Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Teaching excellence success for Leeds Beckett
The nationwide Teaching Excellence Framework was introduced by the government to evaluate the quality of the undergraduate student experience, recognising excellent learning and teaching in universities. TEF awards institutions either a gold, silver or bronze ranking. There is also a fourth ranking of ‘a provisional award’ which identifies those organisations working towards a TEF ranking. The award of silver to Leeds Beckett recognises ‘the excellent outcomes for the University’s majority mode full-time students with regard to retention and progression to employment and further study’.
The University was praised for:
- Its course design and assessment practices which enable students to develop transferable and professional skills.
- The opportunities it creates for students to engage with professional practice through live project briefs and placements.
- Its strategic focus on developing physical and digital learning resources.
- Its institutional culture that facilitates, recognises and rewards excellent teaching, through high quality support for new tutors, systematic observation of teaching and a comprehensive development programme.
Professor Peter Slee, Vice Chancellor at Leeds Beckett, said: “This silver award is an important outcome for the University and our students. It is a powerful endorsement of a Leeds Beckett education, and our commitment to delivering an excellent professional education.”
Kate Grafton, Principal Lecturer in Physiotherapy in the School of Health and a Higher Education Academy National Teaching Fellow, added: “There is a culture here of sharing good practice, an openness to innovation and flexibility and a discipline of putting the student at the heart of curriculum development.
“It is hugely rewarding to see students become more confident and resilient throughout their studies. I really enjoy following their development and sharing their enthusiasm for our profession for many years after they graduate.”
Rosie Heaton, a BA (Hons) Public Relations student, currently on a year-long placement at charity CAFOD, said: “I have loved my time at Leeds Beckett so far. Their commitment to teaching relevant, current content has prepared me for my placement and I find the fact lecturers are often working in the field as well as teaching really inspiring and beneficial to my learning. Their support, which encourages us to take up both long-term and short-term placements, will really make a difference to my future and ensure I reach where I want to be in my career.”
Madeleine Atkins, Chief Executive of the Higher Education Funding Council for England, said: “The TEF measures the things that students themselves say they care about: high-quality, engaged teaching and a supportive, stimulating learning environment which equips them with the knowledge and skills they need to achieve their potential, and then to progress to a good job or further study.”
Leeds Beckett’s silver status in the National Teaching Excellence Framework was awarded in June 2017 and is valid for up to three years. To find out more about TEF click here.