University of Highlands and Islands is one of the best, say students

Student satisfaction with the university’s taught postgraduate programmes is significantly above the national average.

The university received a score of 85 per cent student satisfaction in the 2020 Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey.

This is seven percentage points higher than the average for Scottish higher education institutions of 78 per cent.

The result places the university 13th out of the 57 higher education institutions which took part in the survey across the UK.

Coordinated by Advance HE, the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey is a UK-wide measure of the experiences of students on taught postgraduate university programmes.

It provides students with an opportunity to give feedback on areas including learning and teaching, assessment and feedback, and organisation and management.

Over 117 students from across the University of the Highlands and Islands partnership completed this year’s survey.

Respondents rated the university particularly highly for its teaching, assessment and course information.

Dr Iain Morrison, University of the Highlands and Islands Dean of Students, said: “Once again, our students are telling us that the University of the Highlands and Islands is one of the best places in the UK to study postgraduate programmes.

“This survey ran entirely during lockdown and the great results come as no surprise, since our dedicated staff have been delivering a personalised learning experience and support to our students for over 20 years, wherever our students choose to study.

“Our strong industry links also ensure our postgraduate students develop the skills, qualifications and confidence required to support the recovery of our region following the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Kieran Murray completed an MMus in music at Perth College UHI.

He studied part time which allowed him to continue working as a musician and producer.

He said: “I enjoyed learning about the language of music for film and being given the freedom to do what I wanted musically within the parameters outlined in the course.

“I enjoyed being pushed to explore composing music outside of my comfort zone and the challenge of writing music for specific narratives.

“I also liked the fact that some of the study was student-led and my tutors were acting more as supervisors rather than teaching a course with rigid outcomes.

“The support and tutoring I received was excellent and the facilities are fantastic.”

Places on courses are still available for those who want to start their postgraduate journey in September.”

To find out more about postgraduate courses at the University of the Highlands and Islands, visit the UHI wesbite