Making the move from College to UWS

As one of Scotland's most inclusive univerisites, we’re proud to welcome over a thousand students from colleges in Scotland each year to our courses and have excellent support facilities for those joining us (articulating) from college.

On this page you will find more information about study options which are open to articulating students from college, details of our Associate Student Scheme (exclusively for articulating college students), and details of our dedicated College Team who are here to answer all your questions and help you make the move from college to university study.

Students Completing National Student Survey (NSS) | UWS | University of the West of Scotland

What is articulation?

Articulation is when students who are studying on an HNC or HND course at college progress into year 2 or year 3 of an undergraduate degree at UWS. Over 90% of UWS undergraduate degree courses have these advanced entry points, so you can take your college qualifications to the next level.

We work closely with our partner colleges across Scotland to ensure there are suitable articulation routes into our degree programmes, creating seamless progression routes for all students.

What can i study?

UWS has an extensive partnership network with colleges across Scotland and over 90% of our courses at UWS have possible advanced entry points for college students with HNCs and HNDs. Full information on these routes can be found under entry requirements on each course page. The UWS College to Uni Guide 2024 provides a wealth of information for college students wanting to take their studies further at one of Scotland's most inclusive universities.

UWS College-Uni Pathways (pdf)

Associate Student Scheme

Our Associate Student Scheme is designed for you if you are studying for either an HNC or HND qualification at one of our partner colleges and plan to articulate into a degree programme at UWS.

Exclusive UWS Associate Student Benefits

  • Eligible to receive an early UCAS decision*
  • Eligible for a guaranteed place on a UWS degree programme*
  • Free gym membership at our UWS campus gyms
  • Access to UWS campus library facilities and study spaces
  • Access to our award-winning Student Unions with the opportunity to join student societies
  • Access to 1-to-1 advice and support
  • Regular Associate Student workshops and events to help the transition from college to university
  • Regular updates and guidance preparing students for university life

*Selected degree courses only.

UWS Partner Colleges

Ayrshire College, Dumfries & Galloway College, Fife College, Forth Valley College, City of Glasgow College, Glasgow Clyde College, Glasgow Kelvin College, New College Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire College, West College Scotland.

Sign up to our Associate Student Scheme below:

UWS Associate Student Scheme

College Team

We have a dedicated team who are here to help you should you have any questions about transitioning from college to university.

If you would like to request a 1-2-1 advice session, please contact us and a member of the team will be in touch to arrange this for you. 

You can email us at collegeteam@uws.ac.uk 

Upcoming Events

The UWS College Team will be attending events at local colleges throughout the year, come and chat to our team to find out more about your study options and the support available at UWS.

Please see details below of upcoming events within colleges, or you can get in touch with us to request a bespoke presentation with your college class!

Associate Student drop-in sessions

These sessions are for registered UWS Associate Students only:

  • Tuesday 13 Feb, 4 – 6pm @ UWS Ayr Campus
  • Thursday 15 Feb, 4 – 6pm @ UWS Paisley Campus
  • Tuesday 27 Feb, 4 – 6pm @ UWS Lanarkshire Campus

Associate Student Study Skills session

This session is for registered UWS Associate Students only:

  • Thursday 29 Feb, 12:15 – 1pm (online)

Associate Student drop-in session

This session is for registered UWS Associate Students only:

  • Tuesday 12 March, 4 – 6pm @ UWS Ayr Campus

Associate Student drop-in sessions

These sessions are for registered UWS Associate Students only:

  • Tuesday 9 April, 4 – 6pm @ UWS Paisley Campus
  • Thursday 11 April, 4 – 6pm @ UWS Lanarkshire Campus
  • Wednesday 17 April, 12:30 – 1pm (online)

Associate Student drop-in session

This session is for registered UWS Associate Students only:

  • Wednesday 8 May, Introduction to ASPIRE, 12:15 – 1pm (online)
Last updated: 30/01/2024