Universities Scotland has today [Monday 4 May] responded to the UK Government’s announcement of a package of support measures for students and universities designed to respond to the unprecedented circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Whilst further clarity is needed on some of the details of the package from a devolved perspective, today’s announcement is…
News
April
28
2020
Research is a key part of the fight against COVID-19
The Scottish Government has announced a set of 50 rapid studies, led by 15 of Scotland’s universities, to research ways to tackle the virus, manage the response and limit the impact it will have the impact on people’s lives. The 50 separate studies include work to: better understand the effects of infection develop and test…
April
21
2020
SQA examination announcement; Universities Scotland comments
Following the announcement from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) about their plans to provide detail about their alternative certification model for 2020, Professor Andrea Nolan, Convener of Universities Scotland said: “Universities want to take the opportunity to reassure pupils studying for Highers and Advanced Highers that this may not be a normal year but we will…
April
21
2020
COVID-19
We have created this page in order to keep all the relevant information you need to know about higher education in Scotland and COVID-19 in one place. NEWS Universities Scotland response to research support package from UK Government. [29 June 2020]. Read here. Universities Scotland comments on Advisory Group on Economic Recovery report. [23 June…
April
14
2020
Vacancy: Senior Policy Officer (Research, Innovation & Health) – Maternity Cover
We have a maternity leave cover vacancy in our team for a Senior Policy Officer, leading on Research, Innovation and Health. As the successful applicant, you will work in an exciting role at the heart of higher education policy and across multiple areas of expertise, with a strong focus on universities’ research, innovation and knowledge…
April
10
2020
Supporting universities during COVID-19
A joint statement by the Scottish Government and Universities Scotland Scottish Government committed to mitigating the effects of COVID-19. Deputy First Minister and Education Secretary John Swinney has reassured university representatives that the Scottish Government will do everything possible to ensure Scotland’s institutions remain world leader and key drivers of the economy. At a meeting…
April
06
2020
COVID-19 will not derail universities’ progress on widening access
New data on widening access to university, published by the Scottish Funding Council today, confirms that universities are on track to reach a significant milestone of progress by 2021 and provides a timely opportunity for universities to signal that COVID-19 will not be allowed to derail progress on widening access. The data show that 15.9%…
March
30
2020
Universities step up to help tackle coronavirus
Scotland’s 19 higher education institutions are responding to the current global pandemic by offering their resources and expertise to support the national effort and their communities. Although universities’ most immediate priority since the crisis began has been the safety and wellbeing of students and staff, the closure of campuses and the move to online learning…
March
19
2020
Universities respond to the cancellation of the school exam diet in Scotland
Following the announcement that this year’s diet of exams have been cancelled, Director of Alastair Sim said: “The decision to cancel the school exam diet has clearly been incredibly difficult for the Scottish Government and Qualifications body. Universities support the need to put pupil safety and wellbeing first and so we recognise the need for…
March
17
2020
Universities Scotland moves to home working for staff
In line with advice from the UK and Scottish Governments, Universities Scotland staff will be working from home from the end of today (Tuesday, 17 March) until the public health advice changes. We are also cancelling face-to-face meetings with immediate effect and looking to put arrangements in place to hold video-conferencing where possible. We will…