The University of the Highlands and Islands has been ranked the best university in Scotland for education for the second year running, according to the Guardian University Guide.

The regional network of universities has also been ranked second best for music. 

The annual league table published this month ranks 123 universities across the UK. These results follow-on from UHI’s success last year, where education was ranked first in Scotland and third in the UK.

UHI’s education subject area was ranked seventh in the UK our of 90 institutions this year, making it the highest-ranked Scottish entry and the only one in the UK top 10.

Music was ranked 25th in the UK out of 83 institutions.

UHI’s education ranking encompasses undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across the university partnership, including early learning and childcare, youth work, primary and secondary teaching, Gaelic-medium education, practitioner enquiry and educational leadership.

In the area of music, students develop their creative and professional practice through performance, songwriting, composition, production, research and collaboration. They learn from academics and practising musicians while building the practical and industry-focused skills needed for careers across the music and creative sectors. 

Vicki Nairn, UHI Principal and Vice-Chancellor, said: “Being ranked 1st in Scotland for education and 2nd for music is a tremendous achievement for our students and colleagues across the UHI partnership.

“These results recognise the expertise, imagination and commitment found throughout our university partnership. They also reflect what makes studying at UHI distinctive: students can access high-quality learning while drawing inspiration and experience from the schools, communities, cultural organisations and creative networks around them.

“Education and music both have a profound influence on people, places and culture. We are proud to prepare talented graduates who will become teachers, educators, performers, creators and leaders, making a difference in their professions and communities.”

Dr Karen Lowing, Associate Dean for Education, said: “To remain Scotland’s highest-ranked university for education is a significant endorsement of the learning experience our students receive.

“Our programmes are shaped by research, professional practice and close relationships with schools and communities. Students learn from experienced and committed colleagues, gain valuable experience in real educational settings and develop the knowledge and confidence to support learners throughout Scotland and beyond.

“This success belongs to our students and to colleagues across the UHI partnership whose work is helping to educate and inspire the next generation.”

The Guardian University Guide assesses universities using measures focused on the student experience. These include satisfaction with teaching and assessment, student-to-staff ratios, continuation, academic progress and graduate career outcomes.

To explore education and music courses at UHI, click here.