Scotland’s 19 universities are asking that the Scottish Government address an anomaly in the route-map out of COVID restrictions, which means that academics doing research in laboratories must still work at two metres distance from each other, in stark contrast to most other sectors of the economy which have been operating at one metre or…
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University leaders call for urgent clarity on plans for next academic year as new data shows high levels of student anxiety and fears about progression
The Principals of Scotland’s universities have called on the Scottish Government to provide clarity within the next fortnight on the arrangements for in-person teaching when the next academic year starts. The call comes as new polling data of over 500 students at Scotland’s universities shows that: 73 per cent feel the restrictions on in-person learning…
Universities welcome show of strength in new world rankings
Universities Scotland has welcomed new global rankings which rates the sector in Scotland as one of the best in the world. The global rankings demonstrate Scotland’s strength in research with many universities bettering their scores from last year. The QS World University Rankings 2022, which evaluates over 1300 universities worldwide, sees six Scottish universities improve…
Universities Scotland welcome ‘Universities and Scotland’ report from Scottish Affairs Committee
The report, which comes at a time which is described by the committee as a “perfect storm” for universities as long-term public underfunding of the sector meet the impact of both COVID-19 and Brexit. Reacting to the publication of the Scottish Affairs Committee report, ‘Universities and Scotland’, Universities Scotland Director Alastair Sim said: “This report…
Universities Scotland response to SFC publication of additional and indicative funding allocations
Responding to the publication of the Scottish Funding Council’s additional funding allocations for 2020/21 and indicative allocations for 2021/22, Universities Scotland Director Alastair Sim said: “Universities welcome the increased resources allocated today by the Scottish Funding Council. The additional funding for 2020/21 is recognition of the work universities have done to support students through the pandemic….
UCAS data cause for assurance in value of Scottish higher education
New data released by the university admissions service UCAS serves as a cause for optimism in the Scottish higher education sector. The January Equal Consideration Deadline 2021 data, published by UCAS on Thursday 18 February, show: Positive widening access statistics. Continued increase in applicants from the most disadvantaged background with a 15% increase (1,100 people)…
Universities Scotland response to Scottish Government announcement of additional COVID funding
Responding to the announcement of additional funding from the Scottish Government to support colleges and universities during the pandemic, Universities Scotland Director Alastair Sim said: “The Scottish Government’s announcement of an additional £60 million one-off COVID consequential funding for universities and colleges is very welcome. The sector has faced a series of acute financial challenges…
Students and universities urge Scottish Government to follow Wales on twin-track support package to get through COVID
Scotland’s student and university leaders have joined together to commend the Welsh Government on its twin-track approach to supporting higher education students and institutions through the COVID crisis. This comes on the day that the Welsh Government announces a new package of £40 million available to support students facing financial hardship. The Welsh Government has…
Universities Scotland responds to postponed return of students
Responding to the announcement from the Scottish Government on the return of students to university, a spokesperson for Universities Scotland said: “In light of the high prevalence of the virus across the country, it is appropriate that there should be an increased staggering of the return of students to campus. We look forward to receiving…
Professor Gerry McCormac recognised with a knighthood
Universities Scotland’s Convener, Professor Gerry McCormac, has been recognised with a knighthood in the Queen’s New Year Honours for his extraordinary public service. Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, who has been Principal at the University of Stirling since 2010, was given the honour in recognition of his services to higher education and to the economy. Professor…