Huddersfield wins Global Teaching Excellence Award

The University beat 26 other finalists to become the first winner of the award pioneered by the Higher Education Academy

LEADING educationalists from around the world have selected the University of Huddersfield as the first winner of the Global Teaching Excellence Award.

Following the University’s achievement of Gold-ranked status in the UK’s Government-backed Teaching Excellence Framework, the new distinction is added confirmation that Huddersfield’s educational standards are world class. 

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The Global Teaching Excellence Awards (GTEA) are organised by the UK-based Higher Education Academy (HEA), and entries were received from around the world.  In July, it was announced that Huddersfield had been shortlisted, alongside 26 other finalists from countries that included Australia, Switzerland, Canada, South Africa and The Netherlands.  Several other British institutions also reached the final.

Now, at an HEA function in Westminster, Huddersfield has been announced as the overall winner.  Its Global Teaching Excellence Award was accepted by Professor Bob Cryan, who expressed his delight at the latest honour, which comes as he celebrates his tenth anniversary as the University’s Vice-Chancellor.

I am absolutely thrilled and proud that the University of Huddersfield has won this award

Bob Cryan 

“Over the past ten years we have worked incredibly hard to build a student experience that is second to none.  Winning GTEA is a huge tribute to the leadership team, our staff and our students, all of whom have formed an incredible partnership to make our University and its teaching so very special.”

The HEA assembled a 17-strong judging panel – including several professors – from nine countries.  They examined the highly-detailed submissions from entrants, who were required to describe their institutions, mission and leadership and to provide evidence for teaching excellence. 

The University of Huddersfield’s entry described the high professional standards that all its teaching staff must reach.  This had led to the University being ranked first in the UK for levels of qualifications among staff.

The Global Teaching Excellence Award entry also emphasised factors such as the outstanding levels of academic support offered to students; the valuable work experience that is available; plus an international strategy that creates extensive opportunities for overseas collaboration.

The entry included the statement that: “We are one of the most socially-inclusive universities, and our record in skilled graduate employment is a testament to our success in providing the very best professional and technical education”.

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The Higher Education Academy’s Chief Executive, Professor Stephanie Marshall, congratulated the University of Huddersfield, stating that its submission was unanimously applauded by the international panel of judges for the drive and energy with which the executive team is leading teaching. 

“I’d also highlight the University’s success in developing students as independent learners and critical thinkers,” she added. 

“With high quality submissions from around the world, I think this award has really captured the imagination of the higher education sector and will help raise the profile of teaching globally,” said Professor Marshall.

“The 27 finalists all had compelling submissions in meeting the criteria of leadership, teaching and student support, and we are delighted to recognise that outstanding work and share the learning from GTEA.”