The future of Scottish colleges and universities

Information

In partnership with Universities Scotland and Colleges Scotland

Scottish college and university education is in peril. Some challenges are the same: both have flagged being under-funded but face rising costs and student needs across the board, as well as unprecedented levels of change expected over the next 10-20 years. Universities face high volatility in international student markets and levels of research funding that challenge actual costs. Colleges face uncertain skills requirements and increased community demand. Difficult conversations about the meaning of tertiary education are all under the microscope. What’s the plan to future proof Scottish college and university education?

Panellists:

Gavin Donoghue is the CEO of Colleges Scotland. Previously, he was director of the college sector employers’ organisation College Employers Scotland and has served in senior roles at the University of Edinburgh and Scottish Renewables.

Claire McPherson became Director of Universities Scotland in March 2024, joining from the Scottish Government. Claire has worked in various roles in over a decade of service in the Scottish Government, including Constitutional Policy and Engagement in the lead up to the 2014 Independence Referendum and Deputy Head of the First Minister’s Policy and Delivery Unit. Prior to working for the Scottish Government, Claire served as the Deputy Director of Policy at the Scottish Funding Council.

Garrett Stell is an education correspondent with The Herald newspaper. Originally from North Carolina, he has a special interest in rural education issues, higher education and further education.