The virtual ceremony, which will take place on 26 November 2020, will focus on the achievements of higher education institutions in 2019/20 – a year in which Staffordshire University secured its TEF Gold rating and climbed to its highest ever position in UK league tables.

In addition to University of the Year, Staffordshire University has been shortlisted in the ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community’ and ‘Outstanding Marketing/Communications Team’ categories at the THE Awards 2020. Matt Lewis, Technical Specialist – Digital Media Production, has also made the shortlist for the ‘Outstanding Technician of the Year’ award.

Professor Liz Barnes CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Staffordshire University, said: “The THE Awards are the Oscars of the higher education world and our shortlisting in the University of the Year category – as well as our other shortlisted nominations – is testament to the starring roles played by our students, staff, partners and communities.

“Staffordshire University has always been proud of and committed to supporting people of all ages and from all backgrounds to achieve their full potential and transform their life chances – efforts that were central to our nomination for University of the Year.

“Being selected as a finalist is recognition of our institution as an ambitious, strategic and forward-thinking organisation, which is committed to becoming the UK’s foremost ‘Digital University’. I am delighted that we have made this year’s shortlist and determined that we will continue to go from strength to strength in the future.”

John Gill, Editor of THE, said: “This has been a year like no other, and universities have faced unprecedented challenges as a result of the pandemic. While we are by no means through the crisis, the response over the last six months has been immensely impressive, and served yet again as a reminder of the dedication and commitment that exists across UK higher education.

“In 2020 more than ever, it is vital to recognise and shout about those achievements, and we have been gratified by the huge number of entries at a time when university staff had so many demands on their time.”

The latest shortlisted nominations come less than a year after Staffordshire was nominated for ‘University of the Year’ by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide.