University Of The West Of Scotland - Ayr Campus Ayr UK 2026

University of the West of Scotland aims to have a transformational influence on the economic, social and cultural development of the west of Scotland and beyond.

UWS is placed by Times Higher Education in the top 600 universities in their 2020 World University Rankings and in the top 150 in THE’s Young University Rankings 2019. 

The Times/The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019 ranks us as a top 100 UK university and as the highest ranked post-1992 university in Scotland. We rate highly for teaching quality and student experience in the following areas:

• Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, General Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
• Education
• Hospitality, Leisure, Recreation & Tourism
• Physics & Astronomy is also ranked as highest in Scotland for teaching quality

Across the UWS campuses in the West of Scotland and in London there are around 17,000 students from more than 70 countries worldwide. A global outlook is embedded in all of our courses, teaching and research activities. UWS has 130 EU partners and a growing number across the world, including links with over 40 institutions in China.

With teaching by staff who have experience with national and international organisations, input from industry experts and growing recognition of UWS research activities, your learning will be shaped by those working at the forefront of their professions.

We have over 3000 international students from countries which represent 1/3 of the globe. We also have 130 European partners and are actively involved in global study and exchange options through the Commonwealth universities programmes. 

We offer 32 study abroad Erasmus + countries for eligible UWS students and have over 20 transnational education partners worldwide which helps us deliver UWS Bachelors and Masters degrees across the globe.

Ayr Campus
Opened in August 2011, the campus was developed in partnership with Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) and in consultation with Historic Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scottish Wildlife Trust. It provides Ayrshire with one of the UK's most modern, environmentally friendly and sustainable higher education learning facilities. The campus design was inspired by the area's woodland surroundings and offers students a stunning space for study.  

• £81 million campus 
• 2420 UWS students 
• 4 UWS academic schools 
• 1 hour to Glasgow 
• 10 minutes to Ayr town centre 
• 3 minute walk to campus accommodation