Making most of reputation our universities have earned

INCE 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 highlight 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, with Westminster considering proposals that would allow small, private universities to enter the sector. According to the Conservatives such a move – 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 Professor 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 to underline their approach to research and, potentially, give them the edge as to reputation; more power to their elbow, we say.

Students’ groups 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 charge equally high fees for students from the rest of the UK but without the same guarantees on quality, NUS Scotland maintains.

Universities are under pressure after the Brexit vote; uncertainty on future research funding and their ability to attract students from overseas is taking a toll. If this plan has the unintended consequence of damaging Scottish institutions they should be bold and seize the chance to highlight their quality, discretely.