Briefings & Evidence

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Universities Scotland’s response to the National Discussion survey

Universities Scotland have submitted their response to the survey for the National Discussion on the future of education in Scotland. Learners in the future will need an education that addresses future environmental, digital, global, economic challenges and acquire the knowledge and skills to thrive. We also need to ensure no one is left behind. Our…

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Scotland’s universities and the constitution: policy issues for consideration

The constitution has been a prominent feature of policy discussion in Scotland for some time and continues to be so. Whatever Scotland’s future, universities will be fundamental to Scotland’s people and economy. Universities will continue to educate a significant proportion of the population, equipping them with the skills they will need for their careers and…

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Letters to the Scottish Parliament’s Education, Children and Young People committee

Following Professor George Boyne’s appearance at the Scottish Parliament’s Education, Children and Young People committee on behalf on Universities Scotland, he has written a letter to the committee. This letter is the result of a question from Ruth Maguire MSP who asked about financial entitlement and support that is available for students. You can see…

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Cost of Living (Protection of Tenants) (Scotland) Bill

In anticipation of the Cost of Living (Protection of Tenants) (Scotland) Bill being presented to the Scottish Parliament, we have published a briefing highlighting issues of interest to the higher education sector. Please note: this briefing was published prior to the Bill itself being published. You can read our submission here.

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Congratulating Scottish Universities on Research Excellence Framework 2021 Results

University research is an area in which Scotland is “world-leading” in terms of quality and excellence. Research is a significant asset for Scotland propelling innovation, economic growth, the emergence and acceleration of new industries, creating jobs and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI).

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Universities Scotland’s submission to the Education, Children and Young People Committee

Universities Scotland have submitted evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Education, Children and Young People Committee ahead of University of Aberdeen’s Principal Professor George Boyne’s appearance to the committee on Wednesday 28 September 2022. Our submission details the support of the Committee’s pre-budget scrutiny of university funding and takes the opportunity to provide both written and…

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Promoting Scotland internationally

Universities Scotland welcomes the opportunity to submit evidence to the committee’s inquiry into promoting Scotland internationally. Scotland’s universities are proudly international in both our history and outlook.

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Universities Scotland’s articulation of the sector’s principles

Throughout Spring/Summer of 2022, the Scottish Government is consulting on a set of principles for the further and higher education sector to define ‘tertiary’ education. Universities are driven by a strong values and principles. As part of this consultation, Scottish university leaders have come together to articulate the principles that inspire us. These principles are:…

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Universities Scotland’s response to the National Student Survey consultation

Universities Scotland have submitted their response to the National Student Survey Consultation. We have highlighted our views on the proposed changes to the survey and whether these would be beneficial to students who will take the survey or should remain unchanged. You can read our full response here.

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Proposed Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Bill

Universities Scotland have responded to Liz Smith MSP’s proposed Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Bill which has just completed its consultation phase. Universities Scotland, representing Scotland’s 19 universities are supportive of this proposed Bill as we consider there to be helpful evidence of the educational and wider benefits that outdoor education offers young people across…

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