Keele University has been shortlisted for the prestigious ‘University of the Year’ title in the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2018.

The shortlisting recognises Keele’s outstanding progress and performance across teaching, research and engagement - from being awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework, making global headlines with our ground-breaking research, to launching a £70m programme to support local businesses, Keele continues to cement its position as a world-class education institution.

This is the first time that Keele University has been shortlisted for the highly-coveted THE award.

Professor Trevor McMillan, Vice-Chancellor of Keele University, said:

“Being shortlisted for this award is a fantastic achievement in itself. I am thrilled that we have been recognised for our commitment to delivering an outstanding student experience, creating impact through our research, and increasing widening participation opportunities.

“Our undergraduate population has grown by almost 30% in the five years to 2017, our graduate employment levels remain impressively high, and we are leading the way in terms of sustainability in the education sector. Furthermore, through the New Keele Deal, we are working with hundreds of local businesses to boost the local economy by £200 million.  

“I would like to thank everyone in the University community; it is the continued dedication and effort of every member of staff which has resulted in us being shortlisted for University of the Year.”   

The University of the Year nomination builds on the significant achievements made by Keele in recent months, including being ranked No. 1 in England in the latest National Student Survey (of broad-based universities) and also joint No. 1 in England for Course  Satisfaction in the most recent Guardian university league table.

These are the 14th annual Times Higher Education Awards. Known as the ‘Oscars of higher education’, the winners will be announced at a gala ceremony in London on Thursday 29th November 2018.

Times Higher Education editor, John Gill, said:

“Times Higher Education is extremely proud to host these awards once again. In yet another record year for entries, and with over 70 institutions represented, it’s a genuine privilege for the THE team and our judges to read through these many and varied tales of excellence from all corners of the UK. It’s a significant achievement to make this shortlist, and we look forward to honouring all the finalists in November."