Responding to the latest HESA data release on non-continuation of studies, Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland said: “This is now the second year in a row where the retention rate in Scotland is better than the UK average. This is significant and a cause for celebration. Universities have dedicated significant time and effort to…
News
February
28
2019
University funding cuts deeper than expected for half of institutions
The Scottish Funding Council has today (Thursday, 28 February) announced its indicative funding allocations for universities for academic year 2019/20. This is the first time funding allocations have been published for individual institutions following the Scottish Government’s budget announcement on 12 December 2018, which announced a real terms cut of 1.79 per cent to the…
February
14
2019
Scotland’s universities introduce minimum entry requirements
Over the past 18 months, universities across Scotland have been working to review their minimum entry requirements as one of the sector’s actions in Working to Widen Access. In the coming weeks, prospectuses from our 19 members will be published where minimum entry requirements for applicants from an SIMD20 background will be set out. Alastair Sim,…
February
07
2019
Universities Scotland welcomes encouraging rise in under-represented applicants
Responding to today’s UCAS 2019 cycle applicant figures (January deadline), Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland said: “Today’s figures show that the work undertaken by universities to widen access is continuing to get results. Those from the most disadvantaged backgrounds saw a 2% increase in number of applicants, bucking the trend as applicants from other…
January
23
2019
Universities Scotland welcomes Scottish Science Advisory Council report
Universities Scotland has welcomed a new report from the Scottish Science Advisory Council which assesses Scotland’s Science Landscape . Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland: “The report demonstrates that Scotland is a world leader in research. Examples of this are the fact that Scottish publications are on average 88% more cited than the global average…
January
17
2019
Universities in Scotland making good progress on widening access
Responding to today’s HESA data release on Higher Education Student Statistics: UK, 2017/18, Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland said: “Scottish universities’ commitment to widening access is intrinsic to the values of higher education. Universities have accelerated their work on widening access, and this is delivering results: a 20% increase over five years in students…
December
19
2018
Universities Scotland comments on immigration white paper
Responding to the Home Office’s white paper on immigration, Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland said: “The white paper on immigration highlights many of the benefits that immigration provides across the country. However we remain concerned that UK immigration policy post-Brexit will make it more difficult to attract talent to our nation. “Mobility of talent…
December
12
2018
Universities Scotland comment on the Scottish Government draft budget for 2019-20
Universities Scotland has responded to today’s draft budget announcement for 2019-20 from the Scottish Government. The settlement means a real terms cut for university funding, relative to 2018-19. Professor Andrea Nolan, Convener of Universities Scotland, said: “It’s very difficult to learn that funding for universities is going to drop in real terms by 1.79 per…
November
26
2018
Made It Happen: Scotland’s universities have accelerated rates of graduate entrepreneurship
A new report, released today from Universities Scotland, demonstrates the significant contribution students and graduates make to Scotland becoming a ‘Can Do’ entrepreneurial nation. The report, Made It Happen, highlights an acceleration of entrepreneurial activity amongst students, graduates and universities themselves, over the last three years to 2018, suggesting a strong culture of enterprise has…
November
22
2018
Higher and further education sectors’ joint statement on Brexit
Colleges, universities, trade unions and the Scottish Government have signed a joint letter which sets out how they will work together to protect higher and further education from the negative impact of Brexit. The statement – signed by Universities Scotland, Colleges Scotland, the UCU, Unison, the EIS, NUS Scotland, The Royal Society of Edinburgh and the Scottish…