Photo of students chatting around the Hazlerigg/Rutland fountain

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ crowned ‘University of the Year’ at the 2020 WhatUni Student Choice Awards

Today, º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ was named ‘University of the Year’ at the 2020 WhatUni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs).

The University was also announced as the winner of both the ‘University Facilities’ and ‘Sports and Societies’ categories, having been shortlisted for ten categories in total. º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ is also delighted to have received silver in the ‘Job Prospects’ category and bronze in the ‘International’ category.

Altogether, it achieved a fantastic overall rating of 4.58/5, a record-breaking score for the WUSCAs in the seven years that it has taken place.

Over 41,000 reviews from more than 150 higher education institutions were collected from students across the UK by WhatUni to determine which universities provided the best experiences.

The annual awards event recognises institutions for excellence in a wide variety of academic and social areas, and the majority of the categories are voted for entirely by students.

Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Robert Allison commented: “This is an absolutely fantastic achievement for the University. This year, and particularly the last few months, has been challenging for us all.

“These awards are testament to the hard work of everyone right across the University and to our commitment to excellence, even in the most testing of times. I would like to say thank you to all of the staff and students here at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ who make it such a great University.”

Matt Youngs, incoming President of º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Students’ Union said: “Being named University of the Year is a fantastic testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment of our students and staff alike, both on our º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ and London campuses. These last few months have shown more than ever the strength of the community we have here at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ, and this recognition is well deserved for everyone’s outstanding efforts.

“We all know there is something special at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ, and this award only reiterates that – well done everyone!”

Simon Emmett, CEO at IDP Connect added: “Huge congratulations to º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ for an outstanding year, the institution’s student-first approach has clearly been recognised and is reflected in their reviews. To all the institutions who either won a category, were shortlisted, or participated in the review collection process, thank you for your hard work ensuring that every student is provided with a quality higher education experience capable of unlocking their full potential.”

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ has previously received the ‘University of the Year’ accolade in 2018 and 2015, and remains in the top 10 of every national league table.

Notes for editors

Press release reference number: 20/121

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ is one of the country’s leading universities, with an international reputation for research that matters, excellence in teaching, strong links with industry, and unrivalled achievement in sport and its underpinning academic disciplines.

It has been awarded five stars in the independent QS Stars university rating scheme, named the best university in the world for sports-related subjects in the 2020 QS World University Rankings and University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2019.

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ is in the top 10 of every national league table, being ranked 4th in the Guardian University League Table 2020, 5th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020 and 6th in The UK Complete University Guide 2021.

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ is consistently ranked in the top twenty of UK universities in the Times Higher Education’s ‘table of tables’ and is in the top 10 in England for research intensity. In recognition of its contribution to the sector, º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ has been awarded seven Queen's Anniversary Prizes.

The º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ London campus is based on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and offers postgraduate and executive-level education, as well as research and enterprise opportunities. It is home to influential thought leaders, pioneering researchers and creative innovators who provide students with the highest quality of teaching and the very latest in modern thinking

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