Education
While the higher education system is constantly evolving, its transformative power remains.
British universities have long proven themselves resilient and adaptable, but falling international enrolments and the domestic fee cap are putting pressure on the sector.
Our consultants are strategic advisors to many of the world’s largest higher education institutions. We have completed more than 300 projects with 50 global university clients, covering the full range of university functions. Our work will support your strategy development, operations, culture, and transformation initiatives.
Our work in higher education is complemented by that of Nous Data Insights, our education solutions business, whose world-leading UniForum program gives university leaders the insights they need to drive change in their organisations.
Our work includes
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Universities
Across teaching, research and civic engagement, universities have a variety of functions that need to work on concert to deliver great outcomes. We work with universities on challenges to help them deliver on their mission. In partnership with NousCubane’s UniForum, we offer benchmarking expertise that allows university leaders to drive change.
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Vocational education
As UK grapples with digitisation and demographic changes, the vocational education system ensures our workforce meets students’ and employers’ needs. We work with governments and vocational education providers on strategic programs, digital systems and leadership development.
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Government
Governments play a significant role in fostering a dynamic and sustainable higher education system. We work with governments to access the data and develop the insights needed to shape the system to meet the needs of learners, employers, institutions and all of society.
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Institution and faculty strategy
Effective strategy requires analysing the operating environment to inform decisions, and then developing plans to guide the execution. We help institutions to articulate and solve complex challenges, offering support for strategic direction, digital strategy, market analytics and positioning, economic impact assessment, new market opportunities, and partnerships and alliances.
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Student experience
A quality student experience creates meaningful relationships, a sense of belonging and a unique learning experience. We help institutions to craft an outstanding student experience that harnesses ideas from across the globe and improves employability outcomes. We can support you with student services, completion and outcomes, as well as alumni strategy.
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Research focus and productivity
Many universities are striving to increase their impact and enhance their reputations through improved research performance. We support universities to build a research focus and attain the capability to drive performance and recognition. We can help you to develop research priorities and talent strategy, and improve research outcomes, including commercialisation.
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Operational excellence
The performance of an institution’s operations impacts its ability to fulfil its mission. We develop institutional capacity and capability to deliver exceptional outcomes. Our services include functional excellence and service design, system and process improvement, digital transformation, campus and asset utilisation, and financial performance.
Universities
Across teaching, research and civic engagement, universities have a variety of functions that need to work on concert to deliver great outcomes. We work with universities on challenges to help them deliver on their mission. In partnership with NousCubane’s UniForum, we offer benchmarking expertise that allows university leaders to drive change.
Vocational education
As UK grapples with digitisation and demographic changes, the vocational education system ensures our workforce meets students’ and employers’ needs. We work with governments and vocational education providers on strategic programs, digital systems and leadership development.
Government
Governments play a significant role in fostering a dynamic and sustainable higher education system. We work with governments to access the data and develop the insights needed to shape the system to meet the needs of learners, employers, institutions and all of society.
Institution and faculty strategy
Effective strategy requires analysing the operating environment to inform decisions, and then developing plans to guide the execution. We help institutions to articulate and solve complex challenges, offering support for strategic direction, digital strategy, market analytics and positioning, economic impact assessment, new market opportunities, and partnerships and alliances.
Student experience
A quality student experience creates meaningful relationships, a sense of belonging and a unique learning experience. We help institutions to craft an outstanding student experience that harnesses ideas from across the globe and improves employability outcomes. We can support you with student services, completion and outcomes, as well as alumni strategy.
Research focus and productivity
Many universities are striving to increase their impact and enhance their reputations through improved research performance. We support universities to build a research focus and attain the capability to drive performance and recognition. We can help you to develop research priorities and talent strategy, and improve research outcomes, including commercialisation.
Operational excellence
The performance of an institution’s operations impacts its ability to fulfil its mission. We develop institutional capacity and capability to deliver exceptional outcomes. Our services include functional excellence and service design, system and process improvement, digital transformation, campus and asset utilisation, and financial performance.
LATEST REPORTS
Enabling excellence with Nous Data Insights
Our work in higher education is complemented by that of Nous Data Insights, our education solutions business. Its world leading administrative benchmarking program, UniForum, delivers a comprehensive analysis of how professional services are resourced across the entire university, brought to life via a range of tools and a collaborative global network to support real change.
FEATURED
INSIGHTS
OUR WORK
Julie Mercer
Principal
Julie is an experienced and trusted advisor working with industry, government and the public sector to help address their most challenging issues.
Darren Leafe
Principal
Darren has worked in education, government and the public sector for over 25 years. He designs, develops and delivers customer-centric digital solutions that deliver long-lasting change
Antonia Instone
Director
Antonia is an experienced leader and strategist specialising in not-for-profit organisations, having developed and delivered successful growth, transformation and people programs for government, universities and non-government organisations (NGOs).
Peter Horne
Principal
Peter leads Nous Government and Defence practice in the UK. He has leadership and consulting experience across the public, private and voluntary sectors at executive and board level.
Abby Nduva
Director
Abby is an experienced management consultant, having worked in the public and private sectors across UK, Europe and Australia over the last 20 years.
James Langlands
Director
James is a former public sector executive with experience operating at senior levels across several government departments.
James Rendoth
Director
James is a determined problem solver.
Nic Dillon
Director
Nic combines strategic insight with an appreciation of the need for complementary qualitative and quantitative analysis. He has experience across the UK, Canada and Australia.
Matt Durnin
Principal
Matt specialises in higher education strategy and internationalisation. He has played a role in establishing more than 30 academic and research partnerships across 15 countries.
Phil Copestake
Nous Data Insights Managing Director, UK & Europe
Phil leads Nous Data Insights' UniForum benchmarking programme in the UK and Europe.
Tim Kennedy
Principal
Tim currently leads Nous Group Canada. He is an expert in higher education strategy, operating model design, budget model change and implementation, and transformation leadership.
Hamish Ride
Principal
Hamish specialises in strategy and policy development, from direction-setting through to execution in education and other sectors.
Peter Wiseman
Principal
Peter is an award-winning higher education strategist and transformation expert.
Zac Ashkanasy
Principal
Zac is Nous' Global Higher Education Lead and has more than three decades of business and consulting experience from around the world.
