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As the University of Glasgow today (Tuesday 3 July 2018) celebrates summer graduation in Dumfries a new report on the economic impact of the University Campus shows that it generates up to £14 million every year for the regional economy.

The Economic Impact of University of Glasgow Dumfries Campus report was compiled by researchers from the School of Interdisciplinary Studies who are based at the Crichton Institute.

The study which is based on figures from 2016/17, confirms that between 107 and 148 full time jobs are supported by the University of Glasgow and that the Dumfries campus delivers a significant return on public funding – with each £1million in support from the Scottish Funding Council stimulates a further £4.5million in Gross Value Added.

The Dumfries campus in 2016/17 contributed around £14 million to the regional economy as well as between £5.8 million and £8.9 million in Gross Value Added. Given the projected growth in student numbers, the future impact of the Dumfries campus project growth by 2020/21 is expected to contribute £20 million to the economy and up to £13 million Gross Value Added. 

Professor Carol Hill, Head of School and Director of the University of Glasgow Dumfries Campus said: "These statistics reflect the very substantial investment the University of Glasgow has made in its Dumfries campus and underline the significant economic value that the University has on the regional economy of Dumfries and Galloway.

"Given the projected growth in student numbers that we anticipate over the next few years, the impact of the Dumfries Campus can be expected to continue to increase. The report suggests our Gross Value Added contribution could be as high as £13million per year by 2020/21."

The University of Glasgow first opened its doors to students on the Crichton Campus in 1999, with the first graduations – of six students – taking place in 2002.

Since then, the University has located its School of Interdisciplinary Studies to the campus. It delivers the full spectrum of Higher Education opportunities – from summer school for access, further to higher education articulation. Undergraduate degrees and postgraduate research degrees.

Student numbers have increased to over 350 and are projected to reach 500 by 2020/21. The number of research staff has increased to 37, and professional, administrative and support staff to 15.

Professor Anne Anderson, Vice-Principal and Head of the College of Social Sciences said: "We are wholly focussed on delivering world class teaching and learning to our Dumfries based students, and in attracting and retaining talented young people into the area. As we gather to celebrate the success of our new graduates this report is a timely reminder of the major economic benefits that the University of Glasgow brings to the region.

"It is also important to reflect on the number of valuable collaborations that we have with other institutions on the Crichton campus. In due course it will be useful to calculate the overall economic impact that we all make to the region." 

Scotland’s senior law officer, Lord Advocate James Wolffe QC, who is originally from Dumfries, will be awarded an honorary doctorate for “his public service” within and outwith Scotland at today's Dumfries summer graduation.

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First published: 3 July 2018