Responding to the publication of the Higher Education Student Statistics UK 2020-21, which shows the highest number and proportion of Scottish students from Scotland’s most deprived areas, Universities Scotland Director, Alastair Sim said: “It’s a source of pride for the sector that more students than ever from Scotland’s most deprived areas are studying and hopefully…
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Universities Scotland comment on plans for blended learning in January 2022
Commenting on universities’ preparations for the new semester starting in January 2022, Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland, said: “Universities have been working at level zero since September, which is a whole level more cautious than required of other sectors. In response to omicron, we’ve stepped up that level of caution again in the last…
Universities respond to Scottish Government budget for higher education
Universities Scotland has responded to the Scottish Government’s budget for 2022/23 as published by Finance Secretary Kate Forbes, today. The settlement is likely to mean a real-terms cut to core HE budgets for teaching and research as COVID consequential funding delivered last year to support activity including the delivery of graduate apprenticeships is discontinued with…
Thriving Learners study into student mental health is published
The largest study into the mental health and wellbeing of students in Scotland has revealed nearly three quarters (74%) of university students surveyed reported having low wellbeing, according to the research published by Mental Health Foundation. The Thriving Learners study also found that more than one third of university students surveyed (36%) reported moderately severe…
Colleges and unis unite for fair budget claim for students
College and university principals have come together to call on the Scottish Government to deliver for Scotland’s students in December’s budget. Audrey Cumberford, Chair of College Principals and Gerry McCormac, Convener of Universities Scotland have united in a call to the Scottish Government to deliver funding in the budget on 9 December to ensure college…
Scotland’s SMEs boosted by university links
Universities are at the forefront of Scotland’s economic recovery from COVID-19 with their innovative partnerships with small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) being given a special focus. As part of a UK-wide campaign from Universities UK, Getting Results highlights the ways in which universities are aiding sustainable economic growth through their partnerships with businesses, charities…
University sector celebrates widening access progress with the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills
The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, has met with university students to celebrate the higher education sector’s achievement of the interim widening access target set by the Scottish Government. Ms Somerville hosted a group discussion with students whose routes into university are considered non-traditional as a way of recognising the sector’s…
Mental health and wellbeing is a top priority in the new academic year, say Principals and Student Union Presidents
The Principals and Student Union Presidents of Scotland’s 19 universities have issued an open letter to students assuring them that mental health and wellbeing is a top priority in the new academic year. The letter sets out to raise the visibility of general opportunities for wellbeing and preventative measures as well as more focused mental…
Universities Scotland respond to Results Day across the UK
Universities Scotland has welcomed the publication of exam results across the country in what has been a very challenging time for school and college learners. Today’s UCAS data show: An increase in the entry rate of Scottish domiciled 18-year-olds going to university at 28% (an increase from 26.4% in 2020). A 12% increase in Scottish-domiciled…
Universities Scotland welcomes SFC’s Report on Widening Access 2019-20
Universities Scotland have welcomed the publication of the Report on Widening Access 2019-20 by the sector’s funding body, the Scottish Funding Council. The report states that: 16.4% of full-time first-degree entrants to university were from an SIMD20 background. This is an increase from 15.9% in 2018-19. This means that universities have met the Commission on…