Chamber and committees

Thank you for that response. Outwith Government and SFC money, what measures can colleges and universities consider in order to bring in additional revenue?

So it is about being positive and addressing the issue ahead of time.

It was around about that, yes.

I have another question on the back of that. Ellie Gomersall and Mary Senior might also have something to say about this, too.

How does that sort of activity affect the student experience? I presume that the research facilities and so on were initially set up to provide learning for the people who attend the university as students. Would they still benefit if that activity were to be developed in a greater way?

I thank both witnesses for their responses. I want to have a wee look at student numbers. The latest SFC figures show that there has been a move towards part-time study. The number of people in full-time education is going down while overall student numbers are rising, which means that there is more part-time study. What could be the implications for colleges of a move towards greater part-time study?

How does that affect your members?

Thank you—that is interesting. Does Mark MacPherson have any idea of any potential economic implications that the move to more part-time study might have for colleges?

Would universities themselves become part of the private sector by doing that—if you know what I mean?

That was really helpful. Thank you.

You have covered a great deal with regard to the difficulties of where finance is coming from for universities and further education colleges. With regard to increasing private sector involvement in the university sector, given where we stand just now with the finances, what should the key considerations be for the Scottish Government, the SFC and the institutions if they were looking to source more money from the private sector?