Update | GCU - Marketing Services

In 2011-12, Scottish domiciled students accounted for 70.0 per cent of qualifiers. Since 2002-03, the number of HE qualifiers at Scottish higher education institutions (HEIs) has increased by 18,290 (36.8 per cent). Just under sixty-five per cent (64.2 per cent) achieved graduate level qualifications (first degree level or above).

8 March 2013

Statistical Bulletin 1/13: Students eligible for funding 2012-13 [PDF] – 0.2 MB

This bulletin contains information about the numbers of students eligible for funding at the 19 higher education institutions funded by the Council in the academic year 2012-13.

5 March 2013

Audit & Compliance Committee – 5 March 2013

The twenty-seventh meeting of the Audit and Compliance Committee of the Scottish Funding Council.

HESA

(Higher Education Statistics Agency)

21 March 2013

HESA Performance Indicators 2011/2012

The annual publication produced on behalf of the four UK funding bodies that provides performance indicators relating to higher education. Topics covered including widening participation of under-represented groups and non-continuation rates for the academic year 2011/12.

HESA (DDS)

(HESA Data Dissemination Service – this area provides a preview of ad hoc data requests made to HESA for information to be used by companies, publishers, such as league table compilers, and educational agencies.)

11 March 2013

An ad hoc data request on behalf of The Times Good University Guide. The data will be used in generating The Times Good University Guide 2014.

8 March 2013

An ad hoc data request on behalf of the Telegraph Media Group. The data will be used for an on line search tool to be published on www.telegraph.co.uk. The tool will enable users to compare subjects offered by universities across the UK.

LEAGUE TABLES

No new items.

UCAS

(Universities and Colleges Admissions Services)

28 March 2013

2013 cycle applicant figures – March 2013

This statistical release relates to all applicants in the 2013 UCAS application cycle at 18 March 2013. There has been a 0.7% increase in applicants with a Scottish domicile. Total applicant numbers have increased by 2.4%.

HEFCE

(Higher Education Funding Council for England)

22 March 2013

Unistats has received over three million page views since launch

Since its launch on the 27 September 2012 to the 20 March 2013, the Unistats web-site has received 3,315,620 page views and 171,186 unique visitors – an average of 984 new visitors per day.

UNIVERSITIES UK

14 March 2013

Universities UK launches review of part-time study after fall in numbers

Universities UK responded to the publication of the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) report on the impact of the funding changes in England from 2012. The report shows that enrolments in part-time undergraduate provision in England have fallen by 40 per cent since 2010.

Professor Eric Thomas, President of Universities UK, said, “We have been concerned for some time about recruitment to part-time courses. It is particularly striking that enrolments to part-time courses have declined despite the recent extension of loans to part-time students.”

UNIVERSITIES SCOTLAND

21 March 2013

Widening access: HESA Performance Indicators fail to capture universities’ significant step-up on access over the last year

The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) has published a data set of performance indicators for entrants to university from state schools and from social classes NS-SEC 4,5,6 and 7 in academic year 201/12. However, the time-lag on the data means that it cannot record the impact of a range of significant actions taken by universities and the Scottish Government over the last year to widen access to disadvantaged students.

Since 2011/12 every university in Scotland has signed up to an outcome agreement on access including targets for progress. Additionally, the Scottish Government has funded an additional 700 places at university which are to be ring-fenced for students from the poorest neighbourhoods (as measured by the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation’s lowest two quintiles – SIMD40). Universities are currently recruiting to fill these places and will see more students enter university in academic year 2013/14 from a broader range of backgrounds.

6 March 2013

Memorandum of Understanding signed between Scottish and Korean universities

Universities in Scotland and South Korea have signed a memorandum of understanding to foster closer academic ties between the two countries. The formal agreement was signed by the representative bodies of universities in both countries; Universities Scotland and the Korean Council for University Education at an event hosted by the University of Edinburgh.

UNIVERSITY ALLIANCE

27 March 2013

University Alliance signs new international partnership with the Australian Technology Network

The University Alliance Chair and Chief Executive signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Chair and Chief Executive of the Australian Technology Network of universities. Both organisations represent a similar set of institutions within their respective countries – leading institutions in innovation and enterprise, forging partnerships with industry and the professions to deliver practical results through focused research.

The purpose of the MoU is to establish a framework for mutual policy discussion, the exploration of university-university partnership and sharing of expertise between University Alliance and the Australian Technology Network.

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT

22 March 2013

College waiting list report published [Education and Training]

Scottish Government to work with sector on meeting demand.

A study undertaken by the Scottish Government and the Scottish Funding Council has shown that claims that there were large numbers of students on college waiting lists were false. Through close examination of all applications to seven colleges, the study showed that less than four per cent of the originally claimed number of applicants on their combined lists remained interested in a place. The analysis also found evidence that some colleges had capacity to enrol even more students during the time of the study.

SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT

20 March 2013

2nd Report, 2013 (Session 4): Stage 1 Report on the Post-16 Education (Scotland) Bill

This report details the Committee’s consideration of the Post-16 Education (Scotland) Bill at Stage 1. The report covers the following areas –

Higher education governance
Widening Access
A cap on tuition fees
College regionalisation
Review of funded further and higher education
Data sharing

AUDIT SCOTLAND

No new items.

QAA

(Quality Assurance Agency)

28 March 2013

March issue of Quality Update International available

Quality Update International is a newsletter covering a selection of information and news relating to higher education and quality assurance around the world.

SCQF

(Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework)

No new items.

NHS

No new items.

BRITISH COUNCIL

10 March 2013

UK education sector to gain improved resources for promotion overseas

The British Council is constructing an enhanced version of the popular Education UK website in order to build on its successful promotion and marketing of UK education providers operating in the UK and abroad. The British Council’s Education UK website aims to inspire students worldwide to choose a UK education, and offers impartial advice and resources to help students find suitable courses and scholarships. It currently receives over two million unique visitors annually.

6 March 2013

New research shows UK students hampered by lack of overseas study…

The vast majority of UK students are still not considering studying overseas, and over three quarters of them feel there is not enough information to make an informed decision, according to new research by the British Council. The report, ‘Broadening Horizons – perceived barriers to UK and US students studying overseas’, surveyed over 10,000 students in the UK and US to try and understand what was behind the decision-making of the vast majority of students who chose to stay at home. The difficulty in accessing information has meant that the most significant perceived barriers to studying abroad for UK students are lack of language skills and concerns about the cost. However, more than 80 per cent of those considering study abroad say they feel confident using a foreign language, and of the top ten most popular countries, seven are non-English speaking.

Market Insight Update 22.04.13 April 18, 2013

Posted by helenorf in : Advertising, Graduates, Higher Education, Market Research, Marketing, social media, Thinking ahead, Update , add a comment

Higher Education

Record Level in Higher Education

http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/education/record-level-in-higher-education.20825799

University Code Written by Managers for Managers

http://www.scotsman.com/news/education/university-code-written-by-managers-for-managers-1-2897972

Scottish University Bosses Earn More than Alex Salmond

http://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/2013/04/15/nearly-90-scottish-university-bosses-earn-more-than-alex-salmond/

Huge University Salaries Condemned

http://www.glasgowsouthandeastwoodextra.co.uk/news/scottish-headlines/huge-university-salaries-condemned-1-2895604

Competitors

Private School Kids Spark Uni Scheme Row

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/private-school-kids-spark-uni-scheme-row-121264n.20806570

Strathclyde University to Boost Overseas Intake

http://www.glasgowsouthandeastwoodextra.co.uk/news/scottish-headlines/university-to-boost-overseas-intake-1-2887141

Competitors (London)

British University Attacks BBC over Covert North Korea Trip

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/04/14/britain-nkorea-lse-idUSL5N0D00U220130414

London Met Welcomes Back Foreign Students

http://www.universityworldnews.com/article.php?story=2013041214191736

http://www.relocatemagazine.com/education/education-news-main/7690-london-metropolitan-university-regains-its-international-student-license

Social Media

University Recruitment: One Fifth of Students Say Social Media Doesn’t Work

http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://www.guardian.co.uk/higher-education-network/blog/2013/apr/17/university-student-recruitment-social-media&ct=ga&cad=CAEQAhgAIAAoATAAOABAubW6iwVIAVAAWABiBWVuLUdC&cd=e4RiEsT3W9c&usg=AFQjCNHttfkaGPromhf_IRlu7LWoh1aRzQ

For more information, please contact Helenor Fisher at Helenor.Fisher@gcu.ac.uk

Market Insight Update 15.04.13 April 10, 2013

Posted by helenorf in : Email Marketing, Graduates, Higher Education, Marketing, Schools and Colleges, social media, Thinking ahead, Update , add a comment

Higher Education

Debt Blamed for University Drop Out Increase

http://www.scotsman.com/edinburgh-evening-news/education/debt-blamed-for-university-drop-out-increase-1-2854062

Poverty in Scotland Worst in 30 years

http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/poverty-in-scotland-at-worst-level-for-30-years.20652528

Former College Principals Hit out at Scottish Government’s ‘Regressive’ Reforms

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/9961910/Former-college-principals-hit-out-at-Scottish-Governments-regressive-reforms.html

The Price and Value of Higher Education

http://www.heraldscotland.com/comment/herald-view/the-price-and-value-of-higher-education.20661953

Big Fall in Mature Students Shocks Universities

http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2013/apr/01/fall-mature-university-students-shock&ct=ga&cad=CAEQAhgAIAAoATABOAFAzLfqigVIAVAAWABiBWVuLUdC&cd=OMxnpPEJzg0&usg=AFQjCNGGWqtjoUD_MsX9lwsefjjTkAC_-w

Scottish Universities Gifted Almost £100 million by Ex Students

http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/education/scottish-universities-gifted-nearly-100-million-by-ex-students-1.81058

When Education is Global Business

http://www.heraldscotland.com/comment/letters/when-education-is-global-business.20722628

Concern Over Scots Student Drop Out Rate

http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/education/concern-over-scots-student-drop-out-rate.20578992

Competitors

New Principal for University West of Scotland

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-21859530

Student Campaign to get Businesses on Board at Heriot Watt

http://www.thesouthernreporter.co.uk/news/local-headlines/student-campaign-aims-to-get-businesses-on-board-1-2849371

Competitors (London)

Regent College in London to Become UK’s Second Private University

http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2013/mar/25/regents-college-private-university

Loughborough University to Open London Olympic Park campus

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-21946046

Is Social Segregation Rising Across English Universities?

http://www.significancemagazine.org/details/webexclusive/4539801/Is-social-segregation-rising-across-English-universities.html

London Metropolitan Permitted to Take on International Students Again

http://www.independent.co.uk/student/news/london-metropolitan-university-allowed-to-admit-foreign-students-again-after-licence-restored-8565931.html

http://www.itv.com/news/london/update/2013-04-09/international-students-allowed-back-at-london-university/

http://metro.co.uk/2013/04/09/london-metropolitan-university-allowed-to-take-international-students-again-after-home-office-lifts-visa-ban-3589314/

Social Media

Want to Improve Engagement on Social Media?

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/blog/socialmadness/2013/03/want-to-improve-engagement-on-social.html

Social Media Education Prepares Students
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9238066/Social_Media_Certifications_Prepare_Students_Employees_for_Social_Business?taxonomyId=18

For more information, please contact Helenor Fisher at Helenor.Fisher@gcu.ac.uk

Market Insight Update 25.03.13 March 20, 2013

Posted by helenorf in : Advertising, Email Marketing, Graduates, Higher Education, Market Research, Marketing, social media, Update , add a comment

Higher Education

Established Universities Could Go Bust

http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/news/established-universities-could-go-bust-warns-report/2002421.article

The Dangers of the New National Curriculum Proposals

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/letters/9940846/The-dangers-of-the-new-National-Curriculum-proposals.html

Enhancing Universities Recruitment Overseas

http://www.guardian.co.uk/higher-education-network/blog/2013/mar/18/international-alumni-university-recruitment

Graduate Premium in Starting Salaries Up by a Quarter

http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/news/premium-for-new-graduates-up-by-a-quarter/2002609.article

Competitors

Glasgow University Union Must Take Heed of Outside Opinion

http://www.heraldscotland.com/comment/letters/glasgow-university-unions-board-must-take-heed-of-outside-opinion.20524162

Heriot Watt Lecturer Takes Dubai Malaysia Role

http://www.scotsman.com/news/scottish-news/top-stories/heriot-watt-profeesor-takes-dubai-malaysia-role-1-2840981

Competitors (London)

Liverpool University to Open London Campus in the City

http://www.standard.co.uk/news/education/liverpool-university-to-open-london-campus-in-the-city-8541602.html

Social Media

Social Media and Bullying Get Face Time at Education Summit

http://www.sanduskyregister.com/article/3480196

10% of Facebook Users have Received Anti-Social Messages

http://www.thedrum.com/news/2013/03/20/10-facebook-users-have-received-anti-social-messages-3-these-users-closing-their

For more information, please contact Helenor Fisher at Helenor.Fisher@gcu.ac.uk

External Update February 2013 March 18, 2013

Posted by helenorf in : Policy, Thinking ahead, Update , add a comment

SFC

(Scottish Funding Council)

27 February 2013

Intake targets for controlled subjects in universities for academic year 2013-14

This circular announces the academic year 2013-14 intake targets for the controlled subjects of medicine, dentistry, nursing and midwifery pre-registration education and initial teacher education. GCU has an intake target of 439 FTE for Nursing and Midwifery pre-registration education.

21 February 2013

QEGPC – 21 February 2013

The papers for the fifteenth meeting of the Quality, Equalities and General Purposes Committee held on Thursday, 21 February 2013.

8 February 2013

Additional capital maintenance funding in financial year 2012-13

This circular informs universities and colleges on the allocation of an additional £5 million of capital maintenance funding in financial year 2012-13. Glasgow Caledonian University has been awarded £185,738 additionally to the £1,188,722 already allocated.

HESA

(Higher Education Statistics Agency)

28 February 2013

Press release 187 – Academic staff contracts

The publication Staff in Higher Education Institutions 2011/12 shows that there were 181,385 academic staff employed at UK Higher Education Institutions on 1 December 2011. 65.0% of academic staff were employed full-time, and 63.8% were employed on permanent or open-ended contracts.

14 February 2013

Press release 186 – HE Qualifications

The publication Students in Higher Education Institutions 2011/12 shows that 787,205 higher education qualifications were awarded by UK higher education institutions in that session. Approximately half of these qualifications were first degrees, one third were postgraduate qualifications and one sixth were other undergraduate qualifications .

HESA (DDS)

20 February 2013

An ad hoc data request on behalf of the Complete University Guide Ltd. The data will be used in generating data analyses for a university guide to be published on www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk

19 February 2013

An ad-hoc data request on behalf of Loughborough University. The data will be used for internal research, and reproduction in Higher Education Library Management Statistics. These are available to SCONUL members and distributed to Vice Chancellors and policy makers.

15 February 2013

An ad hoc data request on behalf of the Daily Mail. The data, looking at the domicile of full time, first degree students will be used for media articles.

LEAGUE TABLES

No new items.

UCAS

(Universities and Colleges Admissions Services)

28 February 2013

2013 cycle applicant figures – February 2013

This statistical release relates to all applicants in the 2013 UCAS application cycle at 18 February 2013. There has been a 0.7% increase in applicants with a Scottish domicile. Total applicant numbers have increased by 2.5%.

HEFCE

(Higher Education Funding Council for England)

25 February 2013

Call for advice on open access

HEFCE is inviting advice on developing the four UK funding bodies’ joint policy on open access in the post-2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF). This advice will contribute to the development of consultation proposals on implementing an open access requirement in the next REF exercise.

UNIVERSITIES UK

26 February 2013

Universities UK concerned by government’s stance on net migration target

Universities UK has expressed its concern with the government’s response to the BIS Select Committee report on international students and net migration.

Professor Eric Thomas, President of Universities UK, said, “The government’s decision to ignore the recommendations of five parliamentary committees that students should not be included in the government’s net migration target is disappointing.”

6 February 2013

British and German university leaders urge their governments to protect research funding

Prior to the European Union Summit, the leaders of universities in Britain and Germany have written a joint-letter to both their governments warning against cutting research funding. Universities are concerned about possible cuts to EU research and innovation funding as European leaders met to agree an EU budget for 2014 to 2020.

UNIVERSITIES SCOTLAND

No new items.

UNIVERSITY ALLIANCE

26 February 2013

Government sending conflicting messages over international students

Commenting on the Government’s response to the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee report on student migration which confirms it will continue to include students in the net migration figures, Libby Hackett said, “This is sending conflicting and confusing messages following the Prime Minister’s constructive trip to India last week. It is hard to reconcile this position with David Cameron saying, “Britain’s an open economy”.”

11 February 2013

University Alliance response to the EU budget for 2014-20

Despite a cut in the EU’s overall expenditure, EU leaders have agreed an increase in research, innovation and education spending for 2014-20. Libby Hackett, Chief Executive of University Alliance responds, “We welcome this significant increase in the EU’s research and innovation budget for 2014-20. This commitment to supporting research and innovation is the right decision in a difficult economic climate.”

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT

27 February 2013

Boost for postgraduates

Education Secretary Michael Russell has announced funds of £30 million to create an additional 850 taught postgraduate places at Scottish universities. The £30 million investment, delivered by the Scottish Funding Council, will boost Scotland’s highly skilled workforce in key economic sectors including energy; financial and business services, food and drink, life sciences, tourism and creative industries. GCU has been awarded 51 of the extra places.

SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT

26 February 2013

Official Report available here (522KB pdf)

The sixth meeting of the Education and Culture meeting held on 26 February 2013. This meeting included discussion on the Post 16 (Scotland) Bill.

19 February 2013

Official Report available here (548KB pdf)

The fifth meeting of the Education and Culture meeting held on 19 February 2013. This meeting included discussion on the Post 16 (Scotland) Bill.

5 February 2013

Official Report of Meeting 5 February 2013 (499KB pdf)

The fourth meeting of the Education and Culture meeting held on 5 February 2013. This meeting included discussion on the Post 16 (Scotland) Bill.

AUDIT SCOTLAND

No new items.

QAA

(Quality Assurance Agency)

28 February 2013

Quality Update International – Issue 84 (February 2013)

Quality Update International is a newsletter covering a selection of information and news relating to higher education and quality assurance around the world.

8 February 2013

QAA Scotland: Annual Report for academic year 2011-12

The annual report for Scotland which identifies good practice and enhancement within Higher Education in Scotland.

6 February 2013

Quality Update International – Issue 83 (January 2013)

Quality Update International is a newsletter covering a selection of information and news relating to higher education and quality assurance around the world.

SCQF

(Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework)

No new items.

NHS

13 February 2013

Integration of adult health and social care in Scotland consultation: Scottish Government response

This paper provides a summary of the Scottish Government’s response to the key points made by respondents to the integration of adult health and social care consultation, and describes Ministers’ thinking with regard to the Bill that will be introduced to the Scottish Parliament later in 2013.

6 February 2013

Vision For New Radiotherapy Facilty Unveiled

Proposals to create a new state-of-the-art radiotherapy facility for the West of Scotland. The innovative new facility, which would operate as a satellite facility for the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre in Glasgow, would increase access to the state-of-the-art radiotherapy treatments and allow many more patients in the West of Scotland to be treated closer to home.

BRITISH COUNCIL

5 February 2013

British Council and UK Higher Education International Unit: developing a strategic partnership

The British Council and the UK Higher Education International Unit (IU) signed a new Memorandum of Understanding committing them to working in a strategic partnership to enhance international higher education opportunities for the UK higher education sector. Working in partnership and sharing their expertise, the British Council and IU will provide a more coherent and responsive service to the UK HE sector.

For more details, please contact Sybil Murray at S.Murray@gcu.ac.uk