News

Following the publication of the Scottish Funding Council’s indicative allocations for 2016/17, we were asked for comment on 1 March regarding the status of funding for additional places for widening access at Scotland’s universities. A Universities Scotland spokesperson said: “The lack of funding for ring-fenced widening access places next year does not detract from universities’…

Universities Scotland has responded to the publication of the Scottish Funding Council’s Gender Action Plan: Interim Report today, Tuesday 23 February. Universities Scotland’s Director, Alastair Sim said:   “Universities don’t want to see underrepresentation of any kind. It is in no-one’s interests to have certain subjects, and so certain careers, dominated by one gender or…

University leaders welcomed the scrutiny of the HE Governance (Scotland) Bill at the Education Committee today [Tuesday, 9 February] as members of Scottish Labour, the Scottish Liberal Democrats, Scottish Conservatives and the Scottish National Party all heavily criticised the Higher Education Governance (Scotland) Bill at stage 2, calling it ‘embarrassing’ and ‘unworkable’. The Cabinet Secretary…

Universities Scotland’s Convener, Professor Sir Pete Downes, has today [Monday 8 February] written a letter to the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Angela Constance to set out the sector’s view on issues relating to the Scottish Government’s proposed Stage 2 amendments to its Higher Education Governance (Scotland) Bill. Sir Pete explains that Universities…

Universities Scotland has today (Thursday 28 January) called on the Secretary of State for Scotland, the Rt Hon David Mundell MP, to respond to further evidence for the reintroduction of post-study work visas for international students studying in Scotland. The Scottish Parliament’s Devolution (Further Powers) Committee heard evidence on Thursday morning from two international graduates…

Universities Scotland has commented today (12 January) following the publication of the Scottish Government’s response to the Scottish Parliament’s Education and Culture Committee’s Stage 1 Report on the Higher education Governance (Scotland) Bill. A Universities Scotland spokersperson said:   “The Government’s response gives the strongest indication yet that it is minded to remove the sections…

Universities Scotland has today [Monday 21 December] welcomed the publication of the Taught Postgraduate Study Working Group’s report. The report is clear that increased postgraduate-level study by Scottish-domiciled students will help drive the creation of a high-skill economy and well as enhancing individuals’ opportunities. However, participation by Scottish-domiciled students has flatlined in recent years, for…

Responding to the publication of the Scottish Government’s Draft Budget 2016-17, Universities Scotland’s Convener, Professor Sir Pete Downes, said:   “The Scottish Budget proposes what we recognise as a good outcome in a time of severe financial challenges. “We respect the approach the Deputy First Minister has taken with us, which has been to work…

Universities Scotland welcomed the interim report from the Commission on Widening Access, as published today [Thursday, 12 November], and repeated its support for the Commission’s creative and joined-up approach to a challenge that spans all parts of our education system and society. Responding to the interim publication, Professor Pete Downes, Convener of Universities Scotland and…

Universities launched a new cross-sector commitment and action plan today [Tuesday, 10th November] intended to increase both the scale and impact of their contribution to enterprise and entrepreneurship in Scotland. Making it Happen, sees all 19 higher education institutions come together to agree a commitment and set of eight actions that intend to grow the…