University of St. Andrews - degrees and licenses in medicine and dentistry: consultation analysis

Annex H: University of the Highlands and Islands

On behalf of the University of the Highlands and Islands in response to the above consultation and specifically:

Question 1 Do you agree that the Scottish Ministers should seek the Parliament's approval to repeal paragraph 17 of Schedule 6 to the Universities (Scotland) Act 1966 and therefore reinstate the ability of the University of St Andrews to hold qualifying examinations and award degrees in medicine and midwifery, as well as degrees and licences in dentistry?

I can confirm that the University of the Highlands and Islands is happy to support the proposal as set out in Question 1. Although our own view, in relation to midwifery specifically, is that there are currently sufficient providers or potential providers for that discipline as it is currently defined, we note that the disciplines encompassed in the proposal are all, in any case, controlled subjects. I would also note that the University of the Highlands and Islands is also one of seven bidders in the separate PfG process to consider options for a new Scottish medical school.

We are happy however that the University of St Andrews should, through this proposal, be able to operate on an equal basis with other universities in relation to any current or future developments.

Sincerely

Professor Crichton W. Lang
Principal and Vice-Chancellor (interim)
University of the Highlands and Islands

12^th June 2020