In November 2013, the University was awarded the Times Higher Education University of the Year. The award was in recognition of a University 'that has demonstrated exceptional performance in the past academic year’.

Student satisfaction and teaching excellence

Judges highlighted the University’s outstanding record for student satisfaction and employability with the University placed in the top ten in the country in both categories.

Local pride

We were inundated with messages across social media from students, staff, alumni and the local community as well as applicants who were keen to congratulate us and express their pride at attending the number one University in the country.

What students said

Students took to their blogs to talk about the pride they felt at attending the University of the Year. Here’s what they said...

“There are some amazing facilities here that you just wouldn’t see at other universities.  The 3M Buckley Innovation Centre is one of the things the judges commented on that really sets our university apart, and I totally agree.” Vicki Milward, Music Journalism BA(Hons)

“To me, being part of the University of the Year is a big deal. Not only does it imbue a sense of pride, it means that my university has been and continues to put its students’ best interests first, constantly striving to improve.” Alex Bloor, English Language BA(Hons)

“I am only a first year here, but knowing that my chosen University has been given this coveted title really means something to me, as I believe it should to all students.” Rebecca Haslam, Journalism BA(Hons)

What the media said

The award attracted a lot of attention in the local and regional media as well as congratulatory messages from the University Chancellor Sir Patrick Stewart. Here’s what he said...

@HuddersfieldUni as Chancellor I am so proud of Huddersfield winning University of the Year. Bravo VC Bob Cryan, faculty and student body. - Patrick Stewart @SirPatStew

Making history

The University of the Year 2013 award marks an impressive couple of years for the University in which we have collected the Entrepreneurial University of the Year Award, two Queen’s Awards for Enterprise and the Guardian Inspiring Leader Award. These factors, combined with a continued commitment to being ‘a university that is at the heart of its home town’ meant that Huddersfield won the top award, cementing its position as one of the country’s most innovative universities.

Read more about our University of the Year 2013 award.

Why is Huddersfield University of the Year?

We asked our staff and students why they thought the University of Huddersfield won the Times Higher Education University of the Year Award. Here's what they said.