The Home Affairs Committee is undertaking an inquiry into what the post-Brexit migration policy for the UK should be. Universities Scotland responded highlighting the importance of migration for the higher education sector in Scotland. In our submission we highlighted: The UK’s decision to leave the EU offers an unparalleled opportunity to review the whole migration…
Briefings & Evidence
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Universities Scotland response to Scottish Affairs Committee’s Scotland and Brexit: Trade and Foreign Investment inquiry
Universities Scotland has responded to the Scottish Affairs Committee’s inquiry into Scotland and Brexit: Trade and Foreign Investment. In our submission to the inquiry, we highlight how successful Scotland’s universities have been in becoming a key Scottish export sector, generating £1.65bn in international exports. Our brief focuses on highlighting the advantages of global trade with…
Our response to Science and Technology Committee consultation on immigration and science
Universities Scotland has submitted written evidence to the UK Parliament’s Science and Technology Committee to their inform proposals for immigration and visa rules for scientists. Our submission highlights the importance of non-UK staff to our universities’ science and innovation success and sets out key aspects of a future immigration system, as it affects academic staff and postgraduate…
Follow up letter to the Education and Skills Committee on Widening Access
On Wednesday 16 March 2018, Alastair Sim, the Director of Universities Scotland gave evidence to the Education and Skills Committee about widening access alongside four university Principals. As part of the evidence session, Alastair Sim said he would clarify some issues such as details of what universities, specifically ‘the ancients’ were doing to widen access…
Our response to UK Government’s consultation on subject-level TEF
Universities Scotland has responded to a call for evidence from the UK Department for Education (DfE) on the design of the Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF) at subject level. Currently, the TEF assesses provider-level undergraduate provision but the UK Government intends to extend this to a disciplinary level from 2020. Our response highlights the concerns…
Briefing for Erasmus+ debate in the Scottish Parliament
On Wednesday 16 May 2018, the Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee hosted a debate in the Scottish Parliament on the future of the Erasmus+ programme. Universities Scotland submitted a briefing to MSPs ahead of the debate, highlighting the numerous benefits of the programme and highlighting the need for continued participation after the UK leaves the EU. You…
Universities Scotland response to Review of Post-18 Education and Funding in England
The UK Government’s Review of Post-18 Education and Funding in England made a call for evidence which Universities Scotland has responded to. Our evidence focuses on student choice, specifically the ability of applicants to make a choice to study at any institution within the UK higher education system unaffected by policy for university funding and…
Progress on Widening Access: written evidence to the Education and Skills Committee
On Monday 16 May 2018, Universities Scotland will give evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Education and Skills Committee. We will focus on our progress with widening access to higher education and on the goal that 20 per cent of entrants to university should be from the poorest 20 per cent of neighbourhoods by 2030. Ahead…
Tapping All Our Talents Review 2018: Women in STEM
Universities Scotland has responded to an open consultation by the Royal Society of Edinburgh, who are reviewing progress towards gender equality in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). You can read our full response here. In 2012, the RSE published its report Tapping All Our Talents, a comprehensive set of recommendations for Scotland aimed at increasing both the proportion of…
Submission to All-Party Parliamentary University Group
Universities Scotland has submitted a briefing to the All-Party Parliamentary University Group to help inform their meeting on higher education in the devolved nations. All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) are informal, cross-party groups who meet informally to discuss issues of concern or importance. The University APPG will meet on 9 May to discuss UK-wide challenges for…