Shortlisted for University of the Year and innovative teaching

The OU has been shortlisted for University of the Year and Most Innovative Teacher of the Year in the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2020.

The judges said that they were “gratified by the huge number of entries at a time when university staff had so many demands on their time” and said:

“This has been a year like no other, and universities have faced unprecedented challenges as a result of the pandemic.”

The THE Awards recognise outstanding work and exceptional performance across the higher education sector for 2018-19. The OU has beaten off stiff competition to make it into the University of the Year category of finalists.

Jhumar Johnson, Director of Development said:

“Being shortlisted for the THE Awards is an incredible achievement and something all of us should take pride in. The OU’s 50^th Anniversary was a landmark moment in our history, and it is fantastic to be recognised for all that we achieved in 2018/19: from celebrating the proud history of the OU, to delivering pioneering partnerships and initiatives which will build on our legacy for years to come. Thank you to everyone who helped to make this happen.”

Hugh McFaul, founding Director of the Open Justice Centre at The Open University Law School, has been shortlisted in the Most Innovative Teacher of the Year category, which recognises the academic whose imagination and passion have transformed a course and inspired students. Hugh led the development of a ground-breaking distance learning law module, Justice in Action, which combines academic study of social justice and legal ethics with the opportunity to participate in professional standard legal pro bono work.

He said:

“I’m delighted to have been shortlisted for this prestigious award which gives important recognition to the Open Justice Centre and the OU Law School. Our innovative use of digital technologies to support socially engaged legal education is pioneering within the field and resonates strongly with the OU’s core aims of being open to people, places, methods and ideas.”

The winners will be announced at a ceremony on 26 November 2020.

See the full shortlist