THE finalists for the third year of The Herald’s Higher Education Awards have been announced.
The awards, in association with the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), were launched to recognise the outstanding achievements of colleges and universities.
Supported by Universities Scotland, the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), City of Glasgow College and technology provider Jisc, the awards comprise 15 categories that look at how institutions develop innovation in teaching and research.
Backed by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education Scotland (QAA) and Anderson Strathern the event also highlights the use of technology, partnerships with employers, student support, community engagement and widening access.
This year the judges have been overwhelmed by the quality of the 115 entries received.
Professor Craig Mahoney, principal of UWS, said: “The interest in this competition has once again been fantastic and the quality and breadth of entries is astounding.
“It is a true reflection of the calibre of Scotland’s higher education sector and the hard work that is being undertaken to support students.”
Alastair Sim, director of Universities Scotland congratulations all the finalists who won through from a strong field of entries.
He said: “The judging panel knew from the outset that it had a challenging task ahead, but the quality and range of entries is a reflection of the excellent and diverse work taking place throughout Scotland’s university and college sector.”
Ailsa Crum, head of quality and enhancement with QAA Scotland, said: “The entries provide a remarkably vibrant and positive picture of the breadth, ambition and creativity of the work going on in our college and university sectors.”
A spokesman for City of Glasgow College added: “We are delighted to support these awards and our congratulations go to all the finalists, each of whom deserves this recognition for their incredible contribution to education and their determination to make Scotland’s tertiary sector the best in the world.”
Fiona Killen, education governance lead for Anderson Strathern, also congratulated the finalists.
She said: “As sponsors it is great to see such a diverse range of nominees.”
Alistair McKay, regional manager at the SQA added: “The quality of the entries has been impressive, making the judging very difficult.
“We have read about some great work in Scotland’s colleges and universities, the high standard of education being offered, the level of learning that is produced and how they engage with employers and support students.”
Head of Jisc Scotland and Northern Ireland, Jason Miles-Campbell, said: “It’s a pleasure to be recognising the deserving finalists as part of these awards.”
The awards take place on Thursday, July 6 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow. To book tickets contact Claire Hunter on 0141 302 7319.