UHI takes top Scottish places for education and music
University partnership ranks 1st in Scotland for education and 2nd for music in the Guardian University Guide 2027
The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) has secured two of Scotland’s leading subject rankings in the Guardian University Guide 2027, placing 1st in Scotland for education and 2nd for music.
UHI’s education subject area was also ranked 7th in the UK out of 90 institutions, 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.
The results recognise the quality of learning and teaching delivered across the UHI partnership and its distinctive approach to education and music, which combines specialist expertise with flexible study and strong connections to communities, culture and professional practice.
UHI offers education programmes spanning early learning and childcare, youth work, primary and secondary teaching, Gaelic-medium education, practitioner enquiry and educational leadership. Students can prepare for careers across education through academic study, professional placements and opportunities to learn in communities throughout the Highlands and Islands, Moray, Perthshire and beyond.
UHI’s music students develop their creative and professional practice through performance, songwriting, composition, production, research and collaboration. They learn from experienced academics and practising musicians while building the practical and industry-focused skills needed for careers across the music and creative sectors. UHI’s locations also place students within regions internationally recognised for their musical traditions and vibrant contemporary cultural life.
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.”
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.
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.”
Dr Allane Hay, Associate Dean for Business, Leisure and the Creative Economy, said:
“We’re delighted to see music at UHI recognised so highly in the Guardian University Guide. Ranking second in Scotland reflects the talent, dedication and creativity of our students, graduates and colleagues across the university partnership.
“Students at UHI can develop as performers, songwriters, composers and producers while learning from experienced academics and practising musicians. Our courses combine creative development with practical, industry-focused learning, helping students build the skills, experience and professional connections they need for careers in music and the wider creative industries.
“Our students also benefit from studying in places with remarkable musical traditions and thriving contemporary creative communities. That combination of place, practice and professional opportunity makes studying music at UHI distinctive.”
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.
The latest results follow UHI’s strong performance in the Guardian University Guide 2026, when education was ranked first in Scotland and third in the UK.
To explore education and music courses at UHI, visit www.uhi.ac.uk/courses