University of the West Indies
Bridgetown, Barbados • Founded 1963 • World Rank #2920
Updated May 2026
Overview
Established in 1963, The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the large town of Bridgetown (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants).
This institution also has a branch campus in Mona and St. Augustine.
Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training of Barbados, The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus (UWI) is a medium-sized coeducational Barbadian higher education institution. The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus (UWI) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
UWI also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Where University of the West Indies is located and how to contact its offices. Disability and accessibility information is usually held by a separate student services office worth contacting directly.
Academic Details
Below are the institutional metrics for University of the West Indies: scale, staffing balance, and accreditation context. These shape the academic experience more than headline rankings often suggest.
Academic Structures
Below is how University of the West Indies is organised academically — the schools, faculties, and units that house its programmes. Larger institutions often run multi-faculty divisions to coordinate cross-disciplinary work.
Unit 5 items
- Faculty of Humanities and Education
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Medical Sciences
- Faculty of Science and Technology
- Faculty of Social Sciences
Degrees
University of the West Indies's degree catalogue by academic level. Continuing education and non-degree pathways sit outside the standard tiers but are sometimes offered alongside.
Bachelor's 53 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Accountancy
- Banking
- Biochemistry
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biology
- Caribbean Studies
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Criminology
- Cultural Studies
- Dance
- Development Studies
- Ecology
- Economics
- Education
- Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Maintenance
- Environmental Studies
- Finance
- Fine Arts
- French
- Gender Studies
- Health Sciences
- History
- Hotel Management
- Hotel and Restaurant
- Information Technology
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Labour and Industrial Relations
- Law
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Management
- Mathematics
- Medicine
- Meteorology
- Microbiology
- Music
- Music Education
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Sciences
- Preschool Education
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Social Sciences
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Software Engineering
- Spanish
- Sports
- Surgery
- Theology
- Tourism
Master's 62 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Accountancy
- African Studies
- Banking
- Biochemistry
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biology
- Building Technologies
- Business Administration
- Caribbean Studies
- Chemistry
- Commercial Law
- Computer Science
- Cultural Studies
- Development Studies
- Ecology
- Economic and Finance Policy
- Economics
- Education
- Energy Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Studies
- Finance
- Fine Arts
- Gender Studies
- Government
- Health Administration
- Heritage Preservation
- History
- Hotel and Restaurant
- Human Resources
- Information Technology
- International Business
- Labour and Industrial Relations
- Law
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Management
- Marketing
- Mathematics
- Medicine
- Microbiology
- Modern Languages
- Natural Resources
- Nursing
- Performing Arts
- Pharmacology
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Sciences
- Private Law
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Public Health
- Public Law
- Social Policy
- Social Sciences
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Sports Management
- Tourism
- Transport Management
- Transport and Communications
Doctoral 43 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Anaesthesiology
- Biochemistry
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biology
- Business Administration
- Chemistry
- Community Health
- Computer Science
- Cultural Studies
- Development Studies
- Ecology
- Economic and Finance Policy
- Economics
- Education
- Environmental Studies
- Finance
- Gender Studies
- Government
- History
- Law
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Management
- Mathematics
- Medicine
- Microbiology
- Modern Languages
- Natural Resources
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Ophthalmology
- Orthopaedics
- Paediatrics
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Sciences
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Social Policy
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Surgery
- Theology
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training of Barbados.
Sport (Academy) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Sports
Caribbean Law Institute (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
CLR James (Centre) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Creative Imagination (Centre) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- Fine Arts
English Language Learning (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- English
Resource Management and Environmental Studies (Centre) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Environmental Management
- Natural Resources
Common Career Paths
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- HR Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Shridath Ramphal (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- International Business
Social and Economic Studies (Centre) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Economics
- Social Studies
Culture, Creative and Performing Arts (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Cultural Studies
Humanities and Education (Faculty) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
- History
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Modern Languages
- Philosophy
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Administrative Law
- Commercial Law
- Criminal Law
- International Law
- Law
- Private Law
- Public Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medical Sciences (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anaesthesiology
- Epidemiology
- Medicine
- Ophthalmology
- Paediatrics
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Surgery
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Clinical Researcher
- Healthcare Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science and Technology (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Electronic Engineering
- Mathematics
- Natural Sciences
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Social Sciences (Faculty) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Economics
- Government
- Management
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Sociology
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Gender and Development Studies (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Development Studies
- Gender Studies
Social and Economic Studies (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Economics
- Social Sciences
Caribbean Lexicography (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Richard and Jeannette Allsopp
Chronic Disease (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Medicine
Business and Management (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
University of the West Indies's programme finder filters by name across all degree levels. Departmental admissions criteria sometimes differ from institutional minimums — verify against the programme page before relying on either.
177 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Barbados
Bachelor's Degree 46 programmes
Showing 10 of 46.
Master's Degree 110 programmes
Showing 10 of 110.
Doctorate 15 programmes
Showing 10 of 15.
Certificate 1 programme
Diploma 5 programmes
How to apply to University of the West Indies
Below is a five-step path through the application process at University of the West Indies, useful for first-time applicants and international students.
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1
Find a programme that fits your goals
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. University of the West Indies runs 177 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
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2
Confirm you meet the requirements
Before applying to University of the West Indies, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Barbados.
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3
Assemble your application package
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with University of the West Indies's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
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4
Submit your application
Lodge your application through the official website (www.cavehill.uwi.edu). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
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5
Contact admissions and follow up
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (246) 417 4000. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about University of the West Indies
A short Q&A covering University of the West Indies's essentials — founding, location, scale, ranking, and academic structure.
How old is University of the West Indies?
The institution opened in 1963 (approximately 63 years ago).
Where is University of the West Indies located?
University of the West Indies is located in Bridgetown, Barbados.
Is University of the West Indies a public or private institution?
It is a public higher-education institution.
What is the student enrolment at University of the West Indies?
Student enrolment at University of the West Indies is around 7,000-7,999.
Where does University of the West Indies stand in university rankings?
University of the West Indies holds rank #2920 globally and #1 in Barbados.
What programmes are available at University of the West Indies?
University of the West Indies delivers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes across its academic units.
How is University of the West Indies organised academically?
University of the West Indies has 5 academic units.
Is University of the West Indies accredited?
The institution holds recognition from Barbados Accreditation Council (BAC).
Where can I learn more about University of the West Indies?
You can find University of the West Indies online at www.cavehill.uwi.edu.
Faculties at nearby universities
Regional admissions cycle quirks (early-deadline schemes, regional aid programmes) apply consistently across the universities near University of the West Indies. Worth knowing during shortlisting.
Universities Compared with University of the West Indies
Application tier strategy benefits from including peer institutions to University of the West Indies: safety, target, and reach picks within a comparable academic band keep your outcomes diversified.
Study abroad guides and resources
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