This year’s National Student Survey (NSS) results have shown that students studying at Scottish universities are more satisfied with the quality of their course compared with last year. Overall satisfaction with courses in Scotland has improved by one per cent since 2018 and now stands at 84 per cent. The figure matches the UK average…
Tag: Students
A Vision for Scotland’s universities in 2030
Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland, takes the long view and sets out our ambition for Scotland’s higher education sector in 2030: Graduation season is the perfect time to launch our Vision for Scottish higher education in 2030 because graduations represent a springboard into the future and a time full of optimism and energy. That’s…
Augar: The view from Scotland
Our Director, Alastair Sim, reflects on the Augar Review of post-18 education and funding and what the recommendations mean for the Scottish higher education sector. Scottish university leaders have been waiting for the Augar Review with some anxiety. Their interest is much greater than you would expect from the Review’s very brief reference to devolved…
Augar Review recommendations: Any changes in fees in England has implications for Scotland
Responding to the publication of Theresa May’s review of post-18 education and funding (the ‘Augar review’), Universities Scotland is calling on the government and next prime minister to consider fully the potential consequences of the recommendations for universities and students in the devolved nations. Commenting on the report, Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland, said:…
Colleges and universities receive 50,000 stickers to help students experiencing gender based violence and mental health issues
A new resource to help students experiencing gender based violence and mental health issues has been launched at Edinburgh Napier University’s Bainfield student accommodation by the Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science alongside the college and university sectors. Over 50,000 stickers, which detail specialist helpline numbers for people experiencing gender based violence and…
Universities Scotland comments on extension of free tuition for EU students
The Scottish Government has confirmed that EU students beginning courses in 2020/21 will continue to be entitled to free university tuition. Students from EU countries will be guaranteed the same fee support as Scottish students, even if current legal obligations to EU students cease to apply when the UK leaves the EU. The announcement follows…
Our work on mental health
We know mental health is on a continuum and we are looking today, on University Mental Health Day, at our current work on student mental health in Scotland. Professor Pamela Gillies (Principal of Glasgow Caledonian University) is the Lead Member for Mental Health at Universities Scotland. She has convened a sector wide group with representatives…
Briefing for Scottish Government Statement: Update on the Impact of Brexit on the Scottish Further and Higher Education Sectors
On Thursday 14 March 2019, the Scottish Government provided the Scottish Parliament with an update statement on the impact of Brexit on Scotland’s Further and Higher Education sectors. We took the opportunity to brief MSPs on our concerns as well as actions that could be taken by the UK and Scottish Governments to mitigate the…
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,…
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…