UHI Transformation
The future of UHI is being shaped now!
We need your views about what UHI should look like. Have your voice heard on the future of UHI, fill out the feedback survey today!
You may have completed another survey last year, and your views - plus those of our Student Voice Reps and Student Officer team - helped shape the ongoing development of UHI's new operating model.
This new survey for 2026-27 asks you why you've chosen to study at UHI and what you hope to get out of your time with us. You'll also be able to meet the UHI Transformation team and answer these questions in-person at some of our Welcome fayres around the UHI partnership over September.
Background
The concept of a university in the highlands was developed in the 1990s when a number of colleges and specialist institutions across the Highlands and Islands, Moray and Perthshire decided to collaborate on a new model for delivering university education to remote and rural communities. This new partnership became UHI, and after years of development, was given the ability to award its own degrees in 2011. This has had a significant impact on the regions it serves by allowing individuals to study for a degree while remaining in their community.
UHI has set out its ambitions to teach more students and provide more opportunities over the coming years, as detailed in its 2030 strategy. It wants to continue to provide opportunities to local, national and international students and increase the reach of its impact.
However, these ambitions are set against a very challenging financial position, with Scottish Government funding for colleges at its lowest level for decades and strong competition for students in the sector. In addition to these external financial challenges, because of the way the UHI partnership is currently organised, the university and colleges require to spend a significant amount on internal management activity.
The current position is not sustainable in the long term given the financial pressures within the education sector, and all UHI partners are therefore actively collaborating and working towards developing a new way of working to become organisationally and financially sustainable going forward. This will allow UHI and its academic partners to continue to deliver the greatest value to our students, staff and communities and maintain the best possible student experience in the future.
What does this mean in practice for students?
Currently, the UHI partnership is looking at ways to improve how it is structured and operates, aiming to create a more efficient and effective system – by developing what is called a new ‘operating model’.
The goal is to reduce internal bureaucracy, making the UHI partnership more financially sustainable and allowing more resources to be focused on enhancing the student experience.
To that end, the Transformation programme is focusing on three main areas:
Creating clearer study pathways
UHI is exploring how it can create more joined-up curriculum across further education, higher education, research and other learning opportunities.
For students, this will mean:
- Clearer routes between different levels of study
- More opportunities to access learning across the wider UHI partnership
- Easier progression from one course or qualification to another
- A curriculum that continues to respond to the needs of employers and communities across the region
Improving how services work
UHI is also looking at how services can work more effectively across the partnership.
The aim is to make services more consistent, easier to access and better able to support students wherever they study.
Creating new opportunities
The partnership is developing a more coordinated approach to working with employers, businesses and external organisations.
For students, this could create:
- Stronger links with local businesses and industry
- More work-based learning opportunities
- Improved graduate employment opportunities
- Greater investment in areas that support student success
What happens next?
The Transformation programme is still in its early stages, and there are no immediate changes for students as a result of this work. Over the coming months, detailed planning and engagement will continue as proposals are developed and explored.
Students will continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of the UHI partnership. HISA is working closely with UHI leaders and the Transformation team to keep students informed, gather feedback and ensure student views are reflected throughout the programme. This includes speaking directly with students and creating opportunities for them to share their experiences, ideas and priorities.
If you have any questions about the programme or would like to get involved, please get in touch. Your feedback will help shape the future direction of UHI.
Your voice matters!
I want to know more!
We've got you covered with our student-focused Frequently Asked Questions!
For more information:
Visit the UHI Transformation webpage:UHI Transformation for Students