Following the outbreak of positive cases of coronavirus in student accommodation in parts of Scotland, university Principals met with the Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science, Richard Lochhead, to discuss what further measures and messages could be emphasised to stop the spread of the virus. A set of FAQs has been developed to…
News
September
24
2020
Universities Scotland comments on availability of COVID-19 tests for students
In response to the availability of COVID-19 tests for students, a spokesperson for Universities Scotland said: “The testing programme is working well and we strongly encourage anyone experiencing symptoms of the virus to seek a test. Universities can advise their students on routes to do that if they are unsure. We also ask everyone in…
September
23
2020
Keeping our higher education community safe
Responding to the rising positive cases of COVID-19 in higher education, Professor Gerry McCormac, Convener of Universities Scotland, said: “There have been a number of positive cases of coronavirus linked to universities. We understand that this is concerning for the students, their loved ones and our wider communities so it is important to be clear,…
September
14
2020
COVID-19 SAFETY IS TOP PRIORITY, SAY UNIVERSITY PRINCIPALS
The Principals of Scotland’s 19 higher education institutions have all put their names to a joint statement to students, confirming that public health is their top priority as university leaders. The statement looks to reassure students and the wider public of the seriousness with which universities take their responsibility to take every possible precaution to…
August
21
2020
Universities Scotland response to confirmation of funding from Scottish Government for additional 2020/21 entrants
Today [Friday 21 August], Mr Richard Lochhead MSP, Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science, confirmed that the Scottish Government will fund the additional 2020/21 entrants to university for the duration of their four/five year degree. The Minister also helpfully acknowledged that the Scottish Government’s decision to revert to teacher-awarded grades would have implications…
August
14
2020
Scotland’s universities stand united against racism
Universities Scotland has been working closely with Advance HE over recent months as it’s Steering Group on tackling racism, led by Khadija Mohammed, developed a declaration and a programme of activity to support universities and colleges to build a zero-tolerance approach to racial harassment. This partnership will continue and run in addition to the work…
August
11
2020
Universities Scotland comment on Ministerial Statement: SQA Exam Results 2020
Commenting on today’s Ministerial Statement from the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Universities Scotland Convener Gerry McCormac said: “Universities will do everything possible to ensure that all those who can benefit from higher education have the opportunity to attend university. They will look at the circumstances of each applicant who…
August
11
2020
Improving articulation between Scottish colleges and universities
Professor Nigel Seaton is the Principal of Abertay University and Co-Convener of the National Articulation Forum. He introduces a new report by the Forum which sets a series of recommendations to make it easier for students to progress from college to university. The National Articulation Forum had as its objective to work out how to…
August
11
2020
Scotland’s colleges and universities launch plans for more flexible pathways for learners in the post-COVID economy
A new report released today [Tuesday 11 August] sets a series of recommendations for colleges and universities to create more opportunities for students to progress seamlessly between a Higher National (HN) qualification into a university degree. Produced by the National Articulation Forum, a joint initiative by Colleges Scotland and Universities Scotland, the report calls for…
August
04
2020
Milestone university admissions figures show demand from Scottish students remains strong and gives universities the best reason yet for cautious optimism
Figures published today [Tuesday 4 August] by UCAS, show the number of students accepting undergraduate places to study in Scotland’s universities, starting this autumn, has defied expectations, with an increase in the number of Scottish-domiciled applicants accepting places, and a tentative indication of continued demand from international students, despite the coronavirus pandemic. Whilst the data…