Northumbria named UK’s best university by Times Higher Education Awards

A North East academic institution has been named university of the year.

Northumbria University picked up the title at the recent Times Higher Education (THE) Awards.

Judges handed out the accolade after being impressed by the university’s “exceptional performance, as well as bold, imaginative and innovative initiatives” during the 2020/2021 academic period.

Bosses say the honour marks Northumbria’s “remarkable transformation into the UK’s first research-intensive modern university”.

The strategy, founded in 2008, embedded quality research alongside a social mobility mission and an alignment to business and the demands of the regional and local economy.

Professor Andy Long, vice-chancellor and chief executive, said: “Our ambition is to give all students with the potential and ability the opportunity to benefit from a Northumbria education.

“Winning this award shows the education we give our students is enriched by research – but I genuinely believe what sets us apart from others is that 40 per cent of these students are from traditionally low-participation backgrounds.

“Along with all our students, they learn from researchers and academics, participate in research and co-create knowledge.

“Northumbria has undergone an extraordinary transition.

“The dedication of everyone at the university has made this possible, and it is thanks to them we can now celebrate this phenomenal success.”

This year, Newcastle University was shortlisted alongside Northumbria for THE University of the Year Award 2022.

It was the first time, outside London, that two institutions from the same city appeared in the same category.