UEL shortlisted for University of the Year award

Transforming futures, strengthening communities

UEL’s shortlisting reflects the bold transformation delivered through its 10-year strategy, Vision 2028, which is redefining how higher education drives opportunity and renewal in challenging times. As the UK’s most socially inclusive university – opening doors for thousands of students and proving that essential talent exists across every community – UEL contributes over £1 billion each year to the economy and supports more than 4,000 jobs.

Professor Amanda Broderick, Vice-Chancellor and President of UEL, said:

Being shortlisted for University of the Year is a testament to the determination, creativity, and commitment of our entire community. In just five years, we have transformed not only our University, but also the futures of the students and communities we serve.

This recognition celebrates our belief that higher education must lead national renewal – delivering inclusive, sustainable change that tackles tomorrow’s challenges today.”

Delivering life-changing outcomes

UEL’s careers-first mission ensures every student gains opportunities that lead directly to good jobs and stronger communities. Achievements include:

• Graduate success: UEL has delivered the largest and fastest rise in graduate outcomes in the UK, with a more than 25 percentage point increase, significantly outperforming the national average.
• Enterprise growth: The UK’s largest, fastest mover in new business growth, now ranked 2nd in the UK for student start-ups, having surged from 90th in just a few years. The number of UEL-backed firms still trading after three years has increased by over 1,000%.
• Student experience: The UK’s highest, fastest-improving institution for student experience, consistently ranked in the top 10 for graduating students’ positivity – proof that its innovation is felt most by those who matter most.
• Teaching excellence: Named University of the Year for Teaching Quality (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025), UEL delivers pathways that break cycles of disadvantage and transform thousands of lives.
• UEL has achieved the highest, fastest, most diversified revenue growth of any UK university, delivering sustained, year-on-year financial growth throughout its Vision 2028 strategy. One of just 15 universities operating without debt and in the top quartile for financial health, UEL deploys this strength to combat economic and health inequalities – using financial sustainability as a tool for social justice.

Celebrating higher education’s “Oscars”

UEL’s pioneering research and innovation are also winning national recognition:

• The Royal Docks School of Business and Law – Shortlisted for Business School of the Year 2025.
• Sugarcrete® sustainable materials project – Winner of Knowledge Exchange/Transfer Initiative of the Year 2024.
• Hospital and Primary Care Training Hub – Shortlisted for Technological or Digital Innovation of the Year 2023.

The THE Awards, often referred to as the “Oscars of higher education”, celebrate outstanding achievement across the UK sector. Winners will be announced at a ceremony in Edinburgh on 13 November 2025.