Scottish Government plans may lead to university mergers
Scottish universities and colleges could be forced into mergers under shock Scottish Government plans.
Mike Russell's plans include universities as well as the colleges expected.
- By David Clegg, political editor
- Published in the Courier : 15.09.11
- Published online : 15.09.11 @ 08.41am
The news has provoked fears that universities in urban areas could be compelled to merge if the new structure is deemed more cost efficient by bureaucrats.
The controversial proposal was among wide-ranging changes to the post-16 education sector unveiled by Education Secretary Michael Russell.
His statement to the Scottish Parliament was expected to open the door to college mergers, but the inclusion of universities came as a surprise.
Mr Russell said he wanted to see regional groupings of colleges, greater collaboration between universities, and "the possibility of mergers where that makes educational and financial sense."
A pre-legislative paper to accompany the statement revealed Scottish ministers plan to "supplement" their powers to allow them to "implement" proposed mergers.
Labour MSP Jenny Marra raised concerns about the potential impact on Dundee and Abertay universities.
Meanwhile, the proposals would require increased collaboration — or in some circumstances mergers — from existing colleges based on a regional structure.
Tayside and Fife would be considered two of nine separate regions under the plan.
Other measures include faster progression from college to university, stronger collaboration with employers and a minimum income of £7,000 for the poorest students.
Mr Russell said the proposals, some of which will lead to legislation late next year, will provide affordable, sustainable and high quality learning opportunities.
He added: "Scotland needs a post-16 education system where everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to access and progress through learning successfully.
"Reform of post-16 education is urgently needed. Some might argue it is actually overdue. To compete successfully in a rapidly changing global economy, Scotland's employers need a high-performing, well-educated and skilled workforce."
'Come clean'
Labour education spokesman Ken Macintosh demanded Mr Russell "come clean" on proposed university mergers.
"If he believes Scotland has too many universities and colleges he should say so," he said. "He should also say what consultation and discussion there will be and over what timescale the review will take place.
"As always with the cabinet secretary there is a lack of clarity and detail. He complained in his statement about complexity and lack of transparency around the existing Scottish college funding model.
"There's a real lack of detail in his statement and he should bring forward real answers for the further education sector without delay."
Continued...
09.27am - 15.09.2011 Cory Douglas Campbell - Maryfield, Scotland Report This
Abertay will become a dept of University of Dundee and so it should. A better service but without two courts, two principals and two press offices! Waste of taxpayers money! Think of all the money that will be saved and how much more modern Abertay will become through a union with Dundee University
11.35am - 15.09.2011 dwp - Glasgow, Scotlandshire Report This
Sounds like a very good idea to me but, as usual New Lobour (Scotlandshire branch) cry foul at anything the SNP say or do, irrespective of its merits!
02.19pm - 16.09.2011 Dek - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Money saving exercise, just like the polis idea. Where was this in the SNP manifesto? Or don't manifestos count any more? Well they don't with the SNP anyway!
02.10pm - 21.09.2011 John Jones - Cupar, Scotland Report This
Sounds like the politicos have learnt nothing from history. Mergers between incompatible institutions usually increase rather than reduce costs and divert staff time and energies away from teaching and research into far more complex admin. What next? Reviving the unhappy Dundee/St Andrews marriage?
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