Nottingham Trent University named University of the Year

Nottingham Trent University has won the highest TES award possible in the sector.

Nottingham Trent University has won the title of University of the Year for 2017.

The prize is the most coveted honour in the Times Higher Education awards, known as the Oscars of the higher education sector.

Judges praised the University for “combining bold ambition with the hard work required to turn vision into reality” at a London ceremony on Thursday night (November 30).

It comes just two months after Nottingham Trent celebrated being named the Times and Sunday Times Modern University of the Year, acknowledging success in both the National Students’ Survey and league tables.

Video: University Vice-Chancellor Prof Edward Peck on what the award means for NTU.

Professor Edward Peck, Vice-Chancellor, said: “This has been a phenomenal year in terms of recognition for the exceptional work of staff and students at our university.

“As well as these industry awards, our teaching also achieved the highest Gold award in the Government’s Teaching Excellence Framework and our commitment to sustainability was recognised at the recent Green Gown Awards in which Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Eunice Simmons won the leadership category.

“These are indications of the commitment and dedication our whole university has towards our strategic plan which has been built around ensuring both a value based and systematic approach to delivering equality of opportunity to our students.

“What is also rewarding is to know that, through the social and commercial opportunities opened up to them while at NTU, our students and graduates are also transforming the lives of others.”

Vice-Chancellor Prof Edward Peck
Vice-Chancellor Prof Edward Peck, centre, with the award.

The award was presented by comedian Al Murray at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

Times Higher Education editor John Gill said: “This year has been a tough one for universities which have been buffeted not only by the rapidly changing policy environment but also by an unprecedented succession of headlines questioning what they do and how they do it.

“The winners of this year’s Times Higher Education Awards offer the perfect response, illustrating the extraordinary talent, creativity and sheer hard work that is to be found across our university sector.”