University research is an area in which Scotland is “world-leading” in terms of quality and excellence. Research is a significant asset for Scotland propelling innovation, economic growth, the emergence and acceleration of new industries, creating jobs and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI).
Tag: Ambition
Time to choose
Universities are one of Scotland’s greatest assets. They are anchor institutions for economic growth and transformation. They produce and promote both entrepreneurship and creativity. They have a proven record in widening access and winning recognition for pedagogical quality and the student experience. However, without sustained, prioritised and strategic investment, much of this is seriously at risk.
Promoting Scotland internationally
Universities Scotland welcomes the opportunity to submit evidence to the committee’s inquiry into promoting Scotland internationally. Scotland’s universities are proudly international in both our history and outlook.
Universities welcome SQA exam results
Universities Scotland has welcomed the publication of SQA exam results across Scotland. Today, statistical data released by UCAS show that as of 9 August: 60.1% of Scottish students gained a place at their firm choice university, up from the pre-pandemic level of 57.5% in 2019. This is a new record. 29,630 students have accepted a…
Message to university applicants ahead of results day
We understand that the days ahead of results day, Tuesday 9 August, are always an anxious time for learners and we want to offer reassurance to applicants. Universities know that this year has been another difficult one for those working towards senior phase qualifications. It is the first year since 2019 that exams have returned…
Statement on participation in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
All of Scotland’s 19 higher education institutions have decided not to participate in the revised Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) as proposed by the Office for Students (OfS). TEF is mandatory for universities in England and optional for universities in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Having considered the TEF carefully, Scottish universities have decided not to…
Universities Scotland’s response to the Scottish Government’s Innovation Strategy consultation
Universities Scotland has responded to the Scottish Government’s Innovation Strategy consultation. This consultation will allow for a successful innovation strategy by building upon the National Strategy for Economic Transformation. In our submission, we highlighted the importance of the research done by universities and how this leads to innovation. We have also conveyed how graduates are…
Our response to Sir Peter Scott’s Final Report as Commissioner for Fair Access
Responding to the final report from the Commission for Fair Access, Sir Peter Scott, Director of Universities Scotland, Alastair Sim said: “Scotland’s universities have achieved a lot when it comes to widening access in recent years. As a sector, we have introduced the most progressive admissions policies for students in the UK and have reached…
Research and innovation at risk with cuts to funding
University leaders are warning that Scotland’s hard won reputation for research and innovation is at risk. The Scottish Funding Council has issued its funding allocations for universities for the next academic year 2022/23 including the Research Excellence Grant. The Research Excellence Grant supports top-quality research with the aim to keep Scotland globally competitive and attractive…
New figures show no let-up on widening access from universities
Universities Scotland have welcomed the publication of the Report on Widening Access 2020-21 by the sector’s funding body, the Scottish Funding Council which demonstrates the sector’s commitment to widening access. The Scottish Government’s Commission on Widening Access set the sector a target that by 2021, students from the 20% most-disadvantaged backgrounds (SIMD20) should represent at…