We understand that the days ahead of results day, Tuesday 9 August, are always an anxious time for learners and we want to offer reassurance to applicants. Universities know that this year has been another difficult one for those working towards senior phase qualifications. It is the first year since 2019 that exams have returned…
News
July
22
2022
Comment on the QAA’s change of status in England
Following the decision of the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) to demit its status as a Designated Quality Body in England, Universities Scotland have commented: “Scotland’s quality arrangements for higher education have been different to the rest of the UK for close to twenty years, whilst operating within a broader UK system. We greatly value our…
July
22
2022
Statement on participation in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
All of Scotland’s 19 higher education institutions have decided not to participate in the revised Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) as proposed by the Office for Students (OfS). TEF is mandatory for universities in England and optional for universities in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Having considered the TEF carefully, Scottish universities have decided not to…
July
06
2022
Ensuring student safety through university admissions
Universities Scotland was first asked to respond to a media enquiry from the Times on Monday, 4 July in regard to university application processes and the means by which it is possible for universities to determine whether students have unspent criminal convictions or otherwise pose a heightened risk to others. The Times then ran this…
June
02
2022
Queen’s Birthday Honours recognises Dame Sally Mapstone
Professor Sally Mapstone has been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in her Platinum Jubilee year. Sally has been made a DBE for her extraordinary services to higher education. Dame Sally has been Principal and Vice Chancellor the University of St Andrews since 2016. She has been Vice Convener of Universities Scotland since 2020 and…
June
01
2022
Response to resource spending review
The Scottish Government published its resource spending review today, setting out its high-level spending intentions to 2026/27. It includes an indicative, combined allocation for higher education and further education. The combined budget is set to be flat in cash terms for the next four years at £1,501 million. Responding to the announcement, which represents a…
May
31
2022
Our response to Sir Peter Scott’s Final Report as Commissioner for Fair Access
Responding to the final report from the Commission for Fair Access, Sir Peter Scott, Director of Universities Scotland, Alastair Sim said: “Scotland’s universities have achieved a lot when it comes to widening access in recent years. As a sector, we have introduced the most progressive admissions policies for students in the UK and have reached…
May
27
2022
Professor Sally Mapstone on University Funding
Professor Sally Mapstone FRSE is the Principal and Vice-Chancellor at the University of St Andrews. She is also the Vice Convener of Universities Scotland and chairs our Admissions Policy Group. Published in The Herald on Friday 27th May 2022. Since its establishment in 1413 as Scotland’s first university, the University of St Andrews has been…
May
26
2022
Research and innovation at risk with cuts to funding
University leaders are warning that Scotland’s hard won reputation for research and innovation is at risk. The Scottish Funding Council has issued its funding allocations for universities for the next academic year 2022/23 including the Research Excellence Grant. The Research Excellence Grant supports top-quality research with the aim to keep Scotland globally competitive and attractive…
May
25
2022
Universities Scotland announce new elected leadership team
Universities Scotland is delighted to announce that Professor Sally Mapstone has been elected to the role of Convener for a period of two years, from 1 August 2022 to 31 July 2024. Sir Paul Grice will take up the role of Vice Convener for the same period. Universities Scotland represents all 19 of Scotland’s higher…