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Innovative University enquiry service prepares for post-exam result calls.

With exam results due out in Scotland on Tuesday 7 August, Scotland’s largest, modern university has unveiled its plans to handle an expected flood of calls from school and college leavers keen to find a place at the University.

The University of Paisley and Bell College, merged on 1 August 2007, creating Scotland’s biggest, modern university, in student number terms, with over 18,000 students. This exciting regional University has campuses in Ayr, Dumfries, Hamilton and Paisley. It also has the country’s largest School of Health, Nursing and Midwifery, with 5,000 students.

Staff will also be able to deal with enquiries from A-level candidates, college leavers and from adults seeking to return to studies, regarding the suitability of their qualifications for entry.

Last summer University Direct received over 10,000 telephone, email and Internet enquiries from prospective students looking for information on course availability. With recent course developments including the introduction of Forensic Science; Performance; Computer Animation; and Exercise and Health, demand for places during summer 2007 is anticipated to be high.

Students benefit from the University’s close links with industrial and commercial partners, with many courses incorporating the opportunity to undertake valuable work experience. And students have worked with organisations such as Volkswagen, Sony, IBM and Channel 4.

Access to the latest facilities, such as the University’s product design and rapid prototyping suite, Sony Playstation Games Development Lab and Pro-Tools recording facilities also gives students added experience and insight into the world of work.

Kirsty Knox, University Education Liaison Manager, said: “At this stage in the year, many prospective students are looking for advice on what’s best for them to help them realise their full potential. We offer information on the application process, course availability, entry requirements, placement, and student life and our University Direct team can help match candidates with the most appropriate course to meet their interests and career aspirations.”

University Direct will offer an extended service from Tuesday 7 August, with advisors available to take calls and help enquirers secure a place at the University from:

• 9am to 7pm (Monday to Thursday)
• 9am to 6pm (Friday)
• 10am to 2pm (Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 August)

From Monday 20 August, lines will be open:

• 9am to 6pm (Monday to Thursday)
• 9am to 5pm (Friday)

From Monday 10 September, University Direct will return to its regular operating hours (Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.45pm).

The University is holding a number of Information Sessions, aimed at anyone wishing further details on any of the University’s undergraduate study options:

Crichton University Campus, Dumfries:

• 14 August 2007, Newton Stewart Library, 4pm to 6pm
• 15 August 2007, Rutherford McCowan, Crichton University Campus, Dumfries, 12pm to 3pm and 4pm to 7pm

University Campus, Hamilton (formerly Bell College):

• 8 and 15 August 2007, 2pm to 8pm

Paisley Campus:

• Friday 10 August 2007, 11am to 3pm

The University is currently seeking approval to change name to University of the West of Scotland. A decision on the name change is anticipated later in 2007. Applications for 2007 entry should in the meantime be made using the existing UCAS institution codes: P20 (Paisley) or B26 (Bell) as appropriate.

Press release: Tuesday 7 August 2007