'This is the future' New hub to widen access to degree study
New College Lanarkshire (NCL) and the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) have launched a new hub at UWS’s Lanarkshire campus for their joint Undergraduate School, a partnership praised as the future by the Scottish Government’s Tertiary Education Minister.
Scotland’s first joint University-College Undergraduate School now has a university base after Lady Susan Haughey, Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire, officially opened it at the UWS Lanarkshire campus on Friday, October 23.
The event was also attended by dignitaries including the Scottish Government’s Minister for Innovation, Technology and Tertiary Education Alyn Smith MSP, and stakeholders from across the region and sector.
Students and staff from both institutions were also present for the opening of the hub, which would not have been possible without the support shown to both institutions by the Scottish Funding Council.
The Undergraduate School was established in June 2024 by UWS and NCL to widen access to degree-level study and meet the skills needs of Lanarkshire.
More than 1000 students have since enrolled across a range of technical and vocational degrees, from cyber security and computer networking to dental nursing, law and sound production.
40% of its students come from Scotland’s most deprived postcodes.
Lady Susan Haughey, Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire said: “This is a truly transformative moment for tertiary education in Lanarkshire and for the Regional economy. The launch of the new UWS-NCL Undergraduate School facility will expand and accelerate a mission which has already seen more than 1000 students, many from the most socio-economically challenged communities in Scotland, accept the opportunity to earn a degree in Lanarkshire.”
Tertiary Education Minister Alyn Smith said in his speech that educational institutions should be working together and 'blur the lines' going on to say 'this is what the future looks like' in the current labour market.
He said: “Our bold vision for tertiary education is for a sector and institutions that respond to the needs of learners and of the modern economy. This transformative innovation based on collaboration between the University of the West of Scotland and New College Lanarkshire sets a terrific example, and I look forward to hearing more about the achievements of students as they move through the programme.
“We know that the majority of young people go on to positive destinations after leaving school – as many as 95.7% in 2024-25 - which we are determined to build on, and initiatives like this provide even more opportunities for learners to progress and reach their potential.”
Professor Christopher Moore, Principal, New College Lanarkshire said: “The UWS-NCL Undergraduate School is bold in its ambition and determined in its commitment to making career-relevant education more accessible to the people of Lanarkshire. It is a crucial ingredient in the region’s story of advancement and transformation.”
Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, University of the West of Scotland said: “The UWS-NCL Undergraduate School, is more than a partnership; it is a shared commitment to the future of Lanarkshire. By placing learners at the centre of everything we do, we are opening doors to opportunity, raising aspirations and ensuring that talent and potential can flourish, regardless of background or circumstance.”
The new learning hub gives the partnership a dedicated base for teaching, student engagement and collaboration between college and university staff, strengthening the links between the two institutions.
Guests at today’s opening, including elected representatives, civic leaders, employers and education partners, heard about the development of the Undergraduate School and its ambitions for the next phase. They also saw showcases of teaching and learning and of the Undergraduate School’s work with communities and employers.