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…
Tag: Teaching, learning and quality
Universities Scotland’s contribution the UK Government’s Higher Education Reform and LLE Policy Consultations
Universities Scotland has contributed to the UK Government’s Higher Education Reform and Lifelong Loan Entitlement policy consultations. Whilst the proposed policy reforms primarily relate to universities in England, we seek assurances that any change to student funding will not create unintentional consequences for English-domiciled students wishing to study at Scottish institutions. We have highlighted a…
Creative Sparks: Scientific and creative minds working together is vital to our future
The #CreativeSparks phase of MadeAtUni showcases the contribution of UK universities to the nation’s creative industries and future economic success. We’ve spoken to Principals about the far-reaching benefits of the creative and performing arts. Professor Iain Gillespie, Principal of the University of Dundee, was the last Principal we spoke to and we asked him how STEM benefits…
Creative Sparks: Arts and humanities provide a fantastic grounding in valuable skills
The #CreativeSparks phase of MadeAtUni showcases the contribution of UK universities to the nation’s creative industries and future economic success. We’ve spoken to Principals about the far-reaching benefits of the creative and performing arts. We asked Susan Stewart, Director of the Open University in Scotland, about the skills and attributes that a degree in the creative arts…
Universities Scotland comment on plans for blended learning in January 2022
Commenting on universities’ preparations for the new semester starting in January 2022, Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland, said: “Universities have been working at level zero since September, which is a whole level more cautious than required of other sectors. In response to omicron, we’ve stepped up that level of caution again in the last…
Universities Scotland response to education reform consultation
Universities Scotland has responded to a consultation led by Professor Ken Muir on reforming the Scottish education system. The consultation invites views on the Scottish Government’s intention to replace the SQA and create a new specialist agency for both curriculum and assessment. Reform to Education Scotland, including removing the function of inspection from the agency,…
Colleges and unis unite for fair budget claim for students
College and university principals have come together to call on the Scottish Government to deliver for Scotland’s students in December’s budget. Audrey Cumberford, Chair of College Principals and Gerry McCormac, Convener of Universities Scotland have united in a call to the Scottish Government to deliver funding in the budget on 9 December to ensure college…
Education, Children and Young People Committee to inform pre-2022/23 Budget Scrutiny
The Scottish Parliament’s Education, Children and Young People Committee each year undertakes pre-Budget scrutiny in its area. We have provided a briefing for members of the committee which summarises our full Spending Review case. Our summary provides the context for our budget ask as well as issues we wish the Scottish Government should prioritise in…
Maintaining fair assessment for university students in academic year 2020/21
Scotland’s higher education institutions have offered reassurance to all students that fairness will continue to be a defining feature of assessment processes in 2020/21. A new statement by all 19 universities reaffirms their commitment to ensuring that student assessment, and the processes that lead to progression and graduation, are underpinned by the fundamental principles of…
Universities Scotland response to Office for Students consultation on regulating quality and standards
Universities Scotland has responded to a consultation by the Office for Students on regulating quality and standards in higher education. The consultation includes proposals on new definitions of quality and standards and setting baselines for student outcomes. These new definitions of quality and standards would replace existing UK-wide definitions. Our submission highlights the importance we…