UHI postgraduate experience rated best in Scotland for third year in a row
For the third consecutive year, postgraduate students have rated the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) as the best in Scotland for overall student satisfaction.
In the national 2024 Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES), UHI has achieved the highest overall satisfaction rate of any Scottish institution and has been ranked 15th in the UK, out of 107 participating institutions.
Coordinated by Advance HE, the PTES invites students to have their say on taught postgraduate university programmes. Students are asked about areas including teaching, assessment and support, and respondents also rated UHI the best in Scotland for teaching and assessment.
The following UHI courses received 100% overall student satisfaction scores:
- MA Contemporary Art and Archaeology
- MA Health and Wellbeing
- MSc Leadership and Management
- MLitt History of the Highlands and Islands
- MA Music and the Environment
- MSc Psychology Conversion
- MSc Sustainable Mountain Development
Commenting on the results, Dr Iain Morrison, Dean of Student Experience, said:
“We are thrilled that, for the third consecutive year, our university has been ranked 1st in Scotland for postgraduate taught student satisfaction. This outstanding achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our staff and students, who together create an enriching and supportive academic environment. Our commitment to delivering a high-quality educational experience and personalised support has clearly resonated with our postgraduate community. We are incredibly proud of this recognition and will continue to strive for excellence, ensuring that every student who chooses to study with UHI feels valued and supported. Here's to another year of leading the way in postgraduate education!”
Highlands and Islands Students’ Association (HISA) President William Campbell commented:
“It is fantastic to see UHI once again ranked 1st in Scotland for student experience in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey. This recognition reflects the dedication and hard work of UHI’s students and staff.”
“At HISA, we believe in the power of the student voice. This achievement shows that when students share their perspectives and provide feedback, their needs are met, leading to a transformative educational experience. This accomplishment highlights our diverse student body and the supportive staff who foster a collaborative and innovative learning environment, making UHI a truly exceptional place to study.”
“Congratulations to UHI and everyone involved in this success, especially our student body, whose participation in this survey has ensured their voices are heard.”
Professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam who studied PgCert Leadership and Management at UHI Inverness, commented:
“I am a Professor of public health in Nottingham with multiple degrees and qualifications. As I advanced in my career, I wanted to undertake formal study in leadership and management. I enrolled in 2016, but a year later I was seconded to the Department for Health and Social Care as Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England. This didn’t leave me with much time for study, leading me to suspend my studies. And then the pandemic hit us.”
“By early 2022, I thought I would have to finally admit defeat and withdraw from the course, but the brilliant staff at UHI Inverness persuaded me to continue. Their support and the relaxed, supportive online learning style enabled me to complete the course. To me, that makes UHI a rather special kind of university. The ‘day job’ has involved a great deal of leadership and management and knowing that I now have the theoretical underpinnings from this course, is very important.”
Ella Macleman, a MSc Sustainable Energy Solutions student enrolled at UHI North, West and Hebrides, added:
"I was initially drawn to postgraduate study with UHI due to the university's excellent reputation within the energy and environment sectors. The online learning structure and flexibility of the courses also meant I could continue working full time whilst studying independently for my MSc in Sustainable Energy Solutions.”
“My entire academic experience has far exceeded my expectations. My tutors have been superb; all experts in their field which has really enhanced my learning of these evolving topics in Scotland; and the support and encouragement from both the academic staff and the educational support staff has been unwavering."
Will Hotopf graduated with an MSc in Sustainable Mountain Development from the Centre for Mountain Studies, UHI Perth, while residing in Canada.
“The MSc Sustainable Mountain Development was the course for me as it was both interesting and helpful for my career development. The course provided self-discipline and knowledge that will be invaluable moving forward.”
“I enjoyed the style of teaching. The flexibility of learning was perfect for me while I was working while studying, sometimes with limited internet connection. Having the MSc is incredibly beneficial. I am already using what I learned in my course working for the Quebec Paddling Association where I assess paddling route feasibility, infrastructure and sustainability.”
UHI’s postgraduate courses reflect the environment, culture and heritage of the Highlands and Islands, Moray and Perthshire and are often linked to academic research carried out by staff and students. They cover subjects including sustainable development, algae biotechnology, and history and archaeology of the Highlands and Islands. Courses are taught locally from UHI’s regions and are also available to study online across the world.
Places are available to study from September 2024. To apply, visit UHI’s course list.
More information about the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey.