How to apply to the Guardian UK University Awards 2019

29 Nov 2018

Awards, rankings and accolades are a chance for every academic institution to claim global fame.

By demonstrating educational excellence to future international applicants, universities are more likely to increase their annual enrollment rates and student interest.

That’s why the recent opening of The Guardian UK University Awards 2019 has attracted a lot of attention.

On top of being an established British newspaper, The Guardian is one of many global media platforms with the power to persuade eager international students into submitting applications to certain universities.

The Guardian gathers readership from all corners of the globe. Source: Shutterstock

So, if you’re a current student or professor at a UK university and think your institution has what it takes to win these prolific awards, find out how to apply below.

What’s the aim?

These awards have been designed around a fundamental mission: to spread the word of the inspirational, ground-breaking projects UK universities have worked on this year.

Judged by an expert panel, the awards mean serious business and truly take no prisoners! So if your university is going to enter, preparation is essential.

Another thing that’s extremely important about these awards is that for the first time, The Guardian will honour a University of the Year. “The new award will go to a university that combines academic excellence with an outstanding widening participation programme, drawing in a diverse intake and providing the tailored support students need to thrive.”

It’s all to play for!

How can an institution apply?

Please note, this award is only inviting entries from UK universities and university professionals across 14 categories, which will be shortlisted and evaluated.

To apply, your university will need to pick a category in which they believe they stand out. The categories honour excellence in everything from “teaching practice to beautiful buildings”, so make sure you choose wisely!

To make a start on the application form and to take a look at the fees, click here.

Also note that the university will need to provide evidence of excellence in their chosen category – it’s not just a simple form to fill out.

What’s the deadline?

Here are the important dates to note:

21 November: Awards launch online.
21 November-31 January: The early bird period.
15 February: Applications close.
March: Shortlisted applicants are notified after the judging process on 11 March.
10 April: Central London ceremony for the award presentation.

What are the categories?

1. Advancing staff equality

2. Business collaboration

3. Course and curriculum design

4. Digital innovation

5. Employability and entrepreneurship

6. Internationalisation

7. Marketing and comms campaigns

8. Research impact

9. Retention, support and student outcomes

10. Social and community impact

11. Student experience

12. Sustainable buildings that inspire

13. Teaching excellence

14. Widening access and outreach

University of the Year: This new award will go to a university that combines academic excellence with an outstanding widening participation programme.

The full list with the category’s criteria can also be found here.

Why are these awards important?

Among countless other higher education awards, you may be wondering why this one is so special.

As The Guardian explains, “Winning a Guardian award highlights a university’s achievements to the website’s 8 million daily readers around the world. Of those readers, one in five describes themselves as a student – exactly the people who need to know which universities are doing an especially great job.”

Spreading the message about your university’s hard work and dedication will help The Guardian spread the positives, enabling other students to follow in your footsteps.

If you believe your university has what it takes to impact the future proactively and effectively, why not share it with others?

Is your university shaping the future?
Entries are now open for the Guardian University Awards 2019https://t.co/J8BgKjM7HR

— Guardian Universities (@GdnUniversities) November 26, 2018