University of the West of Scotland
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Education Abroad office has been helping UW-Platteville students study at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) in Paisley, Scotland since 2015. Since then, many students have chosen to study abroad in Scotland on the UW-Platteville Exchange program.
Details
The UW-Platteville exchange program at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is designed to provide students with a personalized and integrated living and learning experience in Scotland. Students may participate for a full academic year or a semester, enrolling in between 12 and 18 credits per semester.
With origins dating back to 1897, UWS is one of Scotland's most innovative modern universities. With four campuses across the west and southwest of Scotland in Ayr, Dumfries, Hamilton and Paisley, as well as a new campus in London, the capital city of the United Kingdom, the University occupies an important position within Scotland's proud tradition of excellence in education.
Offering career-focused and vocationally relevant programs, UWS graduates are equipped with the relevant skills to make an immediate contribution to industry, business, public, and third-sector (non-governmental) organizations.
Eligibility
To apply to study abroad at UWS you must:
- Be a degree-seeking undergraduate student who is currently enrolled at a U.S.-based college or university
- Have completed at least one full-time semesters of college at the time of application and have at least sophomore standing at the time of participation
- Have a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA
- Be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the time of application and participation
Application Requirements
The following must be submitted via the UW-Platteville Education Abroad online application system:
- $75 application fee
- Copy of U.S. passport: If you do not currently hold a US Passport, you must apply for one and submit proof of application before the program application deadline.
- Education Abroad Statement of Purpose
- International Study Course Approval Form
- UWS Application Form
- Official academic transcript
- Signed statements of responsibility and understanding
- Two letters of recommendation
- UW-Platteville Education Abroad Application
You will also have access to information to assist you throughout the application process. Upon acceptance, additional pre-departure information and requirements will be provided.
Co-curricular Activities
Students studying abroad at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) have a wide range of opportunities available to them to enhance their experience outside the classroom. Opportunities include:
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Excursions
The UW-Platteville Exchange program does not include organized excursions and activities, but students can organize independent travel on weekends and over university breaks. In Scotland, students could organize independent excursions to meet sheep dogs in the Highlands, visit Loch Ness and the ruins of Urquhart Castle (monster sightings possible), tour through Edinburgh and the Royal Mile, and much more.
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Student Clubs and Organizations
UWS offers many student organizations and clubs like environmental, film making, international, photography, student newspaper, yoga, and more.
UWS runs a Buddy Project . The UWS Buddy Project is a great way of settling into student life and study. The project offers you informal friendly support by current students. If you wish to take part, you will be matched with a student who will answer your questions about student life and help you navigate campus until you feel confident about finding your own way.
UWS is a member of HOST, an organization which offers international students the opportunity to spend time with a British family. You can choose where in Britain you would like to go, and sample real British life and culture and enjoy home cooked food! It’s free; you pay only for your travel expenses.
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Sports and Activities
The West of Scotland has an extensive range of outdoor amenities, including world-class mountain biking, sailing, golf, swimming and horse-riding facilities.
UWS encourages students to be active and provides all the facilities you will need to lead a sporting life. Current sports at UWS include football, netball, basketball, volleyball, badminton, cricket, hockey, cheerleading, aikido, and taekwondo. Find out more at the Student Association.
UWS also has a radio station. The student-run radio station broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be listened to online.
Housing
UWS university accommodation is a great way to meet new people, make new friends, and gain some independence. Whether you choose:
- A modern en-suite (room with bathroom included) or studio flat at the recently opened Ayr Campus
- One of the private flats in the picturesque town of Dumfries
- The £13.2 million (approximately $20.4 million) student accommodations which opened at Paisley in September 2012
- Accommodation at the heart of campus life in Hamilton
There’s never been a better time to stay in UWS student residences. With accommodations starting from just £99 (approximately $130) per week, UWS accommodation is an affordable choice.
Wi-fi or wired internet access is offered in UWS accommodations and is included in the cost. Adjustments with regard to speed and availability must be anticipated. Laundry facilities are offered at UWS accommodations and may require an additional cost.
Meals are paid for out of pocket by you; all accommodations are self-catered, and cooking facilities are provided.
The accommodation cost is to be paid out of pocket monthly by you, and all rent and deposits are to be paid in GBP (British pounds). Please see the Residence Prices for an estimate of costs. All are available on full 40-week contracts, or individual trimester contracts (Sept-Jan or Jan-June).
Please see UWS's accommodation website for additional information and the most up-to-date accommodation costs.
Academics
The UW-Platteville exchange program at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is designed to provide you with a personalized and integrated living and learning experience in Scotland. You may participate for a full academic year or a semester, enrolling in between 12 and 18 credits per semester.
All courses are taken alongside local and international students, and the areas of study and general course information can be found on UWS’s website.
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Credit Transfer
Credits will be validated on an official UWS transcript at the end of the semester.
The credit hours awarded at UWS are measured using the SCQF credit system.
4 SCQF credits are equal to 1 U.S. credit. You might notice that most UWS courses are worth 20 SCQF credits, which is equal to 5 U.S. credits. The grades students receive abroad will be converted to the U.S. grading system of A, B, C, etc. based on the official transcript that is received from UWS. UW-Platteville Education Abroad uses the following conversion guide as a guideline, provided by World Education Services, in converting your grades.
Please note that this only serves as a general conversion guideline. For more information, please also visit UWS’s website.
While all credits should be transferable, you should work with your academic advisor at your home institution to choose appropriate and beneficial courses from the UWS curriculum prior to a semester abroad. Courses that may fulfill specific requirements for major, minor, general education, or elective requirements towards an American degree must be approved by the appropriate person(s) at the home institution. Please see the Academic Planning page for more information.
Visa Information
The United Kingdom is frequently updating visa regulations and procedures, so it is important to review the most current information. As of May 2018, U.S. education abroad students can enter the United Kingdom as a Student Visitor/Short-Term Student or Tier 4 Student Visa.