University of the West Indies

The University of the West Indies (UWI) is a public university system serving 17 English-speaking countries and territories in the Caribbean. Established in 1948, the university has campuses in Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados, with a fourth campus in Antigua and Barbuda.

History

The University of the West Indies was founded in 1948 as the University College of the West Indies (UCWI) in Mona, Jamaica, affiliated with the University of London. It gained full university status in 1962, becoming an independent institution. The St. Augustine campus in Trinidad and Tobago was established in 1960, and the Cave Hill campus in Barbados followed in 1963. In 2019, the Five Islands campus was opened in Antigua and Barbuda.

Campuses

Mona Campus

UWI Mona Campus Main Library

The Mona campus, located in Kingston, Jamaica, is the oldest and largest campus of the University of the West Indies. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs and is known for its research in tropical medicine and agriculture.

St. Augustine Campus

St. Augustine UWI Campus

The St. Augustine campus in Trinidad and Tobago specializes in engineering, agriculture, and the sciences. It is home to the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Food and Agriculture, among others.

Cave Hill Campus

The Cave Hill campus in Barbados offers programs in law, humanities, and social sciences. It is known for its Faculty of Law, which attracts students from across the Caribbean.

Five Islands Campus

The Five Islands campus in Antigua and Barbuda is the newest addition to the UWI system, focusing on education, health sciences, and management.

Academic Structure

UWI is organized into several faculties, including Humanities and Education, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, Medical Sciences, and Law. Each campus offers a unique set of programs tailored to the needs of the region.

Research and Innovation

UWI is a leading research institution in the Caribbean, with a focus on areas such as climate change, renewable energy, and public health. The university collaborates with international partners to address regional and global challenges.

Notable Alumni

Derek Walcott, Nobel Laureate and UWI alumnus

UWI has produced many distinguished alumni, including Nobel Laureates Derek Walcott and Sir Arthur Lewis, as well as numerous leaders in politics, business, and academia.

Continuing Education

Continuing education programs at UWI

The university offers continuing education programs through its Open Campus, which provides flexible learning options for students across the Caribbean.

Related Pages

• List of universities in the Caribbean
• Caribbean Community
• Education in the Caribbean

References

• 
  University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus
• 
  University of the West Indies, Continuing Promise 2015
• 
  University of the West Indies, Mona Campus Main Library
• 
  University of the West Indies