University of the Highlands and Islands rated highly in postgraduate survey

The University of the Highlands and Islands has been rated highly in a UK-wide survey of postgraduate students. Student satisfaction with the university’s taught postgraduate programmes is significantly above the national average.

The university received a score of 85% 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%. The result places the university thirteenth 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 provide 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, commented:

“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.  

“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 www.uhi.ac.uk

Case studies
Fleur Ward, originally from Melbourne, Australia, relocated to Orkney to undertake the MLitt Orkney and Shetland Studies. She is now a PhD researcher in the discipline of Island Studies based at the Institute for Northern Studies, Orkney College UHI. She said "I was attracted to studying in Orkney because it gave me the chance to physically visit the sites and access specialised material. I received great support and encouragement from all teaching staff and the lecturers always had time to invest in their students and their needs. Studying on the course has helped me to develop fundamental interpersonal, problem solving and team building skills."

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.”