Like many other things (good and bad) in Scotland, our view of the nation’s universities, and their contribution to how we see ourselves, is rooted in a great deal of history.

The UK has a total of six ancient universities, which are those founded before 1600. Four of them are in Scotland: St Andrews, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Edinburgh.

What is clear is that major questions surround the future of university finances, but that nobody – including government officials and sector leaders – seems to have the raw figures they would need to discuss concrete solutions in an open and democratic way.

That has to change. The last attempt to quantify and address funding gaps in higher education took place almost fifteen years ago, and there is clearly both a need, and an appetite, for the matter to be revisited.

We hope that our investigation into the future of Scotland’s universities can help to start that crucial conversation. Follow this article to read along.

Stuart Patrick: Do we fully grasp the importance of Glasgow's universities?

Glasgow City Region is bursting with centres of excellence supported by our universities writes Stuart Patrick.

Day Three

'Be mindful of the mission' - the challenges facing universities around the world

Education writer James McEnaney speaks to an international expert about the key issues facing universities, and the opportunities they bring.

'Making use of the land and natural resources' - what is Scotland's Rural College?

Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) is a unique tertiary education institution, offering full-time and part-time courses from college level or from NC all the way up to PhD level training.

Mapped: University tuitions fees across the UK and Europe

In Scotland, domestic students do not pay tuition fees. Instead, universities receive funding from the Scottish Government for each student, with the amounts varying according to the nature of each individual’s studies - although the amount each institution receives through this process does not actually cover the cost of delivering a degree to a homegrown student. How do they do it in Europe?

Why four of Scotland's universities are a bit different from the rest

Not all universities are the same. Different institutions have different origins and different missions, all of which are vital to the jobs they do. In Scotland, there are four that specifically stand out.

Why Scotland should welcome international students

The number of international students studying at Scottish universities is at a record high. Statistics show that 89,975 students (29% of the total) come from countries other than the UK. Despite the positive cultural and economic impact they provide, these individuals are marginalised by government and society alike. 

University students will continue to thrive against crumbling world

Earlier this month, I was asked to take part in an event in the Charles Wilson building directly opposite the Glasgow University Union. It was a crisp autumn evening. The leaves on the trees that line Kelvin Way were golden red, and the street itself heaving with fresh-faced students: flushed, expectant and walking open-armed towards all their bright new world was offering.

Day Two

Scottish university funding in 'precarious position'

University funding is increasingly coming under the microscope on both sides of the Border, amid growing concern over the condition of the public finances. Calls were recently made in England for the current cap on fees to be lifted for the first time in seven years.

What does the data say about students at Scotland's universities?

As part of our special investigation into Scotland's university sector, education writer James McEnaney breaks down some of the key data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) about students in institutions across the country.

Why are foreign students so important for our universities?

Foreign students are an extremely, and increasingly, important part of Scotland’s university system. Our Education Reporter James McEnaney explains why.

'Negative rhetoric' undermining 'popular' degree says Uni principal

Principal of the University of Edinburgh Professor Sir Peter Mathieson rails against the "depressing, negative and polarising rhetoric" that is undermining the value of an arts degree.

Day One

Exclusive: New investigation estimates potential funding deficit facing Scottish universities

According to The Herald's investigation, Scottish Government funding may only cover an average of 58% of the estimated costs of teaching Scottish students. Garrett Stell reports.

International fees are crucial to university funding: but how long can it last?

Many universities use international fees to help cover deficits, including teaching Scottish students whose tuition isn't enough to cover costs. Garrett Stell investigates.

James Miller: The importance of international students to Scotland

James Miller examines the importance of international students: dispelling the harmful rhetoric associated with international students because of immigration policy battles and talking about their contributions both financially and culturally.

No one knows how much a university education costs, and that's a problem

An investigation into how much universities need to educate their students and whether public money goes far enough turned up troubling results, reports Garrett Stell.