New research shows that a large majority of students and recent graduates believe that going to university is valuable experience and are positive about the benefits of a university degree. Research by ComsRes for Universities UK found that students and graduates recognise that universities broadens their horizons, with 83% of respondents agreeing that university helps…
News
September
11
2019
Universities Scotland welcomes new post-study work offer
Reacting to the UK Government’s announcement that international students will be allowed to live and work in the UK for two years after graduating, Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland, said: “This is a very significant and positive announcement for Scottish and UK universities and one that has long had overwhelming cross-party support in Scotland…
July
25
2019
Scotland’s universities to guarantee offers to care experienced applicants who meet minimum entry requirements
Scotland’s 18 higher education institutions[1] have today (25 July) set out a new commitment that care experienced applicants[2] who meet minimum entry requirements will be guaranteed an offer of an undergraduate place at university. This bold, sector-wide move will be in place for the next admissions cycle, starting this autumn for people looking to start…
July
03
2019
Scottish universities receive strong report card from students
This year’s National Student Survey (NSS) results have shown that students studying at Scottish universities are more satisfied with the quality of their course compared with last year. Overall satisfaction with courses in Scotland has improved by one per cent since 2018 and now stands at 84 per cent. The figure matches the UK average…
June
20
2019
A Vision for Scotland’s universities in 2030
Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland, takes the long view and sets out our ambition for Scotland’s higher education sector in 2030: Graduation season is the perfect time to launch our Vision for Scottish higher education in 2030 because graduations represent a springboard into the future and a time full of optimism and energy. That’s…
June
13
2019
Universities Scotland respond to the second annual report of the Commissioner for Fair Access
Following the publication of the second annual report of the Commissioner for Fair Access, a spokesperson for Universities Scotland said: “There’s a lot in this report that’s designed to keep the pressure on universities and we’ve come to expect that from the Commissioner but there is also a clear recognition of the amount of progress made…
June
03
2019
The economic contribution made by Scottish universities
On Friday (31 May), Universities Scotland were asked to respond to comments made at a seminar about the economic contribution made by Scotland’s universities. Part of our response was printed in Saturday’s edition of The Times. The full statement from our Director, Alastair Sim was: “We’re all working towards the same goal, which is to…
May
31
2019
Augar: The view from Scotland
Our Director, Alastair Sim, reflects on the Augar Review of post-18 education and funding and what the recommendations mean for the Scottish higher education sector. Scottish university leaders have been waiting for the Augar Review with some anxiety. Their interest is much greater than you would expect from the Review’s very brief reference to devolved…
May
30
2019
Augar Review recommendations: Any changes in fees in England has implications for Scotland
Responding to the publication of Theresa May’s review of post-18 education and funding (the ‘Augar review’), Universities Scotland is calling on the government and next prime minister to consider fully the potential consequences of the recommendations for universities and students in the devolved nations. Commenting on the report, Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland, said:…
May
29
2019
Director reacts to Report on Widening Access 2017-18
Reacting to the publication of the Scottish Funding Council’s Report on Widening Access 2017-18, Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland said: “Today’s annual report is vindication of the actions taken by universities to widen access over the past decade. Universities, students and wider society are benefiting from having more students from disadvantaged areas in our…