Universities Scotland

NewsDetails

2012

Statistics show graduates from Scotland’s universities have the best prospects in the UK

National Statistics published today (28 June) by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) show graduates from Scotland's universities have the highest level of positive destinations, the highest starting salaries and the lowest levels of unemployment in the UK six months after graduation. The figures will make for encouraging reading for graduates at Scotland's 19 universities, coming as they do in the middle of university graduation season.

The statistics, which are taken six months after graduation, show:

  • 90 per cent of graduates from Scotland's universities are in positive destinations, i.e. work or further study, compared to 87 per cent of graduates from universities in England.
  • The mean starting salary for graduates of Scotland's universities is £21,500 compared to a mean average of £21,000 across the UK.
  • Only 7 per cent of graduates from Scotland's universities were through to be unemployed compared to 10 per cent of graduates from universities in England.

The National Statistics track the destinations of graduates who completed their studies during academic year 2010/11. This year's results defy the tough labour market conditions facing all young people as a result of the recession.

Alastair Sim, Director, Universities Scotland said:

"Today's figures are a timely and welcome boost in confidence for those graduating across Scotland this summer. Scotland's graduates have the best employment prospects and can expect the highest starting salaries anywhere in the UK. Our graduates can be immensely proud of the high regard they are held in by employers.

"Scotland's universities have employability embedded as a core part of their learning and teaching strategies. We are committed to working with others to ensure that young people are able to seize the opportunities which are out there, even in tough times."

Notes

  • HESA's destination of leavers from higher education for 2010/11 is a National Statistics Publication.
  • You can access the full data set from HESA at this link: http://www.hesa.ac.uk/content/view/2514/

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New code of governance set to make Scottish universities the most progressive in Europe
Universities Scotland welcomes the draft publication of a new code of good governance for Scotland’s 19 higher education institutions today [16 April], describing it as a progressive code which would set Scotland’s universities at the leading edge of accountable governance amongst all of Europe.

The draft code was welcomed by Universities Scotland’s Convener, Professor Pete Downes, also Principal of the University of Dundee:

“The new code makes a significant number of stretching and progressive requirements that will make Scotland’s universities even more transparent, inclusive and accountable to their many stakeholders. I support its introduction in Scotland and I’m confident that all universities will get behind it.

“Universities Scotland welcomed the development of a new code of governance in the spirit of continuous improvement; the principle that universities operate to in all areas of their activity. The code published today builds on the existing UK code which was already held in esteem across Europe and further afield as a model of strong HE governance. The new code, which takes us further on measures of transparency, inclusion and accountability, is set to make Scotland’s universities amongst the most progressive in Europe.”

Key measures within the new draft code include:

  • New measures to provide greater transparency in decisions relating to the remuneration of the Principal.
  • New measures for greater staff and student involvement in the formal appraisal of the Principal.
  • A new requirement to include goals for greater diversity of the governing body membership and regular monitoring of progress towards such goals.
  • The creation of a new role in university governance of Vice Chair with particular responsibility for assessing the Chair’s performance.
  • A requirement for the constitution of a nominations committee for the appointment of lay members of the governing body and selection of the Chair to ensure staff and student engagement.
  • A new requirement that vacancies for independent or lay members of university governing bodies are advertised externally. The recruitment process must address issues of equality and diversity and should involve a skills register to assist in identifying the skills needs of the institution. 
  • Clear responsibilities for the Chair to protect discussions at the governing body from dominance by senior management.
  • Affirmation of the importance of university autonomy
  • Renewed commitment to the importance of academic freedom


The code is now in a final eight-week consultation phase lasting until 11 June. The aim is to approve the final code in time for implementation in academic year 2013/14.

You can read the full press release here. The code can be downloaded at: www.scottishuniversitygovernance.ac.uk