Higher education research specialists
The higher education sector faces growing pressure to deliver more with less, whilst continuing to improve outcomes, widen participation and provide evidence of impact – all in an era of uncertainty and change. Universities and policymakers must navigate this change whilst ensuring quality, improved access and positive outcomes for students.
Trusted by government, regulators and universities alike, we’ve been delivering high-quality research since 1965. We believe in being human first and making a difference – values that guide how we work. Through a flexible and collaborative approach, we help you turn evidence into action, to drive real and sustainable change.
Our services
We deliver full service bespoke research, from fast turnaround surveys to large scale evaluations and mixed methods studies. And, with over 60 years’ experience, we’ve become experts at reaching the right audiences, in the right way.
Quantitative research
Better understand student experiences, outcomes, and sector performance at scale. Through effective survey design, delivery and analysis, we can help you collect evidence to track trends, measure impact, and make confident, data-driven decisions.
Qualitative research
Add depth and context to the numbers with qualitative research. Perhaps you want to uncover lived experience, or understand motivations? We can help you find the answers you need through depth interviews, focus groups or ethnographic approaches.
Evaluation
Inform future processes or get a clear picture of how programmes and policies are working. We can help you measure performance, understand what works, and identify ways to improve through a process, impact or value for money evaluation.
Multi-mode projects
Understand the full story behind your data. By combining methodology – including surveys, qualitative research and secondary sources – we can help you explore the ‘why’ as well as the ‘what’, delivering evidence and recommendation you can trust.
Our research partners
We work with individual institutions and government bodies looking to deliver an effective higher education system and provide a positive experience for students. Here are just a handful of our research partners.
Supporting higher education providers
At IFF, we understand how universities work on the inside. So, we’re able to understand your brief quickly, and deliver robust, respected, and actionable research and recommendations. As sector specialists, our team will take the time to understand your specific challenges and opportunities to ensure we deliver insight which informs confident decision making and change.
Why IFF?
Agile and adaptable
Our team of higher education specialists deliver projects of all sizes. From timely surveys or qualitative research to multi-year evaluations – you’ll work with a dedicated team and receive a bespoke service to meet your needs and budget.
Experience across the lifecycle
We bring extensive experience across the student lifecycle. From recruitment to marketing, student experience to outcomes, we can help you understand the full picture of your students and institution.
Bigger picture understanding
Universities face a complex, fast-changing landscape shaped by policy and regulation. Our deep policy insight ensures your research goes beyond short-term answers – helping you anticipate sector trends and positioning your institution for sustainable success.
Case studies
Read more about some of our work supporting higher education providers.
Supporting government and policy makers
We work with government, funding bodies and regulators to understand how policy shapes higher education outcomes. Our research provides clear, robust evidence to inform decisions, support effective policy development and deliver lasting benefit for students and society.
Why IFF?
Policy insight experts
With over 60 years’ experience supporting government, our insight meets the highest standards of independence and rigour – giving you confidence in making data-driven decisions that stand up to scrutiny.
Strong sector understanding
With experience across higher education, business and learning and skills, we understand how policies connect and where challenges overlap. We can help you turn policy goals into evidence-based solutions that deliver real impact.
We see this as a partnership
Working together towards a common goal, our team become an extension of your own. Our collaborative approach, with strong flexibility, communication and transparency, means you’re always in the loop and can trust us to deliver on time and budget.
Case studies
Read more about some of our government and policy work in the higher education sector.
