University of Derby shortlisted for two national higher education awards

The University of Derby has been shortlisted for two prestigious national awards for its commitment to quality in teaching, learning and research.

Now in their 10th year, the Times Higher Education Leadership and Management Awards (Thelmas) celebrate the best examples of innovation, teamwork and enterprise at UK universities, and are the only national awards honouring the full range of professional and administrative services.

The University is one of six institutions shortlisted for the Teaching and Learning Strategy of the Year category, designed to recognise ‘a teaching and learning strategy that is distinctive and innovative, has enhanced both the student and staff experience and reflects an institution’s core values’.

In developing its strategy, the University sought to offer a transformational learning and teaching experience for all students, whatever their background or method of study. The strategy was based on three pillars: teaching quality, employability and delivering a curriculum linked to research.

A working group was established for each pillar to create a shared vision and ownership of the strategy and its key priorities across departments, this was achieved through collaboration with representatives from the Union of Students and academic and professional services staff.

As the first of the priorities to be delivered, the University achieved a 10 percent increase in graduate employability in 2016/17 through a range of measures, including the introduction of a student entitlement for a minimum of 30 hours’ work-related learning in every undergraduate programme.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Kathryn Mitchell said: "At the University of Derby, we take great pride in our approach to teaching and learning, and have been rated Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). Our teaching and learning strategy has strengthened our strong and longstanding commitment to high-quality teaching, student engagement, teaching staff development, and reward and recognition.

“Being shortlisted for these awards is a testament to everyone’s hard work in taking forward the strategy and enabling us to achieve great outcomes for our students, as well as external recognition for Derby.”

The University was also shortlisted in the DataPoints Merit Award category, which is based on analysis of data collected from UK universities by Times Higher Education as part of their World University Rankings, which look at teaching, research, international outlook, reputation and more.

Times Higher Education editor John Gill said: "The Thelmas are unique in shining a deserved spotlight on often unsung heroes from across the professional services and administration of our world-leading universities, and it’s an honour for Times Higher Education to organise an event celebrating their achievements.”

The award winners will be announced on Thursday 21 June at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel.