Student experience and savings plans at centre of vodcast discussion
The latest episode of the Shifting Light video series explores how Edinburgh is balancing learning and teaching with plans to secure its long‑term sustainability.
Edinburgh University Students’ Association President Ash Scholz and Matthias Schwannauer, Head of School for Health and Social Science, sat down to discuss how students are being considered in the work taking place to address the University’s financial challenges.
Student focus
Hosted by the Student Association’s Vice President Welfare, Syjil Ramjuthan, the conversation brought Ash and Matthias together to discuss their roles in the cost-saving work.
As President of the Students’ Association, Ash represents Edinburgh’s 49,000 strong student community on a range of student matters, including the student experience, learning and teaching, and the University’s strategic vision.
Ash spoke about their role advocating for Edinburgh’s student community in key University bodies, boards and subcommittees.
Drawing on perspectives from his academic background Matthias discussed his role as project lead for the University’s Academic Size and Shape working group.
The group is reviewing academic staff models and capacity in alignment with the University’s teaching, research and wider academic activities. The aim is to ensure provision is aligned to student demand and remains effective and financially sustainable.
In a discussion led by Students’ Association VP Welfare Syjil Ramjuthan, President Ash Scholz and Professor Matthias Schwannauer, lead of the Academic Size and Shape project, explore their roles in the University’s cost-saving plans.
Future planning
During the discussion, Ash highlighted student concerns and emphasised the need to protect the student experience at Edinburgh and ensure students are involved in the University’s decision-making processes.
Reflecting on the changing UK higher education landscape, Matthias noted the financial pressures facing the sector and why the University needs to make changes to mitigate these.
Their discussion also considered the evolving nature of teaching and learning, and how institutions like Edinburgh can adapt while still protecting and sustaining academic excellence.
Shifting light
‘Shifting Light: Edinburgh Voices the Future of Education’ is a vodcast series of conversations exploring the challenges affecting higher education and the future of universities in Scotland and beyond.
Each episode brings thoughtful and accessible discussions about the opportunities and challenges facing the sector, while reflecting a range of views from across the University community.
The series title takes its name from a quotation by the celebrated author and Edinburgh alumnus, Sir Alexander McCall Smith.
