Uni’s big fat Gypsy degree

From the Scottish Sun

STUDENTS are being offered a big fat Gypsy degree — paid for by the taxpayer.

More than £51,000 of public cash is being splurged on the bizarre Scottish Government-backed university course called Improving Understanding of the Experience of Gypsy Travellers in Scotland.

Over three years the learner will get funding to find out as much as they can about intensely-private Travellers.

And at the end of it they'll walk away with a doctorate.

Last night furious Tory MSP Alex Johnstone blasted: “I don’t understand why there’s a need for a course on this.

“It is one more step towards an education system that’s broad but not effective.”

The PhD course starts at Edinburgh Uni in September and postgraduate students had until June to apply for the single place that’s up for grabs.

The uni’s website describes travellers as “discriminated against” and “marginalised”.

It says: “At a basic level, the current population of Gypsies/Travellers in Scotland is unknown. In particular, many people are afraid to identify themselves as a gypsy/traveller because of the extreme discrimination and prejudice they have experienced in the past.”

The successful student will try to interview notoriously shy Gypsies, and it is hoped they can shed new light on their lifestyles and give advice on how to keep tabs on communities and help them.

In return they will get an annual grant of £13,590 each year and have their £3,732 fees paid — a grand total of £51,966.

The cost is being picked up by the Scottish Government, which is forking out £6,000 a year, and the Economic and Social Research Council.

MSP Mr Johnstone added: “There are a lot of things wrong with Higher Education in Scotland. We spend too much time chasing arty things and not enough training the scientists and engineers we need for the next generation.”

Aberdeen councillor Willie Young, whose constituency faces problems with illegal camps, hit out: “This money should be given to councils to fund official sites for Travellers.

“You don’t need a PhD to understand that would make life better for everyone.”

The Scottish Government said: “Gypsy/Traveller communities are among the most disenfranchised in Scotland. This will help shape how we work with them.”