Students attending universities from across Edinburgh met the Minister for Higher and Further Education; and Minister for Veterans, Graeme Dey MSP, to share the range of challenges and opportunities they face as undergraduates, in a visit to Queen Margaret University Edinburgh on Thursday 20 April. Universities across Scotland offer active support to their students in…
Tag: Teaching, learning and quality
Response to Scottish Funding Council indicative allocations
This afternoon (Thursday 13 April), the Scottish Funding Council published their Indicative university funding allocations AY 2023-24. This follows the passing of the Scottish Government Budget for 2023-24. Today’s indicative allocations set out the funding available to specific university grants for teaching, research and innovation and clarify the specific funding available to individual institutions for…
Students and skills: Doing Things Different and Better
Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland has shared his thoughts on the skills landscape and the importance of the skills students learn while at university. Let’s re-set the skills policy agenda by appreciating students’ diversity and ambitions, and the breadth of universities’ contribution to that. I get huge inspiration from meeting students as I visit…
Response to Professor Hayward’s Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment
We have responded to the consultation on the options for change as part of Professor Hayward’s independent review of the future of qualifications and assessment in Scotland. In our submission, we support the opportunity for learners to have diverse opportunities to meet their needs and interests as they move beyond school to college, university, training,…
Universities Scotland’s response to the National Discussion survey
Universities Scotland have submitted their response to the survey for the National Discussion on the future of education in Scotland. Learners in the future will need an education that addresses future environmental, digital, global, economic challenges and acquire the knowledge and skills to thrive. We also need to ensure no one is left behind. Our…
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.
Universities Scotland’s response to the National Student Survey consultation
Universities Scotland have submitted their response to the National Student Survey Consultation. We have highlighted our views on the proposed changes to the survey and whether these would be beneficial to students who will take the survey or should remain unchanged. You can read our full response here.
Proposed Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Bill
Universities Scotland have responded to Liz Smith MSP’s proposed Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Bill which has just completed its consultation phase. Universities Scotland, representing Scotland’s 19 universities are supportive of this proposed Bill as we consider there to be helpful evidence of the educational and wider benefits that outdoor education offers young people across…
Comment on the QAA’s change of status in England
Following the decision of the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) to demit its status as a Designated Quality Body in England, Universities Scotland have commented: “Scotland’s quality arrangements for higher education have been different to the rest of the UK for close to twenty years, whilst operating within a broader UK system. We greatly value our…
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…