Ambitious plans to accelerate Scotland’s innovation performance to a world-class level have been unveiled today by the Scottish Government. As part of its new ten-year strategy, the Government has also developed an ‘innovation scorecard’, designed to compare Scotland’s performance against other countries.
The strategy recognises Scotland’s universities and colleges as important parts of the country’s economic infrastructure. It sees the knowledge-based economy of the future being developed as a partnership between academics, industry leaders and entrepreneurs.
While making a call for universities to leverage further private sector investment, the strategy acknowledges the important role of research funding from the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) and others in supporting knowledge exchange and innovation.
The strategy includes a set of actions themed around energy transition; health and life sciences; data and digital technologies; and advanced manufacturing. SFC has been a core partner in the development of the innovation strategy and welcomes its publication. Its Chief Executive, Karen Watt, said:
“The strategy recognises the existing impact of the research and innovation that already takes place at Scotland’s universities and colleges. It also maps a way forward in supporting Scotland’s world leading research institutions to release further potential for innovation.
“I am delighted we have contributed to the development of this important piece of work. The Scottish Funding Council looks forward to playing a key part in the success of the strategy.”
The new innovation strategy is available on the Scottish Government’s website.
Final report of the Independent Review of the Skills Delivery Landscape
The Review was led by James Withers, formerly Chief Executive of Scotland Food and Drink. The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) participated in the extensive engagement process and contributed to the call for evidence.
Commenting on the report, SFC Chair, Mike Cantlay, said:
“SFC welcomes the publication by the Scottish Government of the independent review of the skills delivery landscape, led by James Withers. It makes recommendations to address long-standing issues around a responsive and connected education and skills system, and provides a vital focus on the needs of learners and employers. We look forward to engaging with Scottish Government Ministers, partner agencies, and stakeholders on future reform decisions, as we continue to deliver for tertiary education and skills, research and innovation across Scotland.”
Last night’s annual Herald HE awards were attended by around 300 guests who gathered in Glasgow to celebrate the achievements of universities and colleges across Scotland.
The event also recognises individual students and staff who make a significant contribution to academic life and includes a life-time achievement award for long-term dedication to higher education.
The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) has been involved in the awards since the first event in 2015. This year SFC supported the Research Project of the Year Award, joining other high-profile sponsors such as QAA Scotland and JISC.
The 2023 Higher Educational Institution of the Year award was won by the University of Dundee. The prize for Research Project of the Year went to Glasgow Caledonian University’s Blood Borne Virus Prevention Team, with a commendation for the University of the West of Scotland’s AI project to protect the natural environment. The life-time achievement award was presented to Professor Sir Philip Cohen for his work in establishing the University of Dundee as a centre of research in life sciences.
Karen Watt, Chief Executive of the Scottish Funding Council, said:
“The 2023 Higher Education Awards ceremony was inspirational. It was also a fabulous celebration of everything that colleges and universities in Scotland have achieved in the past year. My congratulations to all the finalists and winners.”
Catherine Salmond, editor of The Herald, said:
“It has been fantastic to bring so many people together to celebrate and congratulate, to inspire and reward.
“As a member of the judging panel, it was a wonderful feeling to read about the inspiring work taking place in our universities and colleges. There are so many people doing such brilliant work in Scotland, leading the way academically, but also impacting fellow colleagues and students on home soil through their talent and dedication.”
Statistical publication schedule
Figures out today from the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) show how the twin effects of the pandemic and the emerging cost of living crisis had a detrimental effect on people studying at college.
Throughout 2021-22 colleges continued to contend with measures introduced to control COVID-19 including restrictions to halt the spread of the Omicron variant. At the same time, personal finances were starting to feel the strain of the cost of living crisis, making the choice of paid work an attractive option for those already on a course as well as for those considering enrolling.
Both these factors are illustrated in the latest College Performance Indicators report. Figures collected by SFC show a clear increase in the percentage of students leaving during their course. For full-time further education courses this rose by around four percentage points, and full time higher education courses experienced a six percentage point rise.
Withdrawals were particularly noticeable in subjects relating to hospitality and tourism where there was high demand in the workplace. Subjects more dependent on face to face teaching such as care, construction and hairdressing similarly experienced higher than normal withdrawal rates.
Today’s report also provides an update on students unable to complete their studies due to the pandemic. Previous figures have shown that by 2021-22 over 37% of the 12,500 who deferred in the first year of the pandemic had returned to their studies. The latest figures show a further 2,392 students in 2021-22 chose to defer their studies until the following year.
The report confirms that work continues in colleges to reconnect with students who deferred in 2020-21 and did not return, as well as with those who deferred in 2021-22. It is thought, however, that many may have entered employment due to the more buoyant labour market.
Responding to the findings, SFC’s Director of Policy, Insight and Statistics, Martin Boyle, said:
“These figures clearly show the continuing effects of the pandemic on colleges and their students. In 2021-22, we also see these being compounded by the start of the cost of living crisis.
“Once again colleges were coping with extremely challenging circumstances and showed exceptional determination to support their learners. Their continuing efforts to re-engage students who deferred their studies, including measures to alleviate the effects of the pandemic on mental health and poverty, are just one example of this.
“The Scottish Funding Council was engaged with the sector throughout and continues to work in partnership with colleges and will begin to support them to identify where improvements can be made.”
College Performance Indicators 2021-22 is now available along with an Excel PI Tool giving an overview of individual college data.
Results from the latest Graduate Outcomes Report show that graduates from Scottish universities continue to move into positive destinations. The report published by HESA today, 31 May, shows that 90% of graduates from Scotland’s 19 universities are in positive destinations 15 months after graduation.
Today’s results report on students who graduated in 2021, the second academic year impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. They were surveyed 15 months after graduation, with the majority interviewed in Autumn 2022, after restrictions were lifted.
Of those surveyed, 72% were in full-time or part-time employment, an increase of four percentage points from the previous year. Seven per cent were in full-time further study while a further 10% were in a combination of employment and further study.
Of the Scottish-domiciled graduates qualifying in 2020-21 from a Scottish provider and entering work, 77% of graduates in both science subjects and non-science subjects entered ‘high skilled’ roles (as per Standard Occupation Classification), an increase of one percentage point on the 2019-20 figure. Overall, 86% of graduates from Scottish universities in 2020-21 felt their current activity was meaningful, while 78% felt it was in line with their future plans.
Commenting on the results, Martin Boyle, Director of Policy, Insight and Analytics said:
“The results of the latest Graduate Outcomes survey are extremely encouraging. They show that graduates who left university in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic continued to do very well despite the challenges they had faced during the final years of their studies. Scottish universities worked hard to support their students during these unprecedented circumstances and it’s fantastic to see graduates doing so well and reflecting so positively on their current activity.”
Full details of the report can be found on the HESA website.
The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) has today (25 May) published final funding allocations for colleges and universities for academic year 2023-24.
In the context of a tight fiscal environment, SFC has maintained investment in front line teaching and research, securing opportunities for Scottish domiciled students to study and gain lifelong skills at college or university; and ensuring that excellent research will continue to be delivered across all of Scotland’s universities.
An uplift of £5.5m in our University Innovation Fund will support the diffusion of knowledge and build real and tangible impact from Scotland’s excellent research base, aligning with Scottish Government’s ambitions for economic prosperity, health and wellbeing, and the just transition to net zero; while an uplift of £7.7m in college capital funding will support both the ongoing development of the Dunfermline Learning Campus and investment in the college estate across the country.
Full details of the college funding allocations 2023-24
Full details of the university funding allocations 2023-24
Three projects from Scottish universities are amongst those selected to receive money in the latest round of Prosperity Partnership funding.
Prosperity Partnership funding supports business-led research that arises from real-life needs. Universities collaborate closely with industrial partners to achieve the required research outcomes, resulting in accelerated impact from new knowledge, innovations and technologies.
The University of Strathclyde will receive funding for its work with Scottishpower Energy Networks to develop new reliable, low-carbon energy systems for the future.
At Heriot-Watt University, the Smart Products Made Smarter project is a partnership with Leonardo UK Ltd. The project aims to change the way high-value, low-volume remote sensing systems are developed by using computational imaging, artificial intelligence and robotics. Heriot-Watt University is also working with Fugro GB Marine Ltd on research that will improve the way that offshore wind farms are maintained and repaired.
The projects announced today across the UK are worth a total of £149 million and are funded jointly by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), which is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). This public funding is being matched by a further £88 million from academia and business.
Dr Andrew Bourne, Director of Partnerships at EPSRC said: “Prosperity Partnerships demonstrate how business and academia can come together to co-create and co-deliver research and innovation that address industry-driven challenges and deliver economic and societal impact.”
More information is available from the UKRI website.
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is investing £103m to expand and upgrade the UK’s world class research infrastructure, including digital infrastructure.
The investments will support the sector and ensure UK researchers, including those in Scotland, have access to the best labs and equipment they need to keep producing world-class science.
Investments in Scotland include:
- Creating immersive experience systems with accessibility as the fundamental theme, with new equipment catering to more people, including those with additional access needs at Historic Environment Scotland.
- Modernising the electron microscopy capabilities at the University of Glasgow
- An investment in estates to provide upgrades to the national laboratories across the UK including Edinburgh, Daresbury and Harwell, which underpin fundamental research in astronomy, physics and space science.
Facilities receiving funding include:
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) for new equipment to enable a much greater understanding of human diseases and the design of powerful drugs against them.
- National Oceanography Centre’s state-of-the-art deep-sea research facility for a new sediment core scanner.
- UK Digital Heritage Centre at the University of Liverpool to fund cutting edge facilities that will pioneer a new approach to preserving, promoting and progressing cultural heritage through technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), Blockchain and the Metaverse.
The £103 million additional funding support is comprised of:
- £79.3 million as part of the £150 million announcement, to address the impacts of the ongoing delay in UK association to the EU’s Horizon Europe programme.
- £23.7 million as part of the £370 million announcement to forge a better Britain through investment in science and technology.
Helen Cross, SFC’s Director of Research and Innovation, said:
“Investment in research infrastructure is critical in underpinning Scotland’s world –class university research base. These investments include universities in Scotland and will support our outstanding reputation for research by expanding and upgrading our research and digital infrastructure.
This infrastructure plays a significant role in ensuring that research realises its full transformational impact for Scottish society and for our economy.”
UK Science and Technology Secretary Chloe Smith said:
“Our world-class science and technology sectors are the engine room for growth in the UK economy, and the basis for scientific and technological advancements that will improve everyone’s lives.
“These sectors need continued, concerted and concentrated backing from the government and I am determined to provide it during my time as Science and Technology Secretary, through funding such as this, which will ensure our world class labs have the infrastructure and equipment to match their status.”
UKRI International Champion, Professor Christopher Smith, said:
“This crucial support for UK research infrastructure is part of the package of support provided by government so that our research and innovation communities can carry on with their essential work notwithstanding the delay to association with Horizon Europe.
“The investments, made across the UK, will provide UK researchers with advanced equipment, facilities and technology, and help maintain the UK’s position as a leader in research and innovation.
“This support will ensure the UK is an attractive place for scientists, researchers and entrepreneurs to live, work and innovate.”
You can find a full breakdown of funding at UKRI’s website.
A Scottish college student is one of 20 apprentices and students heading to the Polish city of Gdańsk later this year for the prestigious EuroSkills Finals.
To secure his place in Team UK, Nathanial has been through an intensive selection process including taking part in the WorldSkills UK National Competitions. In Poland he will be one of 600 young professionals from across Europe whose skills will be under the spotlight.
Designed by industry experts, WorldSkills competitions aim to help young people grow personally and professionally by developing their technical and employability skills and boosting their confidence.
Last November, Edinburgh College hosted the finals of the WorldSkills UK national competition for construction, where more than 80 finalists demonstrated their skills in specialities such as stonemasonry, joinery and bricklaying. During the two-day finals over 500 school pupils and students attended a special visitor experience zone and the College welcomed VIP guest including the Education Minister and the Kenyan High Commissioner.
Sharon Drysdale, SFC’s Deputy Director of Work-based Learning and Skills said: “WorldSkills competitions are incredibly important as they showcase high-quality education and skills and place our colleges and students at the centre of a global stage. As well as celebrating excellence they also promote continuous innovation and improvement.”
“It’s an incredible achievement to get to the Euroskills finals and I wish Nathanial and all of Team GB the very best of luck.”
Competitors who impress in Gdańsk could see themselves representing the UK at the ‘skills Olympics’ in France in 2024.
More information on Team UK and the EuroSkills Finals is available on the WorldSkills UK website.
Colleges we fund
Universities and Higher Education institutions we fund
The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) has today (Thursday 13 April) issued indicative funding allocations to colleges and universities for the new Academic Year 2023-24, maintaining investment levels in teaching and research despite the challenging fiscal environment.
Investment of over £1,265 million in teaching (the same level of funding as last year) will secure opportunities for Scottish domiciled students to study and gain lifelong skills at college or university and will support part-time and full-time courses, including a broad range of provision across all professional, technical and academic levels, including apprenticeships. This investment will also provide opportunities that will help lift people out of poverty. Colleges and universities will continue to demonstrate impact and best value for our investment through the Outcome Agreement process.
This year we are introducing a number of new flexibilities, including changes to guidance which will enable colleges to deliver the optimal balance of full-time and part-time provision. Minimum activity thresholds will be set for funded allocations as a first step in working with colleges to move towards allocations that more closely reflect anticipated student activity. To recognise semi-fixed costs, a proportion of SFC’s funding will not be directly related to the delivery of teaching activity and will therefore not be at risk of recovery where minimum thresholds are not met. Taken together these changes signal a more dynamic approach to funding that enables colleges to deliver activity that is right for their region and mission.
In line with government priorities and the pressures facing college students, SFC has also committed to increasing the bursary for care-experienced students.
We have maintained opportunities for Scottish domiciled students through our university funded places, while providing a small uplift in the funding for each funded place and support for Scotland’s small, world-leading specialist institutions. We have made a small adjustment in the number of funded places in response to some downward trends in student numbers at particular institutions and because previously funded EU students are now leaving the Scottish system having completed their courses.
We have kept our investment in excellent university research at current levels, adjusting the Research Excellence Grant allocations for individual universities in line with their results from the 2021 Research Excellence Framework evaluation exercise, while increasing our investment in university innovation by £5.5 million. Innovation funding will support the diffusion of knowledge and build real and tangible impact from Scotland’s excellent research base, supporting the Scottish Government’s ambitions for economic prosperity, health and wellbeing, and the just transition to a net zero future.
Karen Watt, Chief Executive of the Scottish Funding Council, said:
“Today’s announcement maintains funding in teaching, learning and research, supporting Scottish students to flourish, and colleges and universities to meet the needs of learners and employers at the regional and national level. Our investment will enable colleges and universities to play a full role in addressing the challenges and opportunities inherent in Scotland’s economic, social and environmental life.”
Full details of the indicative college funding allocations for 2023-24.
Full details of the indicative university funding allocations for 2023-24.
The Scottish Funding Council has approved new funding for the EAUC, an organisation working in Scotland to put sustainability at the heart of tertiary education and research.
The funding will enable the EAUC to deliver the next phase of its work in response to the climate emergency. The new phase builds on previous work that has included supporting leadership and understanding in environmental sustainability and creating a culture for change and action in Scotland’s colleges and universities.
The EAUC’s bid for funding was the result of six months’ work in developing new ideas to further accelerate the sector’s response to the climate emergency. This was carried out through regional workshops, events and surveys as well as by means of a specialist Advisory Group. Central to the bid’s success was its focus on the Scottish Government’s national priorities.
The new programme is designed to create opportunities for colleges and universities to work together in developing innovative approaches in their response to the climate emergency. It will focus on supporting transformative leadership and empowering change. It will additionally aim to build capacity, develop place-based responses to the climate emergency and further strengthen the sector’s collective voice.
The EAUC will also work with the Scottish Funding Council and key partners to progress learning for sustainability and will support the national response to climate change through a ‘Team Scotland’ approach.
Helen Cross, the Scottish Funding Council’s Director of Research and Innovation, said:
“By harnessing the transformational capabilities of Scotland’s colleges and universities, we can help create a prosperous, low-carbon future for Scotland and the world. Working together we can progress more quickly and more inclusively.
“In funding the EAUC programme, we are demonstrating our determination to support colleges and universities progressing together through collaborating and learning from each other, and by bringing people together in common courses of action. We are also taking another step forward in achieving the longer-term ambitions set out in our Net Zero & Sustainability Framework for Action“
Statistical publication schedule
The Scottish Funding Council has published its latest report on staffing in Scotland’s college sector.
Covering the academic year 2021-22, today’s figures show the number of full time equivalent (FTE) staff in Scotland’s colleges grew to over 11,000. This represented an increase of 2.6% since 2014-15. Within the total FTE figure, just over half (50.8%) were teaching staff. According to the report, FTEs for teaching staff grew at a faster rate than those for non-teaching staff in the eight years before 2021-22.
The headcount figure (based on the number of college staff employed rather than on contracted hours) also increased and was 14,320. Female staff made up 61% of the total headcount, with people declaring a disability accounting for 7.5 %, and the proportion of black and minority ethnic staff standing at 2.6%.
The proportion of females in senior positions grew by 1.2 percentage points to 54.5%.
Full details are now available at College Staffing Data 2021-22.
The winners of the Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards 2023 were revealed at a ceremony yesterday evening in Dundee. The Awards mark the incredible achievements of business and academic partnerships in Scotland and are hosted by SFC-funded Interface.
Entries were invited from Scottish universities, research institutes and colleges, as well as businesses and organisations active in research and development. The judges looked for collaborations showing innovation, impact and transformation, and also sought to recognise individuals making a special contribution to knowledge exchange in Scotland.
Speaking at the Awards ceremony, Helen Cross, SFC’s Director of Research and Innovation, said:
“It’s fantastic to be here to celebrate the achievements of everyone behind these projects. Bringing together the strength of Scotland’s academic base and combining that knowledge with the expertise of Scottish industry is hugely important in innovating for the future.”
Ivan McKee, Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise, said:
“Today’s awards showcase the impactful collaborations between businesses and the academic community and their role in translating Scotland’s world-class research into knowledge that makes impact.
“Bringing together Scotland’s businesses with the knowledge, expertise and networks of our research community is central to achieving the ambitions of the Scottish Government’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation and our upcoming Innovation Strategy, both in creating the inventions and innovations of the future, and in supporting translation of these into impact and opportunity.”
Professor Andrea Nolan, Chair of the Interface Strategic Board and Principal & Vice Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, said:
“The annual flagship awards event for business-academic partnerships have gone from strength to strength since launching eight years ago. They celebrate the very best of people and partnerships involved in shaping game-changing innovations across Scotland.”
A full list of the winners in the Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards 2023 is available on the Interface website.
SFC funding for research
SCF Alliances for Research Challenges (ARCs) – Call for Expressions of Interest
The first steps of a new approach to research collaboration in Scotland have been marked today by the announcement of funding for three initial partnerships.
Alliances for Research Challenges (ARCs) will now be established for brain health, energy and food. The alliances will each receive up to £600,000 over the next four years from the Scottish Funding Council. The investment will enable them to create multi-disciplinary, cross-sector teams to strengthen and accelerate bids for major research grants, including funding from overseas.
The challenges each alliance will address include some of the biggest questions facing governments across the world, such as how to manage food supply chains, how to cope with the transition to new sustainable sources of energy and how to help people have good cognitive health in old age. Also in development is an alliance to examine the best uses of emerging quantum technologies in areas such as computing, communications and healthcare.
Commenting on today’s announcement, Higher Education Minister, Jamie Hepburn, said:
“ARCs will connect Scotland’s research excellence to national challenges and will build on our unique collaborative ethos and world-class universities to prime the Scottish landscape to respond to challenge-focused research funding opportunities.
“I look forward to hearing more about the innovative solutions being developed in areas ranging from healthy ageing, quantum technologies, managing our food systems, and energy transition and sustainability as the ARCs progress.”
Helen Cross, SFC’s Director of Research and Innovation, said:
“ARCs will make exciting and dynamic links between people, institutions and disciplines. In doing so they will place Scottish research in a strong position to generate new funding through successful bids to research grants in the UK, Europe and beyond.
“The ARCs are also designed to connect the priorities of the Scottish Government with areas of strength within our publicly funded research system.”
Looking to the future, the Scottish Funding Council sees ARCs as a fundamental part of a research system that includes universities, industry partners, research institutes, third-sector collaborators, Research Pools, Innovation Centres and policymakers.
More information is available in the research collaboration area of the SFC website.
Yesterday evening saw the 21st annual Scottish Apprenticeship Awards take place as the centrepiece of this year’s Scottish Apprenticeship Week.
The awards show, co-ordinated by Skills Development Scotland, showcases apprentices from across the country and from a wide range of sectors. Categories celebrate the success of foundation, modern and graduate apprentices as well as recognising the employers, learning providers and instructors who support apprentices in their achievements.
This year’s finalists are learning skills in industries such as finance, construction, engineering and transport. There were special green awards for the efforts of both apprentices and employers to support Scotland’s climate change ambitions and target of net zero emissions by 2045.
Apprentice of the Year for 2023 was Julie-Ann Murray from Shetland whose Modern Apprenticeship job is helping her to fulfil her dream career in agriculture. This year’s winner of the SFC-sponsored category for Graduate Apprentice of the Year was Fatima Asif who studies at Heriot-Watt University and is an engineering graduate apprentice at Plexus. Harley Higgins, who studied at West College Scotland, was the winner of the award for Foundation Apprentice of the Year.
The Chair of Skills Development Scotland, Frank Mitchell, said:
“Creating a diverse and inclusive workforce through work-based learning is benefiting businesses and Scottish Apprenticeship Week is a time for employers investing in apprenticeships to showcase how apprentices are enabling them to adapt and sustain their businesses.
“The Scottish Apprenticeship Awards recognise the individual and collective impact of apprentices across sectors and shine a spotlight on the inspiring organisations and individuals who champion work-based learning.”
More information on this year’s Scottish Apprenticeship Awards winners is available on the Skills Development Scotland website.
Skills and economic transformation
The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) is working alongside key regional colleges and universities as well as skills partners to support seven innovative pilot projects now in development in two Pathfinder regions in Scotland.
SFC has invested almost £500,000 to support the development and implementation of new course provision to meet priority needs in the South of Scotland and the North-East of Scotland.
Building on existing collaborative working and rooted in local knowledge and understanding of skills needs, the Pathfinder groups in the two regions have prioritised projects which will have the most impact on securing simpler pathways and improved outcomes for learners.
Through evidence, analysis, and collaborative action, the Pathfinders are taking a ‘learning by doing’ approach to understand how SFC can make the education and skills system more responsive, integrated, and supportive of economic recovery and inclusive growth in each region.
The Pathfinder programme was a key recommendation of the SFC Review of Coherent Provision and Sustainability which was subsequently endorsed by the Scottish Government.
The pilots are currently in the development and testing phase with delivery of new course provision and pathways expected from August 2023 onwards. The regional pilots will inform potential system improvement and develop expectations, guidance and good practice for the tertiary education system around skills planning and delivery.
The latest overview of college statistics from the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) includes details of a significant increase in the uptake of part time further education opportunities.
According to the report, which was published today, part-time activity in Scotland’s colleges increased by 10.8% in 2021-22. The rise reflected an appetite to improve existing skills and learn new ones as the economy emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Overall, college enrolments rose by 16% in 2021-22 compared to the 2020-21 figure, partly driven by increased enrolments in bespoke training courses and in courses introducing people to further study. This included a considerable increase in enrolments on courses lasting fewer than 10 hours, reflecting colleges’ responsiveness to upskilling and re-skilling needs.
An underlying factor behind the increases was the gradual return to on campus, face-to-face learning, meaning practical and work-based courses could re-start after the hiatus of the pandemic. This allowed students who had deferred their studies in the previous year to go back to college.
Despite these rises, college participation rates were down by 1.6 percentage points as more Scottish school leavers accepted university places. These included an additional 2,500 places funded in response to SQA’s alternative exam grading model for that year. School leaver options were further increased by the labour market recovery.
Commenting on the figures, Martin Boyle, SFC’s Director of Policy, Insight & Analytics, said:
“Today’s report presents a picture of a college sector emerging from the effects of the global pandemic. In 2021-22 colleges were still coping with the practical challenges created by the lock-downs and subsequent restrictions. At the same time, they were supporting students and staff in their return to campus.
“The resilience and flexibility of the sector are illustrated very clearly in its ability to respond to the changing needs of both employers and learners, including students who had deferred their studies the year before.
“Another finding that stands out is colleges’ continuing commitment to supporting the skills and training needs of Scotland’s care sector with almost a third of learning activity being dedicated to this important area.”
College Statistics 2021-22 is available from today.
Tertiary sector enhancement activity
The Scottish Funding Council is bringing together experts from four national education organisations to explore the best ways of learning and teaching in the digital age.
Education Scotland; QAA Scotland; sparqs (Student Partnerships in Quality Scotland); and the College Development Network will build a detailed picture of what an effective mix of learning and teaching looks like across the tertiary education system. Students and staff will work together on the project with an emphasis on the widest possible sharing of expertise.
The project – The Future of Learning and Teaching: defining and delivering an effective and inclusive digital/blended offering – will gain an initial understanding of how face-to-face teaching, online learning, and variations of blended and hybrid approaches are currently working together in tertiary education courses in Scotland and elsewhere in the world. The first phase of the project will also look at the interrelationships between strategy, practice, and the learner experience.
The project team will collect and analyse relevant data and undertake research activities, including delivering a programme of sector-wide events and engagements.
James Dunphy, SFC’s Director of Access, Learning and Outcomes, said:
“This project will bring together our national agencies to explore how digital learning is enhancing the learner experience, considering also how in-person learning combines with online to support learner needs and create excellent learning opportunities. The project is an opportunity to reflect on practice to date and to set out what will be important in this space into the future.
“The launch of this project is particularly exciting because it meets a widely expressed desire to create world-class, accessible learning opportunities in our colleges and universities.
“I am confident that this innovative bringing together of skills, knowledge and expertise will help to put Scotland at the forefront of outstanding learning and teaching delivery.”
Digital infrastructure
The Scottish Funding Council is advocating that Scottish colleges use Jisc’s digital elevation tool (DET) to achieve their digital transformation ambitions.
DET is a self-assessment tool that supports education leaders and learning providers to better understand their current digital infrastructure and build an effective digital strategy for the future. The tool focusses on five themes: leadership, governance and culture; learner experience; staff experience; curriculum development; and underpinning technologies.
DET helps colleges progress from foundation level (digital transformation must haves) to elevation level (innovation leaders) with support from Jisc’s in-house experts and the wider DET community of practice.
Erica Russell-Hensens, SFC’s deputy director of student interests, access and pathways, said:
“We know college leaders want to explore accessible learning opportunities and develop digital technology for the benefit of a wider range of learners.
“Our work with Jisc and the potential of the DET to accelerate progress will strongly support the sector’s digital ambitions.”
Jason Miles-Campbell, Jisc’s director, Scotland, and Northern Ireland said:
“Scotland’s colleges have helped many learners to improve their lives and as the world has transformed over the last three years, colleges have transformed too.
“As sponsors of the digital learning category in the Colleges Development Network awards, we’ve seen many examples of technology being put to good use.
“Innovation is a clear priority, whether it’s health and social care students using virtual reality to better understand the experiences of patients with dementia, or a ‘virtual schools’ project providing a varied, accessible, and inclusive curriculum across the highlands and islands of Scotland.
“By using DET, and with support from Jisc, Scottish colleges can make the best digital transformation choices for their teachers, learners, and communities.”
University remains an attractive proposition according to the latest data from UCAS, the universities admissions service. In a report published today, 9 February 2023, UCAS confirmed that applications to Scottish universities have increased by 2% compared with pre-pandemic levels (2,600 additional applicants).
While applications from mature students (aged 21+) have fallen, in line with trends elsewhere in the UK, demand from Scottish school leavers remains strong, with an increase of 13% compared with 2020. The application rate for 18 year-olds has also remained above pre-pandemic levels at 33.5%, an increase of 1.6pp from the January 2020 figure.
In support of efforts to widen access to higher education, the report also shows growing interest in a university education from school leavers from Scotland’s most deprived areas. Scottish domiciled applicants from SIMD quintile 1 make up 16.4% of all Scottish domiciled applicants to UK providers, while the application rate for 18 year-olds from SIMD quintile 1 has risen to 19.6%, an increase of 1.9pp since 2020.
At subject level, the report shows both a recalibration of demand following heightened interest during the pandemic but also a decline across nursing, midwifery, teacher training, and medicine and dentistry.
Scotland’s universities continue to attract students from overseas, although demand appears to be levelling off with an increase in Non-EU applicants of only 1% year on year. This could, in part, be attributed to the re-opening of the international higher education market, with particular competition coming from Australia which has re-opened its borders following COVID lockdowns. Although applicants from the EU have declined, the reduction is much smaller than last year (-11% compared with -27%), suggesting that the rate of decrease is levelling off.
Further details can be found on the UCAS website.