The principal of a Scottish university will step down next yearto take on a major new role in higher education.

The principal of a Scottish university will step down next yearto take on a major new role in higher education.

Sir Alan Langlands will leave Dundee University in April to become the chief executive of the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).

Sir Alan, formerly the chief executive of the NHS in England, has been at Dundee for more than eight years, during which time the university has cemented its international reputation across a variety of specialisms, including life sciences and medicine.

John Milligan, chairman of court at Dundee, said that Sir Alan had made an outstanding contribution to the university which made enormous progress under his leadership.

"The university will move quickly to appoint a new principal and interim arrangements will be announced early in the new year. Sir Alan will remain in charge until the end of March 2009," he said.

Sir Alan added: "I am enthusiastic about my new post, but I will miss Dundee. The university has excellent students and staff and a strong commitment to the economic, social and cultural development of the city. It is a great privilege to be the principal and I know the university will move from strength to strength under new leadership."

As chief executive of HEFCE, Sir Alan will be involved in the strategic development of higher education in England and be responsible for £7.5bn to support excellence in education, research and knowledge transfer in universities and colleges.