Universities Scotland, which represents Scotland’s 19 universities and higher education institutions, has today (Monday, 15 April) unveiled a new campaign on widening access, called “40 Faces”. The campaign gives a platform for 40 non-traditional students and graduates to share their experience of university and set out their perspectives on what is key to achieving Scotland’s…
News
March
28
2024
Revealed: Manifesto to maximise growth and opportunities
Universities Scotland, which represents 19 universities and higher education institutions across Scotland reveal their manifesto asks in anticipation of the UK General Election. The manifesto asks the next UK government to make policy and funding decisions in ways that maximise the positive economic and social impact Scotland delivers as part of the UK. Higher education…
March
20
2024
We need a serious conversation on HE funding
Departing Universities Scotland after 15 years, Director Alastair Sim suggests there should be a serious conversation on funding that shares our national values, focusing on socially just solutions and holds common ground between the sector and government. As I leave Universities Scotland after 15 years as Director, I don’t want to focus on the past….
February
29
2024
International students critically important for Scottish jobs, growth and global ambitions
International students have contributed between £4-6 billion to Scottish economy. The graduate route is a win-win for international students and the UK. The MAC’s planned review of the Graduate Route visa must retain an internationally attractive post-study work route in the UK. Since 2019, the presence of international students in Scotland, supported by the Graduate…
February
09
2024
Increased research funding for Scottish Universities
The Minister for Higher Education and Further Education Graeme Dey has announced an additional £5.8 million to support research and innovation in Scotland’s universities, to be spent in financial year 2023/24. We warmly welcome this funding boost, which will support universities to continue to thrive in their world-leading research and the wider economic impact this…
February
07
2024
Scotland’s first International Education Strategy: developing positive links
Today, the Scottish Government launched Scotland’s first International Education Strategy at Edinburgh Napier University. We warmly welcome this announcement, which will allow Scotland’s world-leading universities to continue to thrive internationally and develop the contribution of universities to the Scottish society. Our International Committee Convener, Professor Andrea Nolan has said: “This Strategy has been highly anticipated…
February
06
2024
Joint Articulation: what is it and what are the priorities?
Last week, the Commissioner for Fair Access, Professor John H. McKendrick published his first annual report on widening access to HE. In it, he champions an alliance between colleges and universities as a means to achieving the access targets. Colleges and universities have been working closely together on progression routes at both national and regional…
Fair access to university: Commissioner’s report for 2024
Today the Commissioner for Fair Access, Professor John McKendrick has published his independent report Higher education – renewing the alliance for fair access. This is the sixth fair access report commissioned by the Scottish Government. Professor John McKendrick considers how the framework for promoting fair access can be strengthened with twenty recommendations to help achieve…
January
22
2024
Claire McPherson to be the next Director of Universities Scotland
Universities Scotland is delighted to appoint Claire McPherson to the role of Director. Ms McPherson will take up the role on 25 March 2024; succeeding Alastair Sim, who has been Director of the body which represents Scotland’s 19 universities and higher education institutions, since 2009. Claire brings a wealth of experience shaping and influencing public policy…
January
16
2024
Scottish Government budget outcomes: tough choices for universities
The Scottish Government’s 2024/25 budget, published on 19 December has indicated there will be £28.5 million of cuts to the university teaching grant. This leaves universities with tough choices to be made as funding continues to erode within the sector. Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland: “The budget outcome for universities means there’s a need…