Universities Scotland
Briefing
The higher education sector in Scotland is diverse. It is made up of 14 universities, the Open University in Scotland, the UHI Millennium Institute, two art schools, one conservatoire, and the Scottish Agricultural College.
Universities Scotland has produced briefing papers which give an introduction to the main areas of our work within the higher education sector in Scotland. There are also facts and figures briefings which contain current data about each main activity. If you would like more detailed information, please contact the relevant member of staff through the contacts page.
All the publications listed below are available to download in PDF format. If you are having problems viewing the publications, you may need to download the free Acrobat Reader.
What is Higher Education (Briefing)
Higher education is a term used to describe post-school education of a certain intellectual standard that contains elements of theoretical, abstract and conceptual knowledge and is taught in an environment which also includes advanced research activity.
How is Higher Education Funded (Briefing)
Scottish higher education institutions had a total combined income of £2.1 billion in 2005/06. Only approximately 51 per cent of this total comes from core public funding.
Learning and Teaching (Briefing)
Learning and teaching has always been the core of university activity. Scotland’s 20 higher education institutions educate more than 215,000 students on almost 4,400 courses in more than 150 different subject groupings.
Research (Briefing)
Research has been one of higher education’s two ‘missions’ since universities were first established. Universities undertake different kinds of research for different purposes.
Knowledge Transfer and Commercialisation (Briefing)
The main business of higher education is to teach students and to create new knowledge through research. However, if this knowledge and learning is to be useful it has to be applied to the areas of life where it can make a difference. This is knowledge transfer.
Scroll over the map below and click to view contact details for our members.
Universities Scotland is recruiting to two posts
Post 1: Policy Assistant
Salary range £19,104 to £23,240 (Operational 2) Fixed term contract (with possibility of renewal)
We seek to fill a full-time post to support the policy work of the office, initially on a fixed-term contract for up to 12 months (with a possibility of renewal/subsequent permanent appointment). The post holder will provide research and policy support in the areas of learning and teaching, teaching quality, widening participation, equality and diversity and international issues; as well as drafting briefings, correspondence, papers and reports.
Applicants should have at least three Highers (one of which should be English) or equivalent (SCQF level 6) and be numerate. The post, which would also suit graduates, offers the opportunity to develop experience in a policy-making organisation.
A job description, post information and application form for the post are available for downloading. For further information on this post please contact Dr Kirsty Skidmore (kirsty@universities-scotland.ac.uk)
Post 2: Office Administrator
Salary range £19.104 to £23,240) (Operational 2)
We need an organised and enthusiastic administrator to support our work. This full time post, which is available initially on a fixed-term contract for up to 12 months (with the posiibility of renewal/subsequent permanent appointment) will be at the heart of the administrative work of the office. Responsibilities include organising events and meetings (with some Minute-taking); travel management; financial administration; office supplies management (inculding liaising with the IT service provider); reception duties; drafting correspondence and efficient provision of other administrative services as required. The post holder will work alongside an experienced Office Manager who also provides PA support to senior management.
Applicants should have at least three Highers (one of which should be English) or equivalent. Some experience of having worked within a higher or further education environment would be an advantage.
A job description, post information and application form for the post are available for downloading. For further information on this post please contact Jill (jill@universities-scotland.ac.uk)
Completed applications for these posts (one hard copy - we do not accept e-mailed or faxed applications) should be returned to Jill Powlett Brown, Office Manager, Universities Scotland, 53 Hanover Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PJ by 1000 on Tuesday 10 August 2010. Interviews for both posts are likely to be held in the week beginning Monday 16 August 2010