Commenting on the latest release from UCAS 2018 cycle applicant figures – June deadline, Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland said: “Universities are places of lifelong learning, and it’s encouraging to see an increase in applicants aged 20 and over. The 20 plus age group is also key to widening access, as we see increased applicant…
Tag: Students
Reflections on researchers mental health
Following a recent Researcher Training Sub-Committee Policy Forum, Dr Sara Shinton, Head of Researcher Development / IAD Assistant Director and Ruth Meyer, Senior Policy Officer at Universities Scotland reflect on the event. Scotland’s higher education institutions change lives through world-leading research. The researchers who do this, from PhD students to professors are highly driven and gain…
Briefing for Erasmus+ debate in the Scottish Parliament
On Wednesday 16 May 2018, the Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee hosted a debate in the Scottish Parliament on the future of the Erasmus+ programme. Universities Scotland submitted a briefing to MSPs ahead of the debate, highlighting the numerous benefits of the programme and highlighting the need for continued participation after the UK leaves the EU. You…
Universities Scotland response to Review of Post-18 Education and Funding in England
The UK Government’s Review of Post-18 Education and Funding in England made a call for evidence which Universities Scotland has responded to. Our evidence focuses on student choice, specifically the ability of applicants to make a choice to study at any institution within the UK higher education system unaffected by policy for university funding and…
Scottish universities better UK average for retention for first time in a generation
Responding to the latest HESA data release on non-continuation of studies, Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland said: The fact that this is the first time in 19 years that the retention rate in Scotland is better than the UK average is significant and a cause for celebration. The sector and individual institutions have dedicated…
Working to widen access: Jayde’s story
Jayde O’Connor is a fourth-year Psychology student at Glasgow Caledonian University. At our parliamentary reception on Tuesday 6 February, Jayde relayed her experience of the challenges she faced getting into university as a result of very difficult family circumstances in her teens. Watch or read a transcript of her inspiring speech: width=”560″ height=”315″ frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen=”allowfullscreen”> Hi,…
Universities Scotland comments on latest UCAS application figures
Commenting on today’s UCAS application figures for 2018 entry, Universities Scotland spokesperson said: “Today’s figures show that demand for Scottish higher education remains very high. This means that there will be no let-up in the fierce competition for places amongst applicants. “We have seen a fall in applications from those from the most deprived areas of…
Universities Scotland comments on Ministerial Statement on EU students
Responding to the news the Scottish Government will continue to fund EU students up to the 2019-20 student cohort, Professor Andrea Nolan, Convener of Universities Scotland said: “We welcome today’s news that EU students starting in 2019-20 will have the cost of their tuition met by the Scottish Government. We are delighted that the Scottish…
Universities Scotland response to UK Government consultation on Office for Students regulatory framework
Universities Scotland has responded to the UK Government consultation on a new regulatory framework under the Office for Students (OfS) titled Securing student success: risk-based regulation for teaching excellence, social mobility and informed choice in higher education. The consultations primarily focuses on regulatory arrangements in England, it is vital that the OfS considers the impact of…
Scholarships worth a total of £6 million available to students from India
Students from India studying in Scotland have access to more than £6million in international scholarships with over £1million ringfenced to specifically attract outstanding Indian students, Universities Scotland has revealed. As a delegation of Scotland’s higher education leaders accompany Scotland’s Deputy First Minister John Swinney on an official visit to India, Universities Scotland can…