Health Sciences University shortlisted for Specialist Institution of the Year at THE Awards 2026

Health Sciences University (HSU) is delighted to have been shortlisted for the prestigious THE Awards, which celebrate excellence across higher education in the UK and Ireland. This year, the awards received more than 500 entries, with over 130 institutions entering and 74 reaching the final stage.

Health Sciences University’s shortlisted submission, Integrated education, clinical impact and workforce transformation at scale, reflects a transformational period for the University and the collective contribution of staff, students, partners and stakeholders across its campuses.

The submission highlights the University’s specialist model, integrating education, clinical care and applied research to meet workforce needs. During the 2024-25 academic year, HSU achieved a transformational step change through rebranding, merger and growth in scale, increasing income to £23.8 million and strengthening financial resilience.

HSU educates around 2,000 students in a high-contact, practice-integrated environment that supports strong progression into regulated health and performance-related professions. Growth has been demand-led, with expansion in allied health provision, apprenticeships and specialist postgraduate provision, alongside new clinical services and research centres and strong partnerships with NHS and sector bodies.

The University also delivers significant civic impact, with 85,000 patient episodes annually through its integrated clinical model. Combined with growth in applied research and disciplined operations, the submission demonstrates how specialist institutions can deliver high-impact, workforce-aligned education at scale.

Professor Lesley Haig, Vice-Chancellor of Health Sciences University, said:

“We are delighted to have been shortlisted for this prestigious award. It is particularly gratifying for HSU to be recognised alongside such outstanding institutions, all of which are worthy contenders. Being shortlisted for a THE Award is a significant achievement and reflects the dedication, ambition and hard work of colleagues across HSU. Together, they are helping to elevate our institution and demonstrate the vital contribution that specialist universities make to the higher education sector.”

The Specialist Institution of the Year award recognises exceptional performance by specialist higher education institutions. Teaching, research, access, graduate outcomes and business performance are among the areas taken into account, alongside how institutions have forged and strengthened links with industries operating in their specialist field.

HSU is one of six institutions shortlisted for Specialist Institution of the Year, with the winner set to be announced at the THE Awards ceremony at The Vox in Birmingham on Thursday 26 November 2026.

Find out more about the THE Awards 2026 and view the full shortlist.