Scotland Uni - 4 year courses?

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Can anyone explain how Scotland universities work in terms of costs, cadence of course delivery, year in industry /abroad etc?

Are all courses 4 years?
Do you pay £9250 per year still? (appreciate that may change). Looking at Glasgow it looks like it.. can't get my head around taking on more debt and having another year of accommodation costs etc...

Is it the same number of modules/credits/content etc, just delivered more slowly? Are there fewer contact hours than the 12 -15 in the UK?

Most uk uni's offer a year in industry/abroad between years 2 and 3. How does this work?

Any insights appreciated - thank you!

Most honours degrees are 4 years (although can be 3 years with 2nd year entry or 5 years for integrated masters or some MFL or placement).

Some Scottish unis used to rebate one years fees for RUK students but not sure so common now. Check each website (might only rebate fees for widening access RUK). I think 2nd year entry is more common now. DDs BF who is RUK joined in 2nd year.

In years 1 and 2 students study outside subjects - one of mine who graduated in geography studied chemistry, geology and stats in years 1 and 2. Although there usually is the opportunity to study at least half units in main subjects (or more if joint honours). Joining in 2nd year there are less options for outside subjects. Switching degree subjects common. Only 1 of my 3 graduated with degree they applied to.

Not sure about number of units per year compared to English unis (120 SQCF/60 ECTS credits per year is normal in Scotland but opportunity to study up to 20 SQCF extra units if you are able particularly in early years). Perhaps the top tier unis do more (mine went to mid tier unis).

Contact hours differ depending on unis/subjects. For my 3, the science ones had greatest. The more academic uni had least.

Year abroad (year 3) offered for many courses (not usually guaranteed it can be competitive so you need good first year results). Similar for placements. Even if no integrated placement then possible to intermit for a year to do placement (no fees, still access to uni facilities , still considered a student). Usually year abroad or placement do not count for degree class so all on 4th year (but some courses different eg engineering or MFL where placements/year abroad count)

Glasgow used to only charge 3 yrs fees for English students but it’s full 4 yrs from this September.
My English dc is hoping to go there and go abroad for a semester yr 3. She would have a yr abroad at her insurance choice (not Scotland) so it’s 4 yrs either way.
Glasgow give a scholarship for high grades to English students but it’s a drop in ocean compared to extra fees.
I share your reservations and I have pointed out to dc the additional costs. She is doing 2 subjects so one of appeals is she can study the second subject in more depth in Glasgow.

Just think of it like an extra year at the start, and if you get the grades/option you can start in Yr2 and it's like for like (year of industry is between Yrs 3 and 4). Yrs 2-4 will align in pace and standard with 1-3 in England.

It works well if your DS has chosen a course that isn't a perfect fit for his A-levels, he can take courses in Yr1 to make up the difference. It's also an easier year for a lot of English students, which can help if they might struggle living away from home etc.

DS was a Covid sixth former and then had a gap year so although he could have started in the second year, he found the first year really useful for regaining his academic confidence and giving him the freedom to explore those other subjects alongside his degree subject - he really enjoyed them. It IS expensive but we’re gritting our teeth - doing almost the entirety of his A Levels in his bedroom was a bit soul destroying for him and he handled it with such good grace that we feel like he deserved to go where he really wanted to go for uni!

Just to add that two of mine would have preferred to be done in 3 years and out into job market. One found 4 years just right (vocational degree with little/no overlap with school subjects).