University occupies unwelcome territory among big boys

The University of the West of Scotland's (UWS) decision to make their degrees, at £29,000, the third most expensive in the UK for students from England and Northern Ireland is, put simply, an astonishing one. It is a decision that is entirely out of kilter with UWS's proud record of widening access.

There is no doubt in my mind that this completely sends the wrong message - that UWS does not welcome talented students regardless of where they are from and how much they can afford to pay.

When the Students' Association of the West of Scotland marched alongside students from across the UK last autumn in protest at the coalition's plans to increase fees, we said this would have an impact in the west of Scotland.

Although we are proud that our campaigning, alongside NUS Scotland, has meant that the SNP Government has provided the funding that means free tuition for Scots will remain a reality, the regressive education policies of Westminster have now made their mark here too.

The University needs to move quickly to reduce the annual fee level and introduce a maximum degree fee, as is the case at the likes of Glasgow Caledonian University and Abertay University.

The University should also demonstrate its commitment to widening access for students from right across the UK by acting quickly to produce a robust bursary package for RUK students and by providing every suitably qualified student with the opportunity and support to go directly into second year, should they choose to do so.

The Students' Association will now be campaigning to ensure that the Holyrood Government put their money where their mouth is and give a fair financial recognition of the work that universities specialising in high quality teaching and widening access.