Ancient university governance in Scotland facts for kids
The way universities in Scotland are run is based on old laws called the Universities (Scotland) Acts 1858 to 1966. These laws set up the rules for the 'older universities': the University of St Andrews, the University of Glasgow, the University of Aberdeen, and the University of Edinburgh. These four are often called the ancient universities of Scotland. Even though the laws don't directly apply to the University of Dundee, it uses the same system because of its special founding document, called a royal charter.
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How Scottish Universities Are Run
The old system for running these universities has three main parts that share authority. These parts are the university court, the general council, and the senatus academicus (which means academic senate in English).
The Senatus Academicus
The senatus academicus is the most important academic group in a university. It is led by the Principal.
This group usually includes the Principal, any Vice-Principals, all professors, deans of different departments, heads of schools, elected staff members who are not professors, elected student representatives, the university's head librarian, and other important people listed in the university's rules.
The main power of the senatus academicus is to choose people to serve on the university court. This group is in charge of teaching and discipline at the university. They also manage its money and property, but the University Court can check and change their decisions.
Often, the full senatus doesn't meet very often. It can let a smaller academic group handle some of its duties.
The University Court
The university courts were first created for the ancient universities by a law in 1858. They are in charge of the university's finances (money) and administration (how it's managed). Each university decides how its court is set up, with members coming from inside the university, the local community, and other places. The Privy Council must approve these setups.
In the ancient universities (but not in Dundee), the court is led by the rector. Members are also chosen by the general council and the senatus academicus. Some members are also automatically part of the court because of their job in the local authority. There are also members from outside the university and representatives from the students' representative council.
The General Council
The general council is a group made up of all senior academic staff and graduates of the university. It is led by the university's chancellor, who is chosen by the council for life. Members who are not also part of the senatus academicus can choose people to serve on the university court.
Mostly, the general council gives advice. It helps keep former students connected to their university.
University Leaders
The leaders of the ancient universities have been around for hundreds of years, even before the laws that gave them official power.
The Chancellor
The Chancellor is the official head of the university, but their role is mostly ceremonial. They are chosen for life by the General Council. The Chancellor's job is to award degrees, but they usually let the Principal do this as a Vice-Chancellor. The Vice-Chancellor role doesn't give the Principal any other special powers.
Chancellors' involvement varies. Some always attend important university events, while others rarely do. A Chancellor is often a member of the Royal Family, a local important person, or a well-known academic with ties to the university or area. Their main job is usually to promote the university, not to manage its daily operations.
The Chancellor also leads the General Council once chosen. They also pick someone to serve on the University Court. In the past, the Chancellor was often the local bishop.
Current Chancellors
| University | Chancellor | Date appointed |
|---|---|---|
| University of Aberdeen | Queen Camilla | 2013 |
| University of Dundee | George Robertson, Lord Robertson of Port Ellen | 2023 |
| University of Edinburgh | Anne, Princess Royal | 2011 |
| University of Glasgow | Dame Katherine Grainger | 2020 |
| University of St Andrews | Menzies Campbell, Lord Campbell of Pittenweem | 2006 |
The Principal and Vice Chancellor
The Principal is like the chief executive officer of the university. They lead the Senatus Academicus and are chosen by the University Court. Other senior leaders, who might be in charge of specific subjects or departments, are often called Vice Principals.
Because the Principal is usually also made the Vice-Chancellor, their full title is 'Principal and Vice Chancellor'. As Vice-Chancellor, the Principal can award degrees when the Chancellor is not there.
Current Principals
| University | Principals | Date appointed |
|---|---|---|
| University of Aberdeen | Professor George Boyne | 2018 |
| University of Dundee | Professor Iain Gillespie | 2021 |
| University of Edinburgh | Sir Peter Mathieson | 2018 |
| University of Glasgow | Sir Anton Muscatelli | 2009 |
| University of St Andrews | Dame Sally Mapstone | 2016 |
The Rector
The job of Rector is one of the oldest in university government. It dates back to when the first ancient universities in Scotland were created. Originally, the Rector was the actual head of the university, chosen from within its academics.
Over time, the Rector's role changed. Today, the Rector leads the University Court in the ancient universities, except for Dundee. The Rector also represents the students and helps promote the university. In recent times, Rectors have often been famous people, politicians, or activists.
Rectors are elected for three-year terms, which means most students get to vote at least once during their degree. All students usually vote together now. The Edinburgh Rector is special because both staff and students vote for them.
A Scottish university rector often works closely with the Students' Association. A Rector's installation ceremony is a big event, often including a speech to students and the public.
Current Rectors
| University | Rector | Date appointed | End of term |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Aberdeen | Iona Fyfe | 2025 | 2028 |
| University of Dundee | Keith Harris | 2021 | 2024 |
| University of Edinburgh | Simon Fanshawe | 2024 | 2027 |
| University of Glasgow | Ghassan Abu-Sittah | 2024 | 2027 |
| University of St Andrews | Stella Maris | 2023 | 2026 |
Other University Features
Students' Representative Councils
A students' representative council (SRC) is a group that represents student interests. They focus on how the university is run academically. The ancient universities are required by law to have an SRC.
Red Undergraduate Gowns
Students studying for their first degree at all the ancient universities in Scotland can wear a special red undergraduate gown. Students at Saint Mary's College in the University of Saint Andrews wear a black gown with open sleeves and a purple cross.
The Universities (Scotland) Acts
Quick facts for kids Universities (Scotland) Act 1853 |
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| Act of Parliament | |
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| Citation | 16 & 17 Vict. c. 89 |
| Other legislation | |
| Amended by |
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| Repealed by | Universities (Scotland) Act 1932 |
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Status: Repealed
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| Universities (Scotland) Act 1858 | |
|---|---|
| Act of Parliament | |
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| Long title | An Act to make Provision for the better Government and Discipline of the Universities of Scotland, and improving and regulating the Course of Study therein; and for the Union of the Two Universities and Colleges of Aberdeen. |
| Citation | 21 & 22 Vict. c. 83 |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 2 August 1858 |
| Other legislation | |
| Amended by | Statute Law Revision Act 1875 |
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Status: Amended
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| Text of the Universities (Scotland) Act 1858 as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk | |
| Universities (Scotland) Act 1859 | |
|---|---|
| Act of Parliament | |
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| Long title | An Act to remove Doubts as to Admission to the Office of Principal in the Universities of Scotland. |
| Citation | 22 & 23 Vict. c. 24 |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 13 August 1859 |
| Other legislation | |
| Repealed by | Universities (Scotland) Act 1932 |
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Status: Repealed
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| Universities (Scotland) Act 1889 | |
|---|---|
| Act of Parliament | |
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| Long title | An Act for the better Administration and Endowment of the Universities of Scotland. |
| Citation | 52 & 53 Vict. c. 55 |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 30 August 1889 |
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Status: Amended
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| Text of the Universities (Scotland) Act 1889 as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk | |
| Universities (Scotland) Act 1922 | |
|---|---|
| Act of Parliament | |
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| Long title | An Act to extend the powers of the Courts of the Universities of Scotland in the making of Ordinances for the superannuation and pensioning of Principals and Professors, and for the admission of Lecturers and Readers to the Senatus Academicus, and to provide for the admission of Lecturers and Readers to membership of the General Councils of those Universities. |
| Citation | 12 & 13 Geo. 5. c. 31 |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 20 July 1922 |
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Status: Amended
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| Text of the Universities (Scotland) Act 1922 as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk | |
| Universities (Scotland) Act 1932 | |
|---|---|
| Act of Parliament | |
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| Long title | An Act to transfer to the University Courts the right of presentation or appointment to certain chairs or professorships in the faculties of divinity or theology in the universities of Scotland; to remove restrictions as regards appointment to chairs or professorships in the said universities; to extend the powers of the University Courts of the said universities with regard to the making of ordinances, and for purposes connected therewith. |
| Citation | 22 & 23 Geo. 5. c. 26 |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 16 June 1932 |
| Other legislation | |
| Repeals/revokes |
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| Relates to | Universities Tests Act 1871 |
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Status: Amended
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| Text of the Universities (Scotland) Act 1932 as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk | |
| Universities (Scotland) Act 1966 | |
|---|---|
| Act of Parliament | |
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| Long title | An Act to amend the law relating to the Universities of St. Andrews, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Edinburgh; to make provisions consequential on the foundation of a University of Dundee; and for purposes connected therewith. |
| Citation | 1966 c. 13 |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 10 March 1966 |
| Other legislation | |
| Repeals/revokes | University of St. Andrews Act 1953 |
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Status: Amended
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| Text of the Universities (Scotland) Act 1966 as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk | |
These are the Acts (laws) passed by the Parliament of the United Kingdom that are known as the Universities (Scotland) Acts. These laws created the modern way of running the ancient universities of Scotland. The same ideas were also included in the University of Dundee's royal charter. These laws can be referred to together as the Universities (Scotland) Acts 1858 to 1966. Since 1999, rules about higher education are handled by the Scottish Parliament.
- Text of the Universities (Scotland) Act 1858 (c. 83) as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk
- Text of the Universities (Scotland) Act 1889 (c. 55) as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk
- Text of the Universities (Scotland) Act 1922 (c. 31) as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk
- Text of the Universities (Scotland) Act 1932 (c. 26) as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk
- Text of the Universities (Scotland) Act 1966 (c. 13) as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk
Other Effects of the Acts
Besides setting up how universities are run, the Universities (Scotland) Acts also had other important effects. The 1858 act helped merge King's College, Aberdeen and Marischal College in Aberdeen to form the University of Aberdeen in 1860. The 1966 act prepared for the creation of the University of Dundee from Queen's College, which was part of the University of St Andrews. The 1889 act created a special Scottish Universities Committee within the Privy Council and allowed Scottish universities to grow. The 1932 act removed a rule that required principals and professors to be of the Protestant faith.
Unique Features of Some Universities
There are a few differences in how some universities are run, even though they mostly follow the same rules.
University of Aberdeen
- The University of Aberdeen's students' representative council uses the name 'Students' Association Council'. This shows its close connection with the Aberdeen University Students' Association.
University of Dundee
- The University of Dundee's rules come from its own Royal Charter, not directly from the Universities (Scotland) Acts. This is because Dundee became an independent university in 1967. So, legally, it's separate from the ancient universities, even if it works similarly.
- The Rector of the University of Dundee is just called 'Rector', not 'Lord Rector'. Also, the Rector at Dundee doesn't lead the University Court; the court chooses a different member to be its chair.
University of Edinburgh
- The Rector of the University of Edinburgh is chosen by both staff and students. In other universities, only students vote for the Rector.
University of Glasgow
- The Glasgow University students' representative council is not part of a single Students' Association. This is because Glasgow has two student unions: the Glasgow University Union and the Queen Margaret Union.
