Silver award for teaching quality

The outcome was announced today as the results of the government’s Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) were published. These revealed that the University of Brighton has been awarded a Silver rating.

The TEF was introduced by the government to build evidence about the performance of the UK’s world-class higher education sector, complementing the existing Research Excellence Framework with an analysis of teaching and learning outcomes.

The TEF awards were decided by an independent panel of experts including academics, students and employer representatives. Drawing on national data, and evidence submitted by each university or college, the TEF measures excellence in three areas: teaching quality, the learning environment and the educational and professional outcomes achieved by students.

Commenting on the results, Professor Stephen Denyer, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Education and Student Experience said: “Our students are at the heart of everything we do. It is therefore excellent news to see that the teaching, learning and outcomes we provide for our students not only meet, but consistently exceed, the rigorous standards set down for all Higher Education providers in the UK.

“This is a great outcome, but we are not complacent. We will continue to use feedback from our students and the Teaching Excellence Framework results to look at how we can make further improvements.”

The TEF Panel particularly highlighted the university’s commitment to:

• personalised learning and support particularly with students from diverse backgrounds during pre-entry and first year
• close working relationships with professional bodies, employers and local community groups which reflect back into the curriculum
• strategic focus on problem-based learning which ensures that our students acquire the knowledge, skills and understanding that are highly valued by employers
• successful approach to retention through a focus on supporting the transition from school to university, online and digital tools and personalised learning
• use of blended learning resources with students able to feed into the development  of high-quality physical resources
• implementation of an institutional culture that facilitates, recognises and rewards excellent teaching

The TEF awards will also be published on Unistats (now Discover Uni) and the UCAS website, alongside other information, to help inform prospective students’ choices.