What we do

Universities UK is the collective voice of 140 universities in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Our member universities' core purpose is to maximise their positive impact for students and the public both in the UK and globally through teaching, research and scholarship. We are led by our members and act on behalf of universities.

Our priorities

  • Opportunity - anyone with the will and potential to succeed, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to transform their lives through accessing an outstanding learning experience at a UK university.
  • Impact - UK universities are world-leading in the production and application of knowledge and skills.
  • Trust - through demonstrating positive impact on students’ lives, economic growth, public services and civil society, UK universities benefit from widespread public trust and political support.
  • Global - UK universities are global leaders in international education and research.
  • Autonomous - UK universities are free to make autonomous decisions according to their diverse missions and the needs of their students and communities.

Strategic plan

Our Strategic plan 2018-23 World-leading impact (PDF) ​sets how we plan to deliver these priorities.

​​​​​Annual report and accounts​

Our annual report and consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2019​ (PDF)​​. 

 Downloads

Students in corridor

Government decision on student returns in England 'hugely disappointing for students'

13 April 2021
UUK's response to the government's decision to delay further student returns until at least 17 May 2021.

Joint letter from UUK, Student Minds and NUS on student returns

11 April 2021
With student and young people’s wellbeing at risk, universities are keen to ensure that students can experience the positive learning and wellbeing benefits of returning to Covid-safe campuses for the summer term.
Students in library

Universities demand answers from government on student returns

7 April 2021
Universities and up to a million students were eagerly awaiting the government’s latest roadmap announcement, in anticipation that they would be able to return to safe, socially-distanced in-person teaching and learning from 12 April.