Since higher education policy was devolved, Scotland and England have been free to pursue different approaches to universities and their funding; their different positions on tuition fees highlights this most markedly.
What makes a successful university has largely remained the same in both countries, however, with high quality research and teaching central to the best institutions across the UK.
This could be about to change, however, with Westminster considering proposals that would allow small, private universities with real research function to enter the sector. According to the Conservatives such a move - which is, of course, very much in keeping with the party’s “market knows best” approach - would increase competition and improve quality.
Many in the English higher education sector are concerned by the plan. Some in Scotland are worried too, however, including Sir Timothy O’ Shea, principal of Edinburgh University and convenor of Universities Scotland’s research committee. Sir Timothy, one of the most respected figures in education, says such a move would encourage many institutions north of the Border to describe themselves as Scottish rather than UK universities in order to distinguish their approach to research.
Students’ groups in Scotland are also concerned by the plans, as they could result in English universities charging higher fees if their quality of teaching was highly rated. Scottish universities could be put at a funding disadvantage since they do not charge Scots to study.
Universities across the UK are already under pressure following the Brexit vote; uncertainty around future research funding and their ability to attract students from the European Union is taking its toll.
This latest plan is unlikely to help Scottish institutions find a way through this. It also, of course, highlights yet further divergence between Scotland and England in terms of higher education.
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