25 September 2008

Dundee shortlisted for 'University of the Year' 2008

The Times Higher Education Supplement has today announced that the University of Dundee has been shortlisted for ‘University of the Year’ at the forthcoming Times Higher Education Awards 2008.

For the last 5 years the University of Dundee has been undergoing a major transformation. The new £200 million campus redevelopment includes a new Dundee Student Village, a £15 million teachers block and major extensions to the Institute of Sport and Exercise, which has been designed as an accredited training camp for the London 2012 Olympic Games. The university has also created a broadband network that covers the entire campus and student residences, allowing all students to be further supported throughout their course via online discussions, e-assessment and podcasts.

'It is an honour to be shortlisted for University of the Year and we are proud to be recognised in this way,' said Sir Alan Langlands, Principal of the University. 'It is the hard work of both staff and students that makes for a dynamic university. We are dedicated to providing the very best educational experience for our students.'

This is the second time in four years that Dundee has been shortlisted as University of the Year, a record unparalleled in Scotland. The University was previously nominated in 2005.

Only six universities from 120 around the UK make the shortlist for University of the Year. Dundee is shortlisted for the award alongside King's College London, University of Hertfordshire, University of Leicester, University of Liverpool and University of Surrey.

The Times Higher Education Awards 2008, now in their fourth year, aim to recognise the ground-breaking work undertaken by higher education institutions in building a better future for the UK. Categories include Best Student Experience, University of the Year, Outstanding Student Financial Support Package, Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community, Marketing Initiative of the Year and Outstanding Support for Disabled Students.

Ann Mroz, Editor, Times Higher Education, commented: 'The Awards recognise the very best in higher education in the UK and we are delighted to announce that the University of Dundee has made it onto the shortlist for University of the Year. Our senior advisory panel has been taken from all fields of academia and had to choose from hundreds of first class entries - only the best made it through to our shortlist.'

Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony, held at Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London, on Thursday 23 October 2008. Last year more than 1,200 people from all parts of higher education gathered to celebrate the sector’s achievements.

For more on the awards see: www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/awards.

For media enquiries contact:
Roddy Isles
Head, Press Office
University of Dundee
Nethergate Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384910
E-MAIL: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk