Restructa Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP).
Hard work pays off for Emily
Most people would think taking on a Masters workload would be quite enough for one year, but not Emily Moffat, who is graduating from our MSc Advanced Biomedical Science programme in 2021.
Biotech Globetrotter
MSc Biotechnology graduate Dr. Md. Rashedul Islam has travelled all over the world to gain his academic awards, and it was the booming global population and subsequent demand for food, fuel, disease-free life, safer agriculture and a clean and green environment that sparked his interest in the...
Computing & Engineering
Following a video game development dream
Martin Bell is a BSc Computer Games Development student at UWS. He’s written this blog post explaining how is his course is making his dreams a reality.
Building a bright future at UWS
Paisley-based student Edmund Abekhe is hoping to build a successful career in the engineering industry thanks to the University’s career-focused Mechanical Engineering degree.
Callum takes engineering success to next level at UWS
Callum Russell has seen his career take off since undertaking the University’s BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering.
Quality career start for UWS international student
Former University of the West of Scotland international student, Steve Wilson has advanced his career thanks to the University’s accredited MSc Quality Management.
Project Management graduate secures dream job
MSc Project Management graduate Amina Mehmood has secured her dream role as a Lecturer at UWS thanks to her studies at the University.
Continually Improving
Katy Beckett is a Quality Supervisor who has emabarked on a UWS Graduate Apprenticeship (GA) in Engineering Design & Manufacture.
Building a Solid Career
BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering graduate Jack Sloss turned his teenage fascination with bridges and buildings into a successful career as a civil engineer.
Motoring on
Radoslaw Lewandowski has completed his Graduate Apprenticeship (GA) in IT: Software Development with Arnold Clark working in the Digital Solutions Team.
School to Trainee Site Engineer
Max Blanchflower is benefiting from studying the UWS GA in Civil Engineering whilst working in a full-time post as a Trainee Site Engineer at George Leslie Ltd.
Road to Success
Kirsty Smith is a full-time post as Technical Officer / Engineer at Ayrshire Roads Alliance (ARA) who has started studying the UWS GA in Civil Engineering.
UWS GAs give Jennifer vision for career boost
Jennifer Kelly is advancing her career at Visual Management Systems (VMS) thanks to University of the West of Scotland’s Graduate Apprenticeship (GA) in IT: Software Development.
Engineering a bright future at UWS
Michael Sinclair has been with Ferguson Marine in Port Glasgow for eight years and is currently employed as a Project Manager.
Graduate Apprentice boost for Atkins
Global engineering firm Atkins – Member of the SNC Lavalin group, is seeing the benefit of work-based learning first-hand – with five UWS Graduate Apprentices currently working from their Glasgow HQ.
Securing graduate success thanks to UWS
Darryl Stevenson secured a top graduate post with BT thanks to the University’s career-focused approach to teaching.
Getting I.T. right at UWS
After undertaking her first degree and deciding on a change in career path, the University’s MSc Information Technology seemed like the perfect choice to Chloe Whitfield.
Advancing your career thanks to UWS
Sony Thomas advanced his career in computer systems thanks to the University’s accredited, MSc Advanced Computer Systems Development.
Mastering Mobile Web at UWS
When it came to deciding where to study her Masters course UWS was an easy choice for international student, Leonie Sijtsma.
Advancing a healthy computing career at UWS
Making a career change can be a daunting prospect but Constance Farrell found the transition from being a nurse to studying the University’s popular MSc Advanced Computing an easy one thanks to UWS.
No bridge too far for UWS GA student
Shona McCrea, Trainee Site Engineer at GRAHAM, is benefiting from undertaking a Graduate Apprenticeship (GA) in Civil Engineering at University of the West of Scotland.
UWS Business Management GA aiding career progression
David Sinclair is advancing his career at SAS International thanks to University of the West of Scotland’s Graduate Apprenticeship (GA) in Business Management.
Engineering success thanks to UWS
Jamie Arnott, Graduate Engineer at Wallace Stone, has advanced his career thanks to UWS's Graduate Apprenticeship (GA) in Civil Engineering.
International student benefits from ‘quality’ course
MSc Quality Management graduate, Jodi Roberts, is hoping to take her career to the next level thanks to her time at UWS.
Education
Changing Young Lives
When mature student Lisa McLaren decided to return to education, she knew what she wanted to do: help young people.
Why you shouldn't be afraid to return to university
Christopher Rowney is a third year BA Childhood Studies student. He shares his thoughts on returning to university after a break from studying, after doing so himself.
Spreading Good Practice
Carol Munro’s career has taken a few twists and turns over the years and when she was looking for her most recent qualification, there was only one place to study – UWS.
From Corporate Law to Teaching English
Raghav Venkatesh was looking for a career change. In India he had completed his undergraduate degree in law and was working as a corporate lawyer there too.
DProf award leads to IOM treasury role for Gareth
When it comes to discussing the University’s Professional Doctorate (DProf) programme, who better to speak to than one of its first graduates, Gareth Evans?
Leadership the Aim for Alistair
Alistair Mack is studying on UWS’s Graduate Apprenticeship (GA) in Early Learning & Childcare while also working full-time in an Early Childcare Centre (ECC).
Jye is an inspiration in the early years sector
At UWS, we are so proud of our students and the impact that they have in their chosen fields. One such student is Jye Mee Chong who studies on our Graduate Apprenticeship in Early Learning and Childcare.
BUSINESS, MEDIA & CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
5 Things I Learned as a Broadcast Journalism Student
Meg Montague is a student at the University of the West of Scotland’s highly regarded MA Broadcast Journalism programme. She’s written this blog post sharing top tips about what she’s learned during her studies.
App's the way to do it for Heather
Heather Beattie graduated with a BA (Hons) in Business, and now works at UWS as a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate.
Bringing success into focus
Glasgow filmmaker, Chris Bogle benefited from studying University of the West of Scotland’s popular MA Filmmaking programme, recently being selected to participate in Scottish Film Talent Network’s 2019/20 Scottish Shorts programme.
Student says action to a career in the film industry
Harvey Gardner has always dreamt of a career in the film industry and with the help of University of the West of Scotland’s MA Filmmaking programme he hopes to make this dream a reality.
French filmmaker benefits from UWS Masters degree
French filmmaker, Aislinn Belot benefited from undertaking University of the West of Scotland’s popular MA Filmmaking programme.
My online learning experience
Rabia Arshad is a PhD student studying at the UWS London campus. She has written this blog post outlining her experiences of online learning.
Why I chose to study at UWS London campus
Every year, thousands of students from across the world choose to study in London, and follow their “London Dream”.
Journalism course gets graduate Isla on air
Meg Montague is an MA Broadcast Journalism student at UWS. Recently, she had the opportunity to speak to Isla Todd, a graduate of the course who now works as a reporter for BBC Scotland’s 'The Nine'.
Ellie's heads up for marketing career
UWS Digital Marketing student Ellie Lees had a lucky start to her course - but is now on the way to an exciting career...
Ten must-try foods if you’re coming to study in Scotland
Akindele Oluseyi Matthews came to UWS from Nigeria, to study Broadcast Journalism – he's sharing his favourite Scottish foods, that fellow international students really should try...
Why I decided to study in Scotland – and why you should do the same
George Kaniyarasseril Joseph is a MA Broadcast Journalism student at UWS. He’s originally from India, and writes about how Scotland – and UWS – has become his home away from home.
SOCIAL SCIENCES
My online learning experience
Rabia Arshad is a PhD student studying at the UWS London campus. She has written this blog post outlining her experiences of online learning.
UWS Degree a Turning Point for Karen
Karen Black, MSc Contemporary Drug & Alcohol Studies graduate took her career to the next level at UWS, completing her Masters.
Bringing mindfulness and compassion to the workplace
When you think about work environments where mindfulness and compassion are high on the agenda, you might not immediately think of transport safety. But that’s what Hannah White is trying to change.
Studying abroad as a UWS student
Morgan McLeod is a Social Sciences student. She writes about her experiences of studying in the USA, as part of her time at UWS.
Careers Service
Inspired into a new career
Support from the UWS careers team helped Natalie into her ideal role
Adding up to a successful career
Mature student, Matt Bradbury, is pursuing a career change; undertaking UWS’s BSc (Hons) Mathematics with Education degree.
Apprenticeship gives Jennifer new direction
Jennifer Kelly is advancing her career thanks to a UWS Graduate Apprenticeship (GA) in IT: Software Development.
Course Search
Find your course of interest from our career-focused undergraduate, postgraduate (taught) and post-experience options.