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…
News
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….
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…