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…
News
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….
May
06
2020
Universities Scotland response to Scottish Government announcement of £75m for university research
The Scottish Government has today [Wednesday 6 May 2020] announced a one-off £75 million increase in funding for Scottish higher education to help mitigate the financial impact of COVID-19 on university research. Professor Andrea Nolan, Convener of Universities Scotland, said: “We welcome the Scottish Government’s recognition of the role research and innovation will play in…
May
04
2020
Scotland’s universities will need bespoke support from UK and Scottish Governments to get through COVID-19 crisis
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…
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 responds to Scottish Government announcement of additional COVID funding [16 February 2021]. Read here. Universities Scotland responds to postponed return of students after Christmas break….
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…