Last Request by Paolo Nutini

As Paisley awaits news of its bid to be UK City of Culture in 2021, UWS has announced the Paolo Nutini Songwriting Scholarship as part of our ongoing contribution to the national arts and culture scene. The initiative will see the award of a fully funded student place on the songwriting stream of the University’s acclaimed Masters in Music.

We are delighted that Paolo has agreed to collaborate and that he will also bring his expertise to the classroom, contributing to workshops for the whole student cohort on the UWS programme.

Paolo, who was born, educated and still lives in the town where UWS has its biggest campus, is one of the most celebrated songwriters of his generation, with a portfolio including songs like Last Request, Candy, New Shoes, and Iron Sky.

One lucky student will be chosen for the 'Paolo Nutini Songwriting Scholarship' for the Masters programme intake in September 2018 and the competition for selection is open to students from across the globe. Students on the Masters programme are taught by UWS creative industries academics including members of bands such as Love and Money, Deacon Blue and the Pearlfishers and have access to the University’s state of the art broadcasting and recording facilities.

We are opening the doors now to applications from worthy candidates and we're looking forward to a talent search like no other, assessing candidates on their experience or academic qualifications and their portfolio of work

UWS Principal & Vice-Chancellor Professor Craig Mahoney said “I’m absolutely delighted that Paolo, who is a proud and passionate son of Paisley, holds an honorary degree from University of the West of Scotland, and is an icon in the music industry worldwide, will be contributing to this life-changing songwriting initiative. The opportunity provided by this songwriting scholarship in our School of Media, Culture and Society will allow further enhancement of our long tradition in the music industry. This collaboration with Paolo extends the breadth of work we currently offer, but significantly allows us to help create new talent in the creative industries.” 

Course leader David Scott added "We're thrilled to be launching the Paolo Nutini Scholarship today. Our Masters in Music is always full of talented young people, and this initiative will help a talented songwriter to undertake studies with us at the University, regardless of their financial background. Paolo is a huge inspiration to young people in Paisley and beyond and we're expecting great excitement across the University when he comes in to teach - from students from all disciplines. We are opening the doors now to applications from worthy candidates and we're looking forward to a talent search like no other, assessing candidates on their experience or academic qualifications and their portfolio of work."