Harnessing the role of Scottish popular culture and identity in internationalisation of Scottish Higher Education

This paper considers the role of Scottish popular culture and identity in developing the notion of internationalisation in Scottish higher education (HE). The study focusses on educators’ perspectives and their perceived role in shaping institutional policies. Academics have insider knowledge that has potential value for appropriate policy development, but that knowledge, is not used to full advantage.  This interpretative qualitative research uses questionnaire and interview data from HE educators at three Scottish universities. To offer a way of theorising, study uses Ulrich Beck’s notion of cosmopolitanism as theoretical lens, an internationalisation policy that emphasises cultural relevance. While data from questionnaires and interviews suggest a range of opinions, internationalisation in HE may develop along culturally appropriate lines.  This research focuses on the following questions:  what does internationalisation look and feel like in Scottish universities? And what is the role of culture and identity in shaping internationalisation policies in Scottish HE?