Scottish Executive Press Release
Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning, Wendy Alexander today approved the planned merger of
Northern College of Education with the Universities of Aberdeen and Dundee.
Ms Alexander said:
"The integration of Northern College's two campuses with the Universities of Aberdeen and Dundee will have
considerable benefits for students and staff alike and will enhance the teacher training provision available in
Tayside and Grampian
"Students will benefit from access to a greater range of courses and the opportunity to participate in the wider
academic and social communities within the universities.
"The strong research ethos of the two universities will offer development possibilities to the staff, and in return
the universities will benefit from the College's strong links with schools and other educational bodies.
"By combining their resources and expertise, the merged institutions will demonstrate high levels of academic
quality, diversity and flexibility.
NOTES TO NEWS EDITORS
1. The College's Aberdeen and Dundee campuses are to be merged with the respective Universities.
2. In considering merger proposals, the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning is advised by the Scottish
Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC). SHEFC assess the proposal against criteria established for this
purpose, and endorsed by the Scottish Executive. Institutions are expected to demonstrate that their proposals
to merge are based upon an objective and detailed assessment of the costs and benefits involved, and that
the decision to merge reflects a desire to enhance educational opportunities, and the teaching and learning
environment of students and staff. Furthermore, the proposal must contribute to the efficiency and
effectiveness of the Scottish higher education sector as a whole.
3. The technical means by which the merger will be effected is by means of an Order closing Northern College
and transferring its rights, assets, liabilities etc to the Universities. Before making the Order, the Minister is
required to consult with the governing body of the institution to be closed, and with SHEFC. These
consultations will take place with a view to implementing the merger later in the year.
Further Information:
University Press Office on telephone +44 (0)1224-273778 or email a.ramsay@admin.abdn.ac.uk.