Journalism degrees in Scotland

PROS - The university has been absolutely stellar at providing opportunities to those who put in that extra effort. - Support, particularly the maths gym provided by the uni for those needing extra math tuition is an incredible resource. - Lecturers are always quick to respond to questions and available for feedback out with timetabled classes. - The facilities available to electrical engineering students (the GRiD in particular) is very good. More advanced equipment is available to those who require it through research projects or other related endeavours. - The university shop and various cafes/canteens all have quality products and competitive prices. CONS - Some course have suffered when lecturers are delivering them for their first time. This is understandable however. - Issues with inaccurate or frequently fluctuating timetables can be frustrating at times.

University of the West of Scotland (UWS) has always been a welcoming institution that actively encourages students to better themselves both personally and academically. Multiple opportunities are made available to benefit students in various ways - whether it be casual jobs that earn some extra money without having a detrimental impact upon studies or extra classes to recap challenging topics or provide additional qualifications such as secondary language, First Aid, etc. However, due to the size of UWS (spread across four campuses), there is a clear lack of communication amongst staff and this ultimately affects students. The focus appears to be on the main campus (Paisley) and students on other campuses may feel isolated.

I think the university has a lot of good societies and clubs for students to join, making it easier to meet people and make friends. All the lecturers and staff are really engaged in our learning, they want to support us to do our best and try to make adjustments to the course/assignments where they can to help us. I do think the buildings could be better for people with disabilities, such as more automatic doors, ensuring lift maintenance is a priority and putting card scanners for doors in a accessible location. I also think it would be good if there was options to pick up extra modules or tutoring for those that need help with English or want extra help/studies on certain elements of their course or want to learn something new on the side.

Great all round university with great balance of city and rurally located. Transport wise, its great within city. Although, it lacks proper parking for rurally located people (where public transport is not an option/viable option) as requires permit. To resolve this, a multistory carpark could be implemented or more bus links/shuttlebuses from locations outside of the city. The lack of public transport outside the city is a problem anyway, so may be worth considering relocating to city for duration of course. With regards to course, having already been a student previously, there are a lot more support systems in place to help aid students. Moreover, compared to other universities, the staff are more than happy to help. The small knit feel of the University and the city provides a homely lifestyle, easily and effortlessly. This is only furthered by the diversity of culture within the city and shire. The union is great, the staff are approachable and friendly. From initially becoming a student to my time here now, however, the union seems to be downsizing. I feel that this is an absolute shame as it provides an independent aspect to life as a student. It, in my opinion, has reduced the quality of student life as it miminises a student voice, independent of the university. That being said, there is a great range of mental health facilities in place now to enhance student lifestyle auch as free gym membership for students.

The students at our university are the most important people on campus. Our university is very good at putting the students first and allowing them to have their say. Furthermore, there is a multitude of opportunities for staff and students to work together making the campus feel more like a community. I myself have worked with the Comms; Events; People and Wellbeing teams allowing me to form close bonds with facility.