News – WEST | Alumni Blog

25 Years of Commercial Music – A Celebration

1May

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25 Years of Commercial Music – A Celebration

BA (Hons) Commercial Music at The University of the West Of Scotland is 25 years old! Celebrate our industry changing course with us at our live event. For over 25 years, the Commercial Music degree at UWS has nourished creativity, collaboration and innovation in the Scottish Music Industry and beyond. Join us for a celebration of our students, staff and alumni, featuring live music, special guests and awards. Wednesday 20th May 2026Barras Art And Design (BAaD) in Glasgow7:00pm til 9:00pm (Performance starts 7:15pm) This is a ticketed event with full details here: https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Glasgow/Barras-Art-And-Design-%28BAaD%29/25-Years-of-Commercial-Music---A-Celebration/42313227/

UWS to host public panel on issues shaping Scottish Parliament election

22Apr

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UWS to host public panel on issues shaping Scottish Parliament election

Members of the public are being invited to UWS’s Paisley campus on Wednesday 29 April for an event that will explore some of the biggest issues facing voters ahead of the Scottish Parliament election on Thursday 7 May. The free event, taking place on Wednesday 29 April, will bring together expert voices for an impartial discussion on some of the key areas influencing this year’s election and what they could mean for Scotland’s future. Hosted by Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS, the panel will feature The Scotsman’s Catriona Stewart, Professor Murray Leith, Dr Anna McKeever, Dr Emilia Pietka-Nykaza (all from UWS) and Dr Sean Kippin of the University of Stirling. Discussions will look beyond election campaigning to examine th...

Exchange Programme That Helped Launch 1,000 Music Careers Turns 30

24Mar

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Exchange Programme That Helped Launch 1,000 Music Careers Turns 30

A University of the West of Scotland-led international music exchange programme that has helped launch the careers of more than 1,000 young people is celebrating its 30th anniversary this month. EuroGig, which began in the 1996–97 academic year as an exchange between Scotland and Germany, has expanded into a five-partner European network involving organisations in France, Italy and Belgium. Since 2001, the programme has given student performers, tour managers and technical support teams the chance to work on live music events at home and abroad, helping them build international experience while gaining practical insight into the industry. Former EuroGig event managers have gone on to work for major organisations and events including TRNSMT, Glastonbury, DF Concerts and others ...

Royal College of Midwives Announces Retired Member of Staff as an Honorary Fellow

16Mar

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Royal College of Midwives Announces Retired Member of Staff as an Honorary Fellow

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has recognised a retired member of University of the West of Scotland (UWS) staff for their exceptional contributions to midwifery, maternity care and the wider profession. Professor Jean Rankin Professor Jean Rankin was one of three new honorary fellows of the RCM announced in March 2026, each recognised for their significant influence on maternity care, education and professional leadership. Jean, who started at the then University of Paisley in 1996, received the honour in recognition of her contribution to midwifery over a career spanning more than 40 years. As an academic midwife, researcher and educator, Jean has supported and mentored hundreds of student midwives and registered midwives retiring from UWS in 2022. Her work has influe...

UWS Brough Lecture 2026: Greggs Through The Ages

24Feb

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UWS Brough Lecture 2026: Greggs Through The Ages

We are delighted that the UWS Brough Lecture will this year be delivered by Chief Executive of Greggs plc, Roisin Currie CBE on ‘Greggs Through The Ages’. The lecture will take place at our UWS Paisley campus on Friday 13 March at 10.30am. The Brough Lecture commemorates the University’s origins, when philanthropist, Peter Brough, provided funds to establish the original Paisley Technical School in 1897 in his hometown. Appointed Chief Executive of Greggs plc in May 2022, Roisin has worked at the hospitality giant since 2010, after twenty years in senior HR roles across the UK. Roisin joined Greggs as Group People Director, progressing to Retail Operations and People Director, then Retail and Property Director, before taking on her current role. Roisin is Chair of the Employer...

4Feb

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WEST Scholarships Making a Difference

At UWS, the WEST (Widening Education and Supporting Talent) Scholarship Programme is transforming lives by removing the financial barriers that can stand between talented students and a university degree. Designed for students from disadvantaged and widening participation backgrounds, The WEST Scholarship Programme gives them the stability and confidence to progress from first year right through to graduation. Since 2022, support from alumni, friends and charitable trusts has enabled 143 individual UWS students to receive a WEST Scholarship. In the 2025-26 academic year, 49 students are being supported through WEST Scholarships, reflecting the growing generosity of the UWS community and the scale of need among our students. For many, this support is the difference between continuing...

2Feb

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UWS Welcomes New Chair of Court

University of the West of Scotland officially welcomed Joyce White OBE as its new Chair of Court 2 February 2026, marking the beginning of her term in office. Gavin Lee, Interim Vice-Principal (Governance) & University Secretary, said: "As we continue to drive forward the goals set out in Strategy 2030, Joyce’s experience, leadership, insight, and perspective garnered across an extensive career in public, private and third-sector organisations will be invaluable to the University. I, along with colleagues from across the University, look forward to working closely with her in the years ahead. As we continue to drive forward the goals set out in Strategy 2030, Joyce’s experience, leadership, insight, and perspective garnered across an extensive career in public, private and third-...

5Jan

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UWS Seeks New Lay Members of Court

The University is seeking new lay members of Court, the governing body of UWS. Applications will close at 5pm on Monday 19 January 2026 and interviews will be held early February 2026 (final dates to be confirmed). The Court is the governing body of UWS and is responsible for determining the strategic direction and future development of the University underpinned by strong governance and integrity. It also plays a critical role in fostering an environment where our goals are achieved, and learners succeed. Our values and principles are fundamental to everything we do and Court holds themselves and others to account on living and breathing these values. This is an exciting time to join the UWS Court, with the new Chair of Court, Joyce White OBE, former Chief Executive of West Du...

2Dec

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UWS Giving Day 2025

On the 27th and 28th November 2025, we held our annual UWS Giving Day, and we are delighted to share the results. Over the two days, 47 generous donors came together to raise £3,073 and thanks to the kindness of a match funding donor, every gift made during giving day was doubled which brings our grand total to £6,146! This incredible support will go towards two vital funds that make a real difference in the lives of UWS students. The Hardship Fund provides emergency financial assistance to students facing unexpected challenges such as housing insecurity, delays in funding or lack of essentials. It ensures that students can stay in education and focus on their future, even during times of crisis. The Development Fund empowers students to lead innovative projects, access indu...

25Nov

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Professor Andrew Hursthouse Retires

At the end of September 2025, Professor Andrew Hursthouse retired from University of the West of Scotland after 35 years. Here, fellow academic and alumnus, Dr Iain McLellan writes a tribute to him and the impact of his environmental science work. Professor Andrew Hursthouse I had a look through my lecture notes to see when I first met Andrew and it was 24 years ago this month when I had a lecture from Dr Hursthouse on soils. Back then I didn't understand why I was listening to a lecture on soils in a first-year chemistry module. Little did I know that Andrew would become my Honours Supervisor, my PhD Supervisor, my Mentor and my friend. Graduating with a BA (Hons) in Geochemistry from University of Reading in 1986, Andrew went on to Glasgow University to complete his PhD in En...