Universities Scotland has responded to a call for evidence from the UK Department for Education (DfE) to inform a review of the Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF). The review will report in summer 2019 and the recommendations will be considered before the implementation subject-level TEF. Currently, five Scottish institutions participate in institutional-level TEF,…
Tag: Students
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…
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,…
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…
Students gaining experience with employers
As part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, Universities Scotland is highlighting how universities in Scotland are embedding entrepreneurship and enterprise in students and staff. Across eight blogs this week, we have experts the length and breadth of Scotland telling their stories about how universities are contributing to make Scotland an entrepreneurial nation. Our fourth blog this…
Universities Scotland comments on latest UCAS figures
Commenting on the figures released today, Professor Andrea Nolan, Convener of Universities Scotland and Principal of Edinburgh Napier University said: “This is the data we all want to see. There’s more to do but there is a lot to feel encouraged by in today’s figures. The number of students from the poorest 20 per cent…
Universities Scotland comments on SQA results day
Responding to today’s SQA results and UCAS university placings, Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland said: “Hearty congratulations are in order to Scots the length and breadth of the country on their Highers results and for the next stage in their life, whatever that may entail. “We have seen a 5% increase in placed applicants…
Protection of Vulnerable Groups and the Disclosure of Criminal Information: Universities Scotland responds to Scottish Government consultation
The Scottish Government has consulted with stakeholders on the proposed changes to Protection of Vulnerable Groups and the disclosure system. You can read our submission to the consultation here.
Professional legal education: Universities Scotland provides evidence to the Justice Committee
The Scottish Parliament’s Justice Committee is undertaking an inquiry into professional legal education. As part of the inquiry, we felt it was worthwhile drawing to the Committee’s attention the work of the Reach programme in schools across Scotland to help widen access to a number of degree programmes, including law. You can read the evidence…