The University of Leeds has been shortlisted for three national awards, recognised as the ‘oscars’ of the higher education sector.
The Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2015 are open to all UK higher education institutions and showcases best practice in universities.
The first award nomination recognises the University’s collaboration with Marks & Spencer, which has been shortlisted for its ‘Outstanding Employer Engagement Initiative’.
The partnership is a distinctive model for engaging with employers, which sees M&S joining forces with academics to lead new research, such as developing new insights into international business models, as well as supporting student employability through mentoring, placements, study days and career sessions.
The second award sees the University shortlisted for ‘Entrepreneurial University of the Year’, which recognises work designed to help students and staff develop their enterprise and innovation skills. One of many nominations this year to reward Leeds’ enterprise activities, the ceremony will showcase the University’s dedicated support services, training and courses, year-in-enterprise programmes, and scholarships and awards.
Finally, Dr Luke Burns from the School of Geography has reached the final six for the “Most Innovative Teacher of the Year” award, which recognises academics’ who inspire students. Dr Burns was nominated for his use of technology in his teaching, such as live voting via mobile phone in lectures, social media, e-learning folders and videos.
Alison Houston, Head of the Partnership at M&S said: “We’re delighted that our partnership with the University of Leeds has been shortlisted for this prestigious award. It is testament to the hard work and energy of both teams that we’ve been able to deliver a wide range of programmes that support research and improve employability for young people whilst also driving benefit to the business.”
Luke Burns added: “Digital learning and use of technology in teaching can really get students enthused and on top of this, performance has really improved too. For us, student feedback and testimonials are really important and it’s great to see the popularity of the courses growing.”
The award winners will be announced on 26 November.
Contact the University of Leeds press office on 0113 343 4031 or email pressoffice@leeds.ac.uk.