A north-east university has been awarded a prestigious Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework.
The accolade, given to Robert Gordon University, means it has been placed in the top 20% of universities in the UK, based on its teaching of undergraduate courses and learning standards and quality of support.
TEF, an initiative introduced by the UK Government, is a method of assessing which institutions are delivering world-class education across Britain. And it does not lightly distribute gold ratings.
Instead, it assesses and recognises the standard of teaching being provided throughout the country, using a variety of data such as continuation rates, student satisfaction, and the number of people who end up in employment following the end of their degree course.
RGU has proved particularly effective in the latter category, and despite the recent problems posed by the oil and gas downturn.
The university’s principal, Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski responded to the news by declaring the award meant RGU was now among the UK “elite”.
Prof Prondzynski, who has been a significant force in the drive for excellence, added that the award was evidence of the staff’s “exceptional dedication” to their work in the education sector.
And he went on to say it was “important” the TEF recognised the relationships which had been established between the student body and the university.
The TEF panel praised the university for its support and encouragement of students from a wide variety of backgrounds – and from every corner of the globe – to complete their degrees, in addition to providing high levels of exceptional professional practice.
RGU’s President for Communication and Democracy, Edward Pollock, also praised the university for winning the coveted award.
He said: “The Gold rating is a fantastic achievement for RGU and I am thrilled that the university’s approach to engaging students as partners in the development of the learning experience has been recognised.”