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HIGHER EDUCATION

You shape futures.

We help you do more.

You understand the pressures of delivering meaningful change across your university, from improving recruitment and retention to creating inclusive, data-driven experiences for every student.

Crimson helps you achieve that with deep higher education expertise and Microsoft and AI capabilities that turn complex challenges into measurable outcomes.

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You face pressures no university can ignore

Universities are under greater pressure than ever to prove their value, attract and retain diverse students, and operate efficiently while safeguarding their reputation and compliance.

  • Fierce competition for domestic and international students.

  • Personalised and hybrid learning expectations are rising.

  • Data is fragmented across ageing systems.

  • Staff time is consumed by manual processes instead of student support.

  • AI and automation promise change but bring questions about ethics and readiness.

At Crimson, we understand that transformation in higher education isn’t simple. It’s strategic, political, and deeply human. 

That’s why we help you deliver change responsibly, at a pace your institution can embrace.

Imagine every student feeling known from the first day they reach out

Imagine a university where every applicant feels recognised from their first enquiry, staff have time to focus on people instead of processes, and decisions are guided by connected, reliable data.

That's the world Crimson helps you build.

We help universities create personalised, compliant, connected student experiences powered by unified data and responsible AI.

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Growing the right student numbers

Understand demand, attract the best domestic and international students, and fill the right courses.

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Faster admissions and onboarding

Accelerate applications, simplify joining, and build early loyalty with each new cohort.

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World-class student services

Deliver proactive, inclusive, and efficient support that improves satisfaction and retention.

Why leaders like you choose Crimson

We’re not just another technology supplier.

We’re your trusted transformation partner, invested in your success from strategy to delivery and beyond.

 

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Trusted challengers

We ask the difficult questions that lead to better decisions. We’ll guide you past “safe pair of hands” modernisation toward measurable transformation.

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Invested partners

We stay with you for the long haul, connecting consultancy, implementation, and managed services so you never lose momentum.
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AI-powered outcomes

We help you use AI responsibly, focusing on the people behind the data and the outcomes that truly matter to your mission.

With Crimson, you’ll build the confidence, capability, and connected systems to deliver the student experience your institution deserves.

I have already been assigned project work and learned lots in the first steps in becoming a Microsoft Certified, qualified business analyst. I have formed strong relationships with many people across the company – most notably my mentor, my coach, and my academy cohort – who have all aided my progress so far. I look forward to what the rest of this journey will bring me.
Cameron B.
Cameron B.
Crimson Apprentice
I’ve learned a lot and grown a lot already, and my experience so far has made me much more confident in my own future.
Michael H.
Michael H.
Crimson Apprentice
I’ve had such a warm, joyous and informative welcome to Crimson. Everyone is keen to share their knowledge and support me on my journey.
Sabrina B.
Sabrina B.
Crimson Apprentice
We have been encouraged to stretch ourselves and grasp the plethora of opportunities available to develop, whether that be in mindset, a practical skill or simply experience in a certain field.
Andrea K.
Andrea K.
Crimson Apprentice
I’ve loved every single day of my Crimson journey so far. This is because Crimson feels more like a family rather than just a job. I’ve been impressed by the attention given to the apprentices, with presentations from every head of department and the Managing Director himself – it made me feel valued and gave me confidence that I can be successful at Crimson.
Mihai I.
Mihai I.
Crimson Apprentice

See how universities are transforming with Crimson

Across the UK, universities are modernising how they attract, support, and retain students by partnering with Crimson.

Newcastle University Logo

Newcastle University

Challenge: Multiple entry points and manual processes created inconsistent applicant experiences and placed heavy administrative burden on admissions teams.

Result: A single, portal-based Dynamics 365 platform now unifies all admissions journeys, automates workflows, and enables staff to manage applications at scale with greater efficiency and insight.

“Crimson were quickly able to offer time to value. .”
Alan Cecchini, Newcastle University
View case study
University of Salford logo

University of Salford

Challenge: Siloed systems and repeated failed CRM attempts prevented a single, personalised applicant journey and slowed recruitment and admissions.

Result: A unified Dynamics 365 platform now streamlines attraction, recruitment, and admissions, improving efficiency, visibility, and application conversion at scale.

“Crimson have brought a broader perspective that is supporting our goal of offering a sector leading experience.”
John McCarthy, University of Salford
View case study
University of Edinburgh Logo

University of Edinburgh

Challenge: Fragmented inboxes and inconsistent processes made it impossible to track enquiries, manage workloads, or deliver a consistent student experience.

Result: A centralised Dynamics 365 enquiry platform now provides full visibility, faster responses, and data-led insights to improve service and resource planning.

View case study

Insights and ideas for higher education leaders

Stay ahead of change with insights from Crimson’s higher education experts. Explore practical advice on digital transformation, AI adoption, and student experience improvement

 
AI in Universities
by Holly Burnett

Unlocking AI's Potential in Higher Education: From Data to Impact

AI is transforming higher education, but for many UK universities, ambition is still outpacing reality. While most institutions are piloting or implem...
Read More
Glasgow University
by Mark Britton

When process fails people: what the Glasgow review tells us about transformation in higher education

Recent coverage of the University of Glasgow has rightly prompted concern across the higher education sector. The story, reported by BBC News, centres...
Read More
Gates Disney
by David Catmur-Lloyd

If Disney Did Housing, Higher Education and Homebuilding – What Experience Design Really Looks Like

If Disney launched a university, managed social housing, and built new homes, how would the world look different? Not with castles or fireworks, but w...
Read More
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See the difference transformation can make for your students and staff

  • Higher student satisfaction and retention

  • Faster, more efficient admissions cycles

  • Reduced administrative burden and improved compliance

  • Stronger international recruitment performance

  • Empowered staff through automation and insight

  • Inclusive, accessible digital experiences for every student

Transformation that feels achievable. Technology that earns trust. Outcomes that last.
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Ready to transform what matters?

The question isn’t whether your university will embrace transformation. It’s how you’ll do it responsibly, effectively, and with purpose.

Crimson combines higher education expertise, Microsoft capability, and responsible AI to help you deliver measurable impact for your students, staff, and community.

 

Kick-start your University’s transformation