Higher Education in Scotland, the Devolution Settlement and the Referendum on Independence

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This project involves undertaking reviews of policy and statistics, primary research and knowledge exchange activities, with a particularly strong emphasis on the latter. A central theme of the proposed work is to explore the extent of policy divergence and convergence which already exists in the field of higher education following the devolution settlement across the UK, and the various scenarios which may arise following a vote for independence. Higher education is of great interest to the public because it has a strong bearing on individual life chances, social mobility and issues of social justice and social citizenship. It also impinges on many other areas of public policy which are highly relevant to the debate on independence, including immigration, equality, economic development and labour market policy. Although higher education is already a devolved matter, policy developed at Westminster has a strong influence on policy in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. By the same token, Scottish higher education policy has major implications for the other countries of the UK. For example, changes in policy in one part of the UK are reflected in cross-border flows of students. Higher education also illustrates the complexity of Scotland's relationships with other European countries and the developed and developing world in the context of the global higher education market. Possible changes in these relationships following a vote for independence will be explored. Research and knowledge exchange activities will explore the following effects of further devolution and/or independence on Scottish higher education: (1) The current and future distinctiveness of Scottish higher education with regard to mission and values;(2)The impact of diverging policies on student fees , particularly in relation to cross-border flows of students; (3) Differing approaches to widening access and participation, including financial and institutional support for students from under-represented groups;(4) Public attitudes towards territorial differences in social entitlements;(5) The future of shared services;(6) The impact on higher education of the repatriation of powers in areas such as immigration and equality;(7) The future influence of EU policy and the global higher education market on higher education in Scotland .Methods used include: (i) reviews of policy and statistics to investigate current directions of travel in Scottish higher education policy; (ii) analysis of UCAS data to explore current trends in cross-border flows of students; and (iii) knowledge exchange activities. Public engagement activities include: organising think tanks and a conference; the production of working papers, pre and post think tanks briefings and a final glossy publication; engagement with the media including speaking on TV and radio. Activities aimed specifically at 16 - 17 years olds include the production of a short film and podcast in partnership with Children in Scotland and the hosting of a discussion board on the project website.