Inspirational games lecturer awarded National Teaching Fellowship

A University of Staffordshire lecturer has been awarded a National Teaching Fellowship for his exceptional contribution to games education

David James

David James is one of 61 new National Teaching Fellows announced by Advance HE

I truly love teaching, and this recognition only strengthens my commitment to helping others thrive through education.

David James, Course Director for Games Design

David James, Course Director for Games Design, is one of 61 new National Teaching Fellows announced by Advance HE which celebrates and recognises individuals who have made an outstanding impact on student outcomes and the teaching profession in higher education.

A graduate of University of Staffordshire, David first began teaching 17 years ago. The University is home to the largest games department in the UK and, during this time, David has demonstrated excellence and innovation in games design teaching.

This includes the creation of inspiring, entertaining game software and lesson resources. The impact of this practice is evident in the Games Design team, and has been shared at numerous domestic and international conferences.

His games designs have played a key role in the 1UP scheme which provides paid placements for students within the University’s in-house games studio. The studio is run professionally, exposing students to a work environment outside of the classroom and preparing them for industry.

David also helped to develop games vodcast Level of Detail. He is a regular host, alongside fellow staff members and student guests, providing an insight into the world of games design and showcasing the expertise within the department.

David said: “To be recognised by the institution as a candidate for NTF in itself was wholly humbling and an opportunity for which I am incredibly grateful.

“The fact that my application went on to be successful, then, and that I have been awarded National Teaching Fellowship in 2025 feels completely unreal to me. I am deeply, deeply honoured and truly grateful for the support of my colleagues and students, past and present, who have made every part of this journey such an absolute delight.”

He added: “I truly love teaching, and this recognition only strengthens my commitment to helping others thrive through education.”

Professor Chris Headleand, Head of Staffordshire Games Institute, commented: “The National Teaching Fellowship is the highest honour available for educators in the university sector. David’s recognition is both well deserved and a point of pride for us all. His relentless creativity, dedication, and focus on student opportunity have shaped a generation of graduates.

“His innovative teaching approaches and commitment to developing opportunities for students to gain real-world experience and to connect with industry has had a huge impact on our students’ learning and graduate outcomes. David is one of the finest educators I have ever had the pleasure of working with, he is incredibly deserving of this recognition.”

The National Teaching Fellows were announced today, alongside 17 winning teams of the Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence recognised in 2025 for their outstanding contribution to excellent teaching in higher education in the UK.

Kathryn Harrison-Graves, Deputy Chief Executive at Advance HE said: "These newly awarded National Teaching Fellows and CATE teams represent the very best of UK higher education, demonstrating remarkable innovation, dedication and impact on student learning. Their achievements not only benefit their own institutions but inspire excellence across the entire sector."

The 2025 awards ceremony will take place on 25 September in Bristol. Discover more about University of Staffordshire’s Games courses.

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