Exclusive:Social sciences to see biggest drop in overseas students as Glasgow University announces cuts
Voluntary redundancy scheme to open in August
Social science staff at Glasgow University have been warned to brace for cuts as the school is predicted to face the sharpest drop in overseas students.
Unions and academics have been told a voluntary severence scheme will open in August.
Professor Sara Carter has written to her staff to tell them a “significant reduction” in international students will hit hardest in social sciences.
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The Head of College said: “While final numbers will be confirmed in October, we are currently forecasting a significant reduction in PGT (Postgraduate Taught) International Student intake, with numbers projected to be around 10 per cent below budget.
“Given that the College accounts for 55 per cent of the university’s overall PGT international intake, this has a proportionately greater impact on the university’s overall financial outlook.”
Staff have been told the actual student intake will not be confirmed until the start of the academic year in October.
Professor Simon Joss, Head of the School, also wrote to university staff to say social sciences will “need to consider further budget savings”.
He went on to say “additional measures” may be needed alongside the voluntary severance scheme.
Prof Joss, Professor of Urban Futures, said: “I recognise that this period will feel uncertain and unsettling for many colleagues. “We will do our best to keep you informed and to approach the coming months in a way that is as open and supportive as possible.
“As a School, we will also need to be clear about our strategic priorities, while continuing to support one another and maintain the quality of our research and teaching.”
Professor Andy Schofield, principal and vice-chancellor, said the financial picture of the university had been badly affected by the drop in international students.
Early this month Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice Chancellor of University of the West of Scotland, told The Scotsman UK government visa changes are “driving universities towards a cliff edge”.
From June 1, the UK government introduced the most stringent visa sponsorship compliance regime of any UK sector.
Universities Scotland warned the new rules will disproportionately affect Scottish institutions given the reliance on international student fees.
In her letter, Prof Carter thanked staff for “delivering savings” within the college.
She said: “We know that teams are working hard to manage resources carefully while continuing to support our students and deliver outstanding research and impact.
“Additional savings will be required alongside the introduction of a voluntary severance scheme to be launched in August.
“Within the College, these additional savings will mean continued vacancy management and a reduction in consumables budgets.”
Tertiary education minister Ben Macpherson said the UK government's Immigration White Paper is “seriously undermining” Scotland's higher and further education sectors' ability to “attract and retain talented international students and graduates, who enrich our communities and help drive up economic growth”.
“We continue to call on the UK Government to change their approach and create an immigration system that meets Scotland's economic and demographic needs,” he added.
The university was asked to provide a comment on the fall in international student numbers.
A spokesman said the university’s governing body has “approved a budget aimed at ensuring the long‑term sustainability of the institution”.
He added: "It has been agreed that a number of cost reduction measures should be introduced, including the launch of a voluntary severance scheme.
"The university will provide regular updates for colleagues and will do everything possible to safeguard the wellbeing of everyone across our community."
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