YOUR VIEWS: Are qualifications from the University of the Highlands and Island (UHI) credible?

Courier columnist Charles Bannerman sparked a debate when he questioned the credibility of qualifications from UHI.

“You question UHI for apparently not deciding on being a college or university when in reality it is both. People start on a college level and move up to a university level and UHI gives them that opportunity. Not to mention they did not just give anyone qualifications. People have earned them, in fact students’ IQs are actually rising, so it may seem easy but in reality it is not. This looks like someone has decided to attack UHI.” – Ahren, Helensburgh

“Interesting article. As a student of UHI, I would say that a major issue is inconsistent teaching standards. Some lecturers are brilliant and dedicated while others do not meet their own timescales or appear at all committed to their roles. Many of my fellow students are struggling with the almost exclusively online model, which for many courses is now permanent, this will put many young people off applying to UHI. The institution is looking a lot like a missed opportunity.” – Donna Godsman, Inverness

“I was the first in my family to attend a university. I couldn’t afford to go somewhere in the central belt. UHI is a force for good in the Highlands, it has given me opportunities I would never have been able to obtain otherwise. Mr Bannerman’s essay only serves to promote an elitist narrative that yearns for a return to a two-tier education system where qualifications (such as Firsts) are reserved for a tiny minority of Russell Groupers, while we in the Highlands should be content with polytechnics... It’s 10-plus years since university accreditation and we still have this self-defeating attitude about what is an incredible, exciting institution with global research links and a massive stake in the future of the Highlands and Islands.” – Jack MacGregor, Inverness

“Perhaps he should look at some of the larger wastes of taxpayer money much further up the chain than some students who are simply trying to better themselves, and the disaster of a world that previous generations have left for them.” – Paige, Glasgow

“The university’s qualifications are as good as any other.” – Susan Lyons

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