On 1st August 2007, the University of Paisley and Bell College merged to create Scotland?s biggest modern university with campuses in Ayr, Dumfries, Hamilton and Paisley. With more than 18,000 students and 2,000 staff members, the University offers an extensive range of programs from degree and certificate level to MSc. The University has seven academic schools, each providing a range of subject-specific programs. The Schools include including business; computing; education; engineering and science; health, nursing and midwifery; media, language and music; and social sciences.

Ayrshire with unforgettable scenery, castles and historic sites galore is a peoples place, with a strong community sense, an independence of mind, warmth and a humour not only evident today but also through the area’s colourful history. It’s no accident that it’s heroes consists of William Wallace, the world’s first freedom fighter, the remarkable King Robert the Bruce and the peoples poet Robert Burns. The area has also spawned inventors, industrialists and architects whose legacy can still be seen today. This makes it a must for visitors today and in the past. Mary Queen of Scotts was an early tourist and was fortunate with good weather in 1563, and was said to have enjoyed her visit.