UHI rated best in Scotland for postgraduate student satisfaction – fourth year in a row
Postgraduate students have once again ranked the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) as the best in Scotland for overall student satisfaction in the 2025 Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey.
In this year’s national survey, UHI achieved an overall satisfaction rate of 91% – the highest of any Scottish university and up from last year’s 88%. This places UHI 7th in the UK, out of 102 participating institutions.
Coordinated by Advance HE, the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey invites taught postgraduate students from across the UK to rate their student experience. UHI also ranked highest in Scotland in three additional categories: teaching (90%), assessment (90%) and engagement (87%).
The following courses each achieved a perfect 100% overall satisfaction score:
- MSc Advanced Nurse Practitioner
- MA Contemporary Art and Archaeology
- MA Health and Wellbeing
- MLitt History
- MSc Psychology Conversion
- MSc Sustainable Mountain Development
- PGCert Teaching qualification further education
Professor Keith Smyth, Dean of Learning, Teaching and Students, said:
“We are delighted that, for the fourth consecutive year, our university has been ranked first in Scotland for postgraduate taught student satisfaction. These results reflect the continued dedication of our staff and the strength of support we aim to offer all learners, including the range of ways in which we provide for and work with our postgraduate students. We remain committed to delivering flexible, high-quality postgraduate education that meets the diverse needs of our students, wherever they are based and however they study with us.”
Xander McDade, President of the Highlands and Islands Students’ Association (HISA), added:
“At HISA, we believe in the power of the student voice. This fantastic achievement shows that when students share their perspectives, their needs are met – leading to a transformative educational experience. It highlights our diverse student body and the supportive staff who create a collaborative and innovative learning environment, making UHI a truly exceptional place to study.”
UHI’s postgraduate programmes reflect the environment, culture and heritage of the Highlands and Islands, Moray and Perthshire, and are often linked to cutting-edge research by staff and students. Courses are taught locally across UHI’s academic partner campuses and learning centres, specialist teaching centres and research institutes and many are also available to study online across the world.
Mia Lalanne, from Appin, who graduated with an MSc in Net Zero Communities from UHI North, West and Hebrides, said:
“I wanted to change careers and came across this course online and it sounded great. When I contacted the programme leader, her response was incredible – she saw me as an individual with potential and opened the door to higher education for me, an opportunity I’ll be forever grateful for.
“The course was world-class, and the staff were amazing. It gave me the flexibility, confidence, and support to explore what mattered most to me. I now have a job I love, and it would not have been possible without UHI and the knowledge, network, research skills and confidence the Master’s gave me.”
Lorenzo Di Bernardo, originally from Sardinia, Italy, and now living in Fife, is studying for an MSc in Applied Data Analytics at UHI Inverness, and said:
“The MSc Applied Data Analytics was a great choice for me as a 31-year-old looking to retrain and stay relevant in a changing job market. The distance learning format was key, as it meant I could continue working full-time. That flexibility enabled me to transition into a digital position, where I now use the skills from my studies every day.
"UHI’s supportive structure allowed me to pursue both my professional goals and my creative passions, including occasional work as a TV extra, and publishing my first book. I'm thankful to have found a course and an institution that helped me advance my education without sacrificing my career or personal commitments.”
Emma Stewart, an MBA Business Administration (Executive) graduate from UHI Perth, said:
“I really enjoyed the course, the modules were interesting and directly related to my work, which made everything feel relevant. The staff were so supportive and understanding, especially knowing that many of us were juggling full-time jobs alongside studying. The flexible teaching and regular online sessions made it manageable. This qualification is a great asset to my CV, and the skills I’ve gained, especially around strategy and leadership, have given me the confidence to take the next step in my career.”
Places are available for September 2025 entry. To apply or find out more, visit: UHI’s course list.
More information about the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey is available from Advance HE website.