Earlier today (Thursday 9 July) UCAS released data on all applicants to university for entry in autumn 2020. This data covers applicants of all domiciles (Scottish, UK, EU and international) who choose to apply via UCAS and have done so by the June deadline. As such, it represents the most robust and up to date…
News
June
30
2020
Universities Scotland announce new leadership team
Universities Scotland, the organisation which represents all 19 of Scotland’s higher education institutions welcomes Professor Gerry McCormac as its Convener and Professor Sally Mapstone as Vice Convener for a period of two years from 1 August 2020 to 31 July 2022. Professor Gerry McCormac, Principal & Vice Chancellor at the University of Stirling, was elected…
June
29
2020
Universities Scotland response to research support package from UK Government
Commenting on the UK Government’s announcement of a package to support universities to continue research and innovation activities, Universities Scotland Convener Professor Andrea Nolan said: “I welcome the UK Government’s action to support research in universities across the UK. Research and innovation has been essential in the fight against the virus and will be an even…
June
23
2020
Universities Scotland comments on Advisory Group on Economic Recovery report
Commenting on the Towards a Robust, Resilient Wellbeing Economy for Scotland report by the Scottish Government’s independent Advisory Group on Economic Recovery, Universities Scotland Director Alastair Sim said: “We welcome the report’s belief that this will be an education-led recovery and its view that universities have a systemically important role. This is a responsibility that…
June
18
2020
Positive set of graduate outcomes for the class of 2017/18 in new data set
A new, “experimental” set of statistics showing graduate outcomes 15 months after the competition of studies has been released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) for the first time today. The data confirm a range of positive outcomes for the graduates of Scotland’s universities including: 90% of graduates from Scotland’s universities were in some…
June
10
2020
New research will help Scottish students thrive
A new research project into student mental health in Scotland will aim to better understand the landscape of provision, ‘what works’ for promoting wellbeing, and what students want to enhance and promote their wellbeing. The Robertson Trust has agreed to fund the project being undertaken by The Mental Health Foundation on behalf of Universities Scotland….
June
05
2020
Universities Scotland comment on Sir Peter Scott’s annual report on fair access
Commenting on Fair Access to HE: progress and challenges, annual report 2020 by the Commissioner for Fair Access, Sir Peter Scott, a Universities Scotland spokesperson said: “Sir Peter’s report reinforces that universities are not only on track but ahead of schedule to meet the 2021 interim targets on widening access. That’s a very positive position…
June
04
2020
Social media materials produced for colleges and universities to support victims of Gender Based Violence during lockdown
New social media materials have been produced to help universities and colleges across Scotland support staff and students who might be experiencing gender-based violence (GBV) and abuse while social distancing measures are in place due to COVID-19. Social distancing and self-isolation measures can be particularly challenging for those experiencing GBV. The website and social media materials…
June
01
2020
UK Government plans to introduce student number controls on Scotland’s universities are unacceptable
Universities Scotland has responded to UK Government proposals expected to be announced on Monday 1 June which would see controls placed on the number of students Scotland’s universities can admit from England. The UK Government intends to amend the student fee loan legislation from next week in order to limit the number of England-domiciled students that could take up a university place in Scotland. Student number controls have…
May
27
2020
Colleges and universities preparing for phased return
Scotland’s colleges and universities are gearing up for a phased campus return for the next academic year as COVID-19 lockdown restrictions are gradually lifted. When institutions suspended face-to-face teaching in March to protect staff and students, they were able to quickly switch to online teaching and assessment, providing students with equipment to access online learning….