Aberystwyth named Welsh University of the Year

Aberystwyth University has been named Welsh University of the Year for 2020 by The Times / The Sunday Times Good University Guide.

This latest accolade means the University has been recognised by The Times / The Sunday Times Good University Guide for three years running.

In September 2018 Aberystwyth was named University of the Year for Teaching Quality, and in doing so became the first university to receive the award two years in succession.

The latest edition of The Times / The Sunday Times Good University Guide is published on Sunday 22 September 2019 and sees Aberystwyth ranked 2^nd in the UK for Student Experience and for Teaching Quality.

Overall, Aberystwyth has climbed three places to 45^th, consolidating its status amongst the top 50 universities in the country.

Alastair McCall, Editor of The Times / Sunday Times Good University Guide, said: “Twice a winner of our award for University of the Year for Teaching Quality, Aberystwyth this year scoops the national prize for Wales. This will come as no surprise to its students, who have rated it the best in Wales for teaching quality and the wider student experience for the past four years. It was the standout candidate to be the Welsh University of the Year for 2020.

"The university has climbed around 50 places in our UK rankings in recent times, a transformation that is being consolidated by an ambitious capital spending programme. The gold award won by Aber in the Teaching Excellence Framework praised the outstanding levels of stretch in its degree programmes, challenging students to achieve their full potential. A library refurbishment and a refit of the arts centre has helped keep student facilities at the cutting edge and further improvements, such as the new Innovation and Enterprise Campus, are in the pipeline for next year, which should keep the university challenging for honours well into the future.”

Professor Elizabeth Treasure, Vice-Chancellor of Aberystwyth University, said: “This is wonderful news and I am delighted that the hard work of colleagues across the University has now been recognised for three years running. To be announced as Welsh University of the Year after being University of the Year for Teaching Quality for two successive years is no mean feat and I would like to thank everyone here at Aberystwyth University for their contribution towards making this happen. As we embark on a new academic year, the work to develop and enrich the student experience continues as we empower our students to unlock their potential as independent learners as well as to benefit from all other aspects of university life. As Welsh University of the Year we build on our rich heritage and national commitment to education as we welcome students and staff from Wales, the United Kingdom and across the world.”

Dhanjeet Ramnatsing, President of Aberystwyth University’s Students Union said: “It comes as no surprise to students that Aberystwyth University has been recognised as Welsh University of the Year for 2020. We have clearly witnessed a transformation in Aberystwyth over the past few years. Aberystwyth University has worked hard for this achievement and it clearly shows that our University is moving in a positive direction. We hope that the University will continue to be recognised in future; prospective students have projects like the Old College to look forward to as well as new facilities and accommodation such as Pantycelyn which will improve the student experience and ensure that the University continues to be recognised rightfully as one of the best HE institutions in the country.”

Awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF), the latest National Student Survey pubished in July 2019 saw Aberystwyth become the top university in England and Wales for overall student satisfaction.

The epitome of consistency, Aberystwyth was also the top university in Wales for student satisfaction for the fourth year running.

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