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Universities Scotland’s Convener writes to Education Secretary on the Higher Education Governance Bill

Universities Scotland’s Convener, Professor Sir Pete Downes, has today [Monday 8 February] written a letter to the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Angela Constance to set out the sector’s view on issues relating to the Scottish Government’s proposed Stage 2 amendments to its Higher Education Governance (Scotland) Bill. Sir Pete explains that Universities…

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UK Government must listen to further evidence for reintroduction of post-study work visas so that Scotland can benefit from global talent

Universities Scotland has today (Thursday 28 January) called on the Secretary of State for Scotland, the Rt Hon David Mundell MP, to respond to further evidence for the reintroduction of post-study work visas for international students studying in Scotland. The Scottish Parliament’s Devolution (Further Powers) Committee heard evidence on Thursday morning from two international graduates…

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UK policy on post study work visas: what works and what doesn’t

Maulin Buch came to Scotland from India to study at the University of Glasgow. After graduation he converted to the Fresh Talent visa that was available to international students in Scotland between 2004-2008. It allowed him up to two years to find a ‘graduate level’ job and settle into a career path in Scotland. Maulin comments…

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Universities Scotland comments on the Scottish Government’s response to Committee’s Stage 1 report on the Higher Education Governance (Scotland) Bill

Universities Scotland has commented today (12 January) following the publication of the Scottish Government’s response to the Scottish Parliament’s Education and Culture Committee’s Stage 1 Report on the Higher education Governance (Scotland) Bill. A Universities Scotland spokersperson said:   “The Government’s response gives the strongest indication yet that it is minded to remove the sections…

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Universities Scotland ready to work with Scottish Government to support more Scottish students into postgraduate study opportunities

Universities Scotland has today [Monday 21 December] welcomed the publication of the Taught Postgraduate Study Working Group’s report. The report is clear that increased postgraduate-level study by Scottish-domiciled students will help drive the creation of a high-skill economy and well as enhancing individuals’ opportunities. However, participation by Scottish-domiciled students has flatlined in recent years, for…

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Universities Scotland responds to the Scottish Government’s Draft Budget 2016-17

Responding to the publication of the Scottish Government’s Draft Budget 2016-17, Universities Scotland’s Convener, Professor Sir Pete Downes, said:   “The Scottish Budget proposes what we recognise as a good outcome in a time of severe financial challenges. “We respect the approach the Deputy First Minister has taken with us, which has been to work…

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Lara Findlay & Josh Carson of Geared App share their experience as graduate entrepreneurs

It was a real pleasure to meet Lara & Josh at our Making it Happen event on entrepreneurship in November. They shared their experience as graduate entrepreneurs with everyone who came to the event and kindly offered to put their words together in a blog. Lara:  “GearedApp first started life in 2013.  Our team came together…

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Universities Scotland welcomes interim report from the Commission on Widening Access

Universities Scotland welcomed the interim report from the Commission on Widening Access, as published today [Thursday, 12 November], and repeated its support for the Commission’s creative and joined-up approach to a challenge that spans all parts of our education system and society. Responding to the interim publication, Professor Pete Downes, Convener of Universities Scotland and…

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Universities take a Can Do approach to entrepreneurship

Universities launched a new cross-sector commitment and action plan today [Tuesday, 10th November] intended to increase both the scale and impact of their contribution to enterprise and entrepreneurship in Scotland. Making it Happen, sees all 19 higher education institutions come together to agree a commitment and set of eight actions that intend to grow the…

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Committed to transparency & integrity in our public affairs

Susannah Lane, Head of Public Affairs, looks ahead to the launch of Universities Scotland’s new website and the opportunities it provides to share more information about our engagement with Holyrood and Westminster. Susannah: Late next month we plan to go live on our new website. After seven years (seven years!) with our existing one we’re…

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