‘Loyal’ graduates key to Scotland’s regional growth

Modern universities are central to Scotland’s economic future, retaining graduate talent in communities across the country and strengthening the public services and industries on which regional prosperity depends.

A new briefing published today by MillionPlus, the Association for Modern Universities, highlights the value of ‘Loyalty’, showing that almost double the proportion of graduates from Scotland’s modern universities (31%) are ‘Loyal’ – meaning they are from a region, study there and remain to work there – compared with 16% from pre-92 institutions.

The analysis, based on Graduate Outcomes data, demonstrates the vital role modern universities play in Scotland in retaining talent locally, reducing skills inequalities and keeping graduate earnings within regional labour markets. ‘Loyal’ graduates are particularly important to key sectors including education, healthcare, social care and the creative industries.

With Scottish parliamentary elections on the horizon, MillionPlus is calling on all parties to recognise modern universities and the strategic value of graduate retention in delivering inclusive growth and regional opportunity.

The briefing sets out three key recommendations:

• Recognise the value of ‘Loyal’ graduates within higher education, skills and regional economic policy
• Protect a broad subject mix within regions, ensuring local economies have access to the full range of skills they require
• Embed graduate retention strategies within delivery of the National Strategy for Economic Transformation.

Modern universities already demonstrate how this can be achieved. Partnerships with colleges and employers are widening access and aligning provision to workforce need, while structured placements and embedded employability strategies are helping graduates transition into sustained local employment.

Alongside the ‘Loyal Graduates’ briefing, MillionPlus has published a refreshed Facts and Stats: Modern Universities in Scotland document, highlighting the scale and impact of modern institutions across the country.

The updated data shows that modern universities educate almost 94,000 students – more than one in three of those studying in Scotland – and account for 47% of undergraduates from the lowest participation neighbourhoods. They educate 69% of Scotland’s teacher training students and 76% of nursing students and contribute over £1.2bn annually to their regional economies, supporting more than 9,000 jobs

Together, the two publications make clear that modern universities are not only widening opportunity but are fundamental to Scotland’s regional economies, public services and future growth.

Professor Liz Bacon, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Abertay University, and member of the MillionPlus Executive, said:

“These publications from MillionPlus rightly highlight what those of us leading modern universities in Scotland see every day - that our graduates are deeply rooted in the communities they come from and choose to build their futures here. ‘Loyal’ graduates are strengthening our schools, hospitals, businesses and creative industries, and in doing so they are driving inclusive economic growth across Scotland.

“As we approach the Scottish Parliament elections, it is vital that all parties recognise the central role modern universities play in retaining talent, widening opportunity and delivering the skilled workforce our regions need. Protecting a broad subject base and embedding graduate retention in economic strategy will be essential to Scotland’s long-term prosperity.”

Ends

1. For further information or to arrange an interview, please email press@millionplus.ac.uk
2. MillionPlus is the Association for Modern Universities in the UK, and the voice of 21st century higher education. We champion, promote and raise awareness of the essential role and impact of modern universities in the UK’s world-leading higher education sector. More information can be found at www.millionplus.ac.uk
3. What are modern universities? Modern universities are long established centres of higher education in their communities with roots that stretch back decades, if not centuries. Many gained university title following legislation agreed by parliament in 1992. They make up almost half of the UK university sector with over a million students studying at modern universities every year.
4. Think Modern: Innovation, ingenuity and inclusion from Britain's modern universities – facts and stats