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NTU scoops two awards at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2022 – and is ranked 2nd best university in the UK

NTU scooped two awards in this year’s Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs) and was named runner-up in two other categories, including the coveted University of the Year.

NTU Whatuni award logo
Whatuni Award 2022 winner

In a special ceremony hosted by comedian Richard Ayoade last night in London, the WUSCAs recognise, based on student feedback, those higher education institutions who have gone to great lengths to meet and exceed student expectations throughout the past year.

The WUSCAs, now in their 10th year, are the UK’s biggest student-voted awards.

NTU won the award for Best UK university for Student Life. This was based on students' feedback on the sense of community they feel, the diversity and extent of socialising, sports and extracurricular activities that are available, and also how the University promotes good mental health.

One of our students says:

“NTU has excellent and modern facilities available for students to use. The libraries are open 24 hours and the staff across all departments are very helpful. Teaching staff care about their students and do not mind going above and beyond for their success … In terms of student life, the campus location has a huge role in this. Although some campuses are far from the city centre, there are regular transport methods such as the bus or tram available even late at night … There is so much to get involved with and lots to talk about. I would definitely recommend Nottingham Trent University!” – Student review on Whatuni

NTU also won the award in the International Category, taking top spot in recognition for how it welcomes and supports international students, focuses on their integration and provides a range of activities to help students settle in.

One of our students says:

“The university has provided so many opportunities to explore different cultures through the Global Lounge and by organising Global Week. The support provided for students during assessments in particular is very helpful. Other than that, the university provided guidance every step of the way in terms of accommodation, opening a bank account and other things that are a part of an international student's life in a new country. It’s been a great experience overall.” – Student review on Whatuni

NTU was a close second in the overall University of the Year Category, missing out by a single hundredth of a point, and rising from 13th place in 2020.

The University of the Year award is a reflection of how students perceive their university, and is associated with a strong sense of community and pride in an institution. Students are asked to rate their whole university experience, taking into account all the aspects that have shaped their time at an institution. Reviews are frequently self-reflective, mentioning aspects such as how the university experience has helped students grow, how it has led to friendships forming, and being the right fit on a personal and academic level.

NTU also won runner-up for Best UK University for Postgraduate Studies – maintaining its position from 2020. This was based on students' views on the facilities available for postgraduate students as well as how they welcome and support them through their studies.

Steve Denton, Chief Operating Officer and Registrar says: “These awards mean a lot to the University, as they are voted for by our own students. We work hard to ensure our students have the best experience while they are here, and to be recognised in several categories is testament to the dedication of our colleagues in achieving that.”

Overall, NTU was shortlisted in six categories for this year’s awards.

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    About Nottingham Trent University

    Nottingham Trent University (NTU) received the Queens Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education in 2021 for cultural heritage science research. It is the second time that NTU has been bestowed the honour of receiving a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for its research, the first being in 2015 for leading-edge research on the safety and security of global citizens.

    The Research Excellence Framework (2021) classed 83% of NTU’s research activity as either world-leading or internationally excellent. 86% of NTU’s research impact was assessed to be either world-leading or internationally excellent.

    NTU was awarded Outstanding Support for Students 2020 (Times Higher Education Awards). It was the University of the Year 2019 (Guardian University Awards, UK Social Mobility Awards), Modern University of the Year 2018 (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide) and University of the Year 2017 (Times Higher Education Awards).

    NTU is the 5th largest UK institution by student numbers, with over 33,000 students and more than 4,000 staff located across five campuses. It has an international student population of 4,000 and an NTU community representing around 160 countries.

    In the past 15 years, NTU has invested £450 million in tools, technology and facilities.

    NTU is in the UK’s top 10 for number of applications and ranked first for accepted offers (2019 UCAS UG acceptance data) It is also among the UK’s top five recruiters of students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

    75% of NTU students go on to graduate-level employment or graduate-entry education / training within fifteen months of graduating (Guardian University Guide 2021).

    NTU is 4th globally (and 3rd in the UK) for sustainability in the 2021 UI Green Metric University World Rankings (out of more than 900 participating universities).

Published on 25 May 2022
  • Category: Press office