University of the West of Scotland (UWS) and New College Lanarkshire have formed a unique partnership to establish the first joint Undergraduate School in the country.

From September, Lanarkshire students will have the opportunity to study a range of industry-focused degree programmes and directly benefit from the teaching expertise, industry knowledge and resource capability of New College Lanarkshire and the University of the West of Scotland.

Recognising that degree attainment in North Lanarkshire is below the national average in Scotland, the new Undergraduate School will provide an important new route towards accessing a degree that is firmly focused upon building a successful future career.

Each of the new degrees is aligned to meet specific skills deficits in the Lanarkshire region as identified by key stakeholders such as Skills Development Scotland and North Lanarkshire Council. They have also been designed with a strong focus on supporting, developing and growing the SME community in the region.

The degrees available are:

  • BSc Dental Nursing – Year 1
  • BSc in Collaborative Health and Social Care – Year 2
  • BA Social Sciences – Year 3
  • BA in Business Enterprise and Marketing – Year 3
  • BSc Digital Development – Year 3
  • BEng in Cyber Security – Year 2

In the coming years, the ambition for the Undergraduate School is to grow the collaborative portfolio of degrees available to allow even more Lanarkshire students to access a University degree within a supportive College environment.

Professor Christopher Moore, Principal and Chief Executive of New College Lanarkshire said:

“This is an important step in the achievement of a strong tertiary education system in Lanarkshire.

“The partnership between the University of the West of Scotland and New College Lanarkshire is firmly focused upon providing local opportunity to study for degrees that are relevant to the needs and aspirations of people in Lanarkshire.

“The Undergraduate School has secured the support of employers across the region and we will work with them to ensure that the Undergraduate School’s degree portfolio clearly meets the requirements of a dynamic and competitive employment market.

“Each of the degrees will benefit from industry support and engagement. This will ensure that the courses serve as a powerful launchpad for beginning or changing career.

“Our college is committed to Bringing Education Closer to our communities. This investment means people across our region will have the opportunity to access, closer to home, all of the benefits of accessing a University of the West of Scotland degree by studying with us at New College Lanarkshire.”

Professor James Miller, Principal of University of the West of Scotland said:

“As sector leaders in the development of tertiary solutions, University of the West of Scotland and New College Lanarkshire have a shared belief in the power of education and the importance of universities and colleges as anchor institutions in the communities they serve. By focusing on these two elements, we have come together to deliver a new Undergraduate School, increasing and accelerating local access to degree level programmes for learners across Lanarkshire.”

“The new University of the West of Scotland and New College Lanarkshire Undergraduate School will provide degrees aligned with the future skills needs across Lanarkshire, allowing people to study locally for the skills and knowledge local employers seek.

“It allows us to embed our University in the local community through New College Lanarkshire as we continue to expand our partnership, working with students, employers, and organisations in the area to create a tertiary education model that works for all – tackling historic under-provision and addressing demography and access barrier challenges.

“I’m excited for both organisations but more importantly looking forward to seeing what our fantastic students will go onto achieve.”