Outstanding result as Teesside University awarded gold in all areas

Teesside University has received ‘outstanding’ praise for its commitment to students – achieving gold in all areas in the Teaching Excellence Framework 2023.

The University was awarded an ‘Overall’ gold rating, as well as a gold rating for ‘Student Experience’ and for Student Outcomes’ in the latest TEF results, released today (Thursday 28 September).

The TEF is a national quality framework run by the Office for Students which assesses higher education providers across a broad range of criteria – including teaching, course content and delivery, academic support and the learning environment.

Achieving gold is fantastic recognition for Teesside University’s commitment to providing an outstanding student and learning experience.

It follows the recent shortlisting for University of the Year in the Mail University Guide 2024, as well as the positive results in this year’s National Student Survey, with Teesside the highest scoring North East university in seven out of 10 categories, and placing above the sector average in the majority of areas.

The TEF panel praised Teesside University across a multitude of different areas, including:

• Outstanding quality teaching, assessment and feedback
• Extensive range of experimental learning opportunities
• Commitment to staff professional development
• Students’ contribution to shared ambition and course design
• Dedication to student progression – with over 78% of graduates in professional/managerial roles, or in further study 15 months after graduating.

In addition, the panel highlighted Teesside University’s Professional Apprenticeship provision, its widening participation work to remove barriers to education, and the continued investment which has seen upwards of £280m invested in recent years to transform the University campus and facilities.

Positive changes since the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis, as well as the University’s innovative Future Facing Learning model were also praised by the panel.

The TEF is just one of the many metrics potential students use to help make informed choices about university. The overall gold rating for Teesside University is retained for four years and provides confidence to students that they will receive an outstanding student and learning experience at Teesside.

Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Teesside University, Professor Paul Croney OBE, said: “Our mission is to transform lives and economies through education, and to offer everybody the opportunities they need to succeed.

“The results and feedback from the Teaching Excellence Framework are outstanding and are evidence of our commitment to place students at the heart of everything we do.

“To achieve gold across three categories is a superb result and demonstrates to our students that they will receive everything they need to excel and flourish during their time at Teesside University.”

Professor Mark Simpson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching) at Teesside University, added: “We are delighted with the results in the Teaching Excellence Framework and feel they absolutely reflect the offer here at Teesside University.

“In recent years, we have invested over £8m in our Future Facing Learning initiative, revolutionising the way we deliver our courses, and we are committed to providing the facilities, infrastructure and expertise to enable our students to succeed.”

Teesside’s commitment to delivering an outstanding student and learning experience has been central to the transformation of the campus environment, with over £280m invested to date through the ambitious campus masterplan.

Chief Operating Officer, Malcolm Page, said: “Placing students at the heart of our vision for the campus masterplan has delivered superb results. We have worked in collaboration with our student community to create outstanding buildings to study and socialise, including the £13.2m Student Life Building and the Buttery, a dedicated postgraduate hub.

“Alongside this, we have prioritised delivery of cutting-edge teaching and learning facilities, including BIOS, our £36.9m health and life sciences building which is nearing completion, and have invested heavily in excellent technology and infrastructure to support learning.”

Teesside University boasts an impressive number of accolades which have helped contribute to the positive TEF results. It became the first European higher education institution to be named as an Adobe Creative Campus, and has also been recognised as an Apple Distinguished School. The University won a Catalyst Award last year for high-impact staff development, and is also accredited with Investors in People Gold.

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