Specialist institutions offer higher education courses and expertise focused around one specialism. We offer a forum that brings together the specialist institutions in our membership to consider shared policy issues.
Although the specialist institutions in our membership represent a diversity of specialisms – from the arts through to medical, veterinary and technological sciences – they share a great deal in common. Most are small in size and offer vocational programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. This means they have strong links with the industries and professions they prepare their students to enter.
Specialist Institutions' Forum
The Specialist Institutions' Forum brings leaders of specialist institutions together to develop policies and responses and share good practice on a range of issues such as funding, inclusion and diversity, and international recruitment.
The forum usually meets three times a year. It's currently chaired by Dr Paul Thompson, Vice-Chancellor of the Royal College of Art. He also represents specialist institutions' interests on the UUK Board.
Members of the forum
Performing and visual arts
- The Courtauld Institute of Art
- Falmouth University
- Glasgow School of Art
- Guildhall School of Music and Drama
- Norwich University of the Arts
- The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
- Royal College of Art
- Royal College of Music
- Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance
- University of Creative Arts
- University of the Arts London