Professional insight from University of the West of Scotland

UWS aims to have a transformational influence on the economic, social and cultural development of the west of Scotland and beyond through our career-focused learning and teaching, world-leading research and innovation supporting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals combined with our international outlook and commitment to widening participation.

University of the West of Scotland campus

Illustration of man doing hurdles

‘An academic career is not a heptathlon’

The secret to establishing a career in academia is focus and deliberate choices, whether the path is into research, teaching or impact. Here, Robert MacIntosh explains why persistence and planning are more important than ever

Robert MacIntosh

University of the West of Scotland

A small girl points to a test tube

How to bring university science into primary schools

Engaging primary-school-age children with STEM will help them to think critically and develop informed opinions for the rest of their lives. Here’s how to do it

Farah Jaber-Hijazi

University of the West of Scotland

Image of a globe surrounded by the 17 SDG symbols

The need for integrated thinking at universities: from Covid-19 to the SDGs

A joined-up approach between universities, public services and businesses – as successfully demonstrated during the pandemic – is now needed if institutions are to accelerate efforts towards the Sustainable Development Goals

Abeer Hassan

University of the West of Scotland

A woman holds her head in her hands over a laptop screen

Be aware of the invisible baggage of poverty your students carry

We need to acknowledge the realities of poverty and inequality, and the trauma it leaves our students with. Here are six principles to make higher education more inclusive

Jordan Donnelly

University of the West of Scotland

An illustration of hands untangling threads in someone's head

Graduate apprenticeship students are facing a perfect mental health storm

Graduate apprenticeships are booming, but the pressure of holding a full-time job while working towards a degree can take a toll on apprentices’ mental health. Here’s what universities and employers can do

Gary Gillon, Alan MacDonald

University of the West of Scotland

A woman sits in a beanbag chair with a laptop

How to spark student start-ups

Universities are the ideal environment to turn ideas into businesses. Here’s how to encourage entrepreneurship and foster a start-up dynamic in your students

Robert Crammond, William Shepherd

University of the West of Scotland

A tutor talks to apprenticeships in a carpentry workshop

Graduate apprenticeships need link tutors – but who’s looking after them?

Academic link tutors are a crucial cog in the mechanism of graduate apprenticeships, yet they perform this role with little support. Here’s how to invest in them instead

Elaine Jackson, Gary Gillon

University of the West of Scotland

A team works on a project using a whiteboard

Shape the next generation of project managers with co-creation

A cross-disciplinary, student-led project to design a simulation tool helped students find a safe environment in which to practise their workplace skills. Here’s how it worked

Ralitsa Arnaudova , Pablo Salva

University of the West of Scotland

A happy group of students pose for a photo

Diversity isn’t a one-off task, it’s a learning journey

With diversity practices under threat, where can universities go from here? Ibiyemi Omeihe and Kingsley O. Omeihe outline the path to truly inclusive learning

Ibiyemi Omeihe , Kingsley Omeihe

University of the West of Scotland

A young woman uses sign language

British sign language users deserve a place in higher education

BSL users are under-represented in academia. What can we do to foster an inclusive environment for them?

Astrid Smallenbroek

University of the West of Scotland

A adult works at a laptop, while a small child plays with dinosaur toys on the keyboard

The small steps that can make a big difference to student parents

Juggling academic and parental commitments is no easy feat. Here’s how universities can make small, programme-level adjustments to relieve the pressure on student parents

Rebecca Gordon

University of the West of Scotland

Leaking water pipe

The foundations of a successful knowledge transfer partnership

By collaborating with businesses, researchers can apply their expertise to real-world problems with tangible outcomes. Here, academics outline how they established an effective knowledge transfer partnership to reduce water waste

Muhammad Shakir , Jawwad Latif

University of the West of Scotland

Multiracial group of students

‘The experience of mixing with peers from other schools and engaging with university life is transformational’

By building a bridge between high school and university, outreach teams can foster aspiration and provide tangible pathways for students who might not otherwise pursue higher education

Gillian Lavercombe

University of the West of Scotland

Hands high-five in front of a leafy tree

Bridging the SDG awareness gap

Universities have a critical role to play in increasing awareness of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Here’s how to do it

James Miller, Andrew Hursthouse

University of the West of Scotland

A lecturer gives a talk

Three ways to integrate emerging technologies into the curriculum

Your students’ future jobs will depend on technology just in its infancy today. But how best to teach them the skills they need? Sabrina Azzi offers advice

Sabrina Azzi

University of the West of Scotland

A group of students laugh together

How universities can better support Gypsy, Roma and Traveller students

More students from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities are entering higher education. But what can universities do to better support their needs?

Colin Clark

University of the West of Scotland

A woman stands up in front of a boardroom table

How to navigate your first steps into leadership

Moving from colleague to taking charge can be a daunting transition. Kingsley O. Omeihe and Ibiyemi Omeihe offer advice on your first few moves as a leader

Kingsley Omeihe, Ibiyemi Omeihe

University of the West of Scotland

A shy owl peeks from a hollowed-out tree trunk

An introvert’s guide to networking

For academics, networking can greatly enhance your career. But if the very idea fills you with dread, Yalinu Poya offers her advice for putting yourself out there

Yalinu Poya

University of the West of Scotland

A group comforts a woman, sitting with her head bowed

Research shouldn’t cause trauma – let’s find a better way

How can we conduct research and share results without affecting the well-being of those around us? Eileen Harkess-Murphy advocates for a trauma-informed approach

Eileen Harkess-Murphy

University of the West of Scotland

A video camera is used to film a scene

The making of: turning a research project into a documentary

To get your research findings into as many hands as possible, consider filming a documentary. James Layton, Paul Tucker and Bettina Talbot offer their advice

James Layton, Paul Tucker, Bettina Talbot

University of the West of Scotland

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Artificial intelligence – friend or foe? It’s up to academia

Higher education will be instrumental in determining whether generative AI ends up as a friend or enemy. Ibiyemi Omeihe and Kingsley O. Omeihe outline what universities can do at this crucial tipping point

Ibiyemi Omeihe , Kingsley Omeihe

University of the West of Scotland

A hand holds a smartphone, generating illustrated speech bubbles

Four ways to cultivate an engaged social media community

When it comes to social media, don’t forget the power of connection. Paul Shannon and Andrew Murray outline four ways to engage with your audience

Paul Shannon, Andrew Murray

University of the West of Scotland

An illustration of a man watering a plant growing from his head

How to develop a researcher mindset as a PhD student

Entering the postgraduate sphere is a whole new ball game. Shaif Uddin Ahammed shows how to hone a PhD mindset

Shaif Uddin Ahammed

University of the West of Scotland

A woman sits at a laptop with a small toddler on the desk next to her

From prams to postgraduate degrees: how universities can support student parents

Educators play a crucial role in getting student parents the support they need. Mia Burleigh, drawing on her own experience, offers seven tips

Mia Burleigh

University of the West of Scotland

Hands clutching soil with green shoots

Real-world experiences can help your creative arts students create real-world change

Integrating real-world experiences into creative industries programmes can create truly meaningful results – for both the students and the wider community. Clare Duffin outlines how

Clare Duffin

University of the West of Scotland

A theatre stage

Anxious about public speaking? Try these tips from the theatre

Hone your performance skills with these techniques from stage actors. Linsey Todd and James Layton encourage us to smell the greasepaint

Linsey Todd, James Layton

University of the West of Scotland

A head made up of jigsaw puzzle pieces

On the neurodivergent campus, language matters

The neurodiversity movement has made great strides, but out-of-date, ableist language is still prevalent, even in academia. Carrie Ballantyne advises us to think about the words we use

Carrie Ballantyne

University of the West of Scotland

A group of researchers discusses a prototype

How to balance teaching and research

As an early-career academic, how can you juggle teaching and researching while also prioritising self-care? Callum Russell shares his reflections on striking a balance

Callum Russell

University of the West of Scotland

A group of students laugh while using laptops

Four ways to create an entrepreneurial culture at your institution

Universities are perfectly placed to help start-ups get off the ground. Alan Murray, Robert Crammond and Kingsley Omeihe advise on how best to get your students thinking with a business mindset

Alan Murray, Robert Crammond, Kingsley Omeihe

University of the West of Scotland

A sihouette of a woman raising her fist in the air

Gender equality is more than a box-ticking exercise – let’s champion it

The higher education sector is ideally placed to inspire talented women and improve the gender balance in the workplace. Kate Allum advocates for the power of self-belief

Kate Allum

University of the West of Scotland

A team of white water rafters battle the rapids

Build yourself a life raft by establishing a strong mentor relationship

Mentorship can offer a place of stability amid the choppy waters of a new role. Ibiyemi Omeihe explains how to find your new guide

Ibiyemi Omeihe

University of the West of Scotland

Button badges with the Scottish saltire pile up

Every student in Scotland can vote: here’s why that should matter to educators

Teach your students that voting is an investment in the future – and help them build a lifelong habit. Murray Leith offers advice

Murray Leith

University of the West of Scotland

People at an event chat together in small groups

Four ways universities can enhance their community impact

Go beyond the campus walls to enrich the surrounding community educationally, socially and economically. Xiuli Guo outlines how

Xiuli Guo

University of the West of Scotland

An illustration of trapeze artists in business suits, performing a catch

How to build trust as a research supervisor

Building trust is a crucial foundation of the supervisor-supervisee relationship. Kingsley Omeihe argues it’s a two-way process

Kingsley Omeihe

University of the West of Scotland

A mountain climber helps another up a steep hill

What does a research supervisor do?

Research supervisors must learn to be authentic mentors, as well as sharing their experience and knowledge. Robert Crammond reflects on his time in the role

Robert Crammond

University of the West of Scotland

A microphone against a purple background

Five things to know before you launch a research podcast

Starting a podcast can open up your research to a new audience. David Allan and Andrew Murray show how

David Allan, Andrew Murray

University of the West of Scotland

A team of computer scientists in discussion

What is the secret to leading a successful knowledge transfer partnership?

Knowledge transfer partnerships between academics and businesses can result in innovative products and services. Tony Leslie offers 10 pointers on how to increase the likelihood of making these collaborations a success

Tony Leslie

University of the West of Scotland

Young Indian man with phone and laptop

Mix technology and personal contact to support students

A sophisticated algorithm and a simple phone call have proved to be a formula for student retention. And it’s not stopping as the pandemic recedes, says Jonathan Powles

Jonathan Powles

University of the West of Scotland

Universities and their researchers have a key role to play in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

The sector’s role in addressing climate change is crucial – and varied

From researching microalgae to evaluating and contributing to climate policy, universities have a significant job to do, says Lucy Meredith

Lucy Meredith

University of the West of Scotland

Image showing researchers in a laboratory representing a knowledge exchange programme

The formula for a successful knowledge exchange programme

Tips on how to create a successful knowledge exchange programme that fosters a truly collaborative culture, from Milan Radosavljevic

Milan Radosavljevic

University of the West of Scotland

It is incumbent upon university leaders to create diverse and inclusive communities and curricula

Fellow vice-chancellors, we must lead the charge on equality

It’s incumbent on us all to ensure our universities offer inclusive and diverse settings in which anyone, regardless of their background, can flourish, says Craig Mahoney

Craig Mahoney

University of the West of Scotland