A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate has credited the WEST Scholarship he received during his studies as inspiration for him to pursue his dream of becoming a university lecturer. 

Brian Boyd recently graduated with a First-Class Honours degree in Business and Marketing and was awarded the Court medal for his academic achievement. He has now returned to UWS to study MSc Digital Marketing, pursue a PhD, and inspire others as a lecturer. 

Brian is the first person in his family to earn a university degree, but it wasn’t a straight-forward journey to his graduation in July 2025. Brian explains how a WEST (Widening Education and Supporting Talent) Scholarship helped “change my whole outlook on university.” 

In the third year of his undergraduate degree, Brian applied for and was awarded a two-year WEST Scholarship, supported by The Hugh Fraser Foundation. This support came at “crucial time” for Brian. 

“Upon receiving the WEST Scholarship, my life changed dramatically. I have been struggling with undiagnosed ADHD throughout my life and it impacted my daily life significantly. However, the Hugh Fraser Foundation’s generosity enabled me to pay for a diagnosis privately.  

“With the funds that I received; I was able to not only get a diagnosis but also get the treatment that I desperately needed; This helped bypass the lengthy NHS waiting list that would’ve taken between 12-18 months.  

“If I waited on the NHS, I’m not too sure if I would’ve completed 3rd year due to the difficulties of ADHD.” 

Before receiving a WEST Scholarship, Brian nearly dropped out of UWS. He found it hard to keep up with the coursework and fit in at university due to his dyslexia and combined ADHD. Brian said that “The scholarship came at a time where I was desperate for answers and needed help.” 

Getting treatment for ADHD meant that Brian could plan and prioritise his work much better. He improved his ability to understand and hold onto information, and his academic writing got better. This confidence led to Brian becoming a UWS student ambassador and Vice President of the Student Rep Society. He was also nominated for STAR Marketing Student of the Year Award 2025. 

Brian said: “It’s been absolutely life changing. I wouldn’t be the same person without it. I am so grateful for the opportunity and the financial support.” 

In fourth year, Brian not only used his WEST Scholarship to support his dissertation research, but to plan ahead for his career. He purchased driving lessons so he could apply for jobs further afield. He also purchased software and packages such as Canva Pro, so he could develop his skills with industry-standard programs. This resulted in Brian securing a role as a Communications Officer in East Dunbartonshire. 

Thanks to the support received at UWS, Brian is committed to giving back to UWS and future generations of students. 

“This has resulted in me becoming more inspired to chase my dream of obtaining a PhD and becoming a university lecturer. So I can inspire, support and offer opportunities that the University of the West of Scotland have offered me.  

“Knowing the generosity and the opportunities I’ve been offered in life I aim to eventually pay this forward to another student as I know this opportunity and generosity has changed my life. … 

“I want to show them that no matter where you come from, or how long it takes you to get there, your dreams are valid. I want to give back to the university that gave me everything.” 

You can read more about Brian’s story on the UWS website here. 

Help more students like Brian by supporting a WEST Scholarship 

At UWS, we believe financial restrictions should never be a barrier to succeeding at university and reaching your potential. 

The WEST Scholarship Programme helps UWS students in the most challenging circumstances. We remove financial barriers that stop these talented students from progressing throughout their degree to graduation. 

Since 2022, support from people like you have helped 66 UWS students with a WEST Scholarship. 

If you would like to support students like Brian to reach their potential at UWS through a WEST Scholarship, please contact Claire Darragh, Individual Giving Manager: claire.darragh@uws.ac.uk  

WEST Scholarships are kindly supported by generous donations from UWS alumni, friends, and grants from charitable Trusts, Foundations, and companies. This includes the Cargill Thompson Educational & Charitable Trust, The Peter Coats Trust, dsm-firmenich, Inspire Digital, Ernst Maas Educational Trust, John Mather Trust, The McGlashan Charitable Trust, Pacific Building Ltd, The Thomas and Margaret Roddan Trust, The Reo Stakis Charitable Foundation, STV, The Thistle Trust, and the UWS Development Fund.