THE University of Edinburgh has quietly paid more than £750,000 to a controversial consulting firm, fuelling suspicion it is helping bosses shape budget cuts that could see hundreds of jobs go.

The money was paid to Nous Group, which specialises in advising universities but has developed an ominous reputation in the higher education sector. Academics have dubbed it “Nousferatu” – a nod to the silent movie vampire – because they say its arrival often ushers in reductions in staff and courses.

Documents obtained by The Ferret show Nous and “related entities” have advised the university on everything from disability services to digital strategy.

Edinburgh’s spending on the company has spiked in 2025, while at the same time it announced it was facing a “financial gap” and was seeking savi

See Full Page