Here are the 14 categories for the 2019 awards – there’s lots of choice for every university to find an area in which it excels. Universities may enter as many categories as they wish.
Entries will be judged by a representative panel from across the UK higher education sector, and winners will be announced at a prestigious ceremony in London, April 2019. Shortlisted entries will be profiled across the Guardian.
1. Advancing staff equality
Awarded to an outstanding initiative that has a significant and measurable impact on improving staff equality and/or diversity. This could range from a high-level institutional strategy to specific campaigns, but must have a lasting benefit for the careers and working lives of staff.
2. Business collaboration
Awarded to an outstanding university partnership with a business or an industry – regional, national or international – where knowledge is applied and resources are shared for the benefit of the wider economy.
3. Course and curriculum design
Awarded to a forward-thinking institutional or departmental approach that seeks to reimagine university education for a diverse student body.
4. Digital innovation
Awarded to a university that is implementing innovative digital technology solutions to improve pedagogy, the student experience and online course delivery.
5. Employability and entrepreneurship
Awarded to a successful initiative that equips students with the skills they need for the job market, provides networking opportunities, gives them access to potential employers, and fosters the spirit of creativity that would enable them to launch their own enterprises.
6. Internationalisation
Awarded to an outstanding project, venture or collaboration that shows the university operating with global vision and ambition.
7. Marketing and comms campaigns
Awarded to an imaginative university marketing or press campaign that imparts a clear message to engage its target audience and raise the profile of the university, or show it in a new light.
8. Research impact
Awarded to a research project that demonstrates academic impact through advancing knowledge, or results in measurable benefits to the wider society and/or the economy.
9. Retention, support and student outcomes
Awarded to a scheme that provides targeted support to students at risk of underperforming, and demonstrates successful outcomes.
10. Social and community impact
supported by Wonkhe
Awarded to a programme that has engaged with communities at a local, national or global level, and implemented changes that have had a lasting impact.
11. Student experience
supported by Jisc
Awarded to an innovative project or initiative that has positively enhanced the academic and/or personal experience of the student body.
12. Sustainable buildings that inspire
Awarded to a capital project that has positively enhanced the student and/or staff experience, and fostered a more sustainable living and working environment.
13. Teaching excellence
Awarded to an outstanding teaching initiative that inspires student learning and attainment through innovative pedagogy, and places teaching at the forefront of the university’s mission.
14. Widening access and outreach
Awarded to an initiative that has demonstrably helped increase the number of disadvantaged and underrepresented students entering the university, through working with schools and communities to raise aspirations.
University of the Year
supported by HSBC
For the first time, the Guardian will honour a University of the Year. The new award will go to a university that combines academic excellence with an outstanding widening participation programme, drawing in a diverse intake and providing the tailored support students need to thrive.
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