THE NOMINATIONS are out for this year’s prestigious Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCA) with universities in Wales leading the way on nominations.
The WUSCA has been taking place since 2012 and celebrates the UK’s best universities based on reviews from current students. This year saw over 35,000 verified student reviews from 92 qualifying higher education institutions across the UK.
Aberystwyth, Bangor, Wrexham Glyndŵr, Swansea and the University of Cardiff have all been recognised in this year’s Whatuni Student Choice Awards securing 23 nominations across 11 of the 12 award categories.
It’s also good news for University of Wales, Trinity Saint Davids having been nominated in the ‘Lecturers and Teaching Quality ’ category with Cardiff Metropolitan University (UWIC) securing a top 10 spot in the ‘Facilities’ category.
Wales also claims two nominations in the coveted “University of the Year” award with Aberystwyth entering the contest this year as one of five new institutions to make the grade joining returning nominee Bangor in the top 10.
The winners of the 12 categories will be announced at a black-tie event in London hosted by comedian, actor and writer Ellie Taylor, a Sunday Times Bestselling author also known for hosting Series 5 of The Great Pottery Throwdown, Let’s Make A Scene, You Won’t Believe This (Channel 4) and Cheat (Netflix). She can also be seen on the smash hit, multi-award winning Ted Lasso.
The Whatuni Student Choice Awards are the UK’s leading student-led university awards.
The WUSCA 2023 sees several smaller and more focused institutions battling it out against larger, more well-known universities. Eleven Guild HE members have been nominated in the Student Support, Student Life, Career Prospects, Halls and Accommodation, and Lecturers and Teaching Quality categories.
Simon Emmett, CEO at IDP Connect, said: “The Whatuni awards celebrate the resilience and innovation within higher education, as well as championing the student voice to drive better experiences and outcomes for students.
With some of the highest scores we have ever collected, institutions across Wales have highlighted the fantastic work of many in the sector, won the backing of their students and secured their nominations in this year’s competition.
“With the continuing cost-of-living challenges, the ongoing debate around international student numbers and Universities thinking more and more about what they can do to help their local communities, we’re proud to focus on all the good Universities do and celebrate their successes.”
Emma Bryant, Associate Director – Marketing and UK Student Recruitment, Swansea University said: “Whatuni Student Choice Awards are so special to Swansea University because they are voted for by current students, for the benefit of future students. They give our current students a platform to share their views on a variety of important topics, from learning and teaching to careers services, and future applicants are able to gain unparalleled insight into student life here. We are delighted to have been shortlisted in six categories this year, which is a testament to the hard work of our colleagues across the University in delivering an excellent student experience.”
Professor Tim Woods, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Learning Teaching and Student Experience at Aberystwyth University said: “We take great pride in the student experience we offer at Aberystwyth University and are delighted to have been nominated for five awards, including University of the Year, by Whatuni Student Choice Awards this year. As is the case with the National Student Survey, which shows our students to be amongst the most satisfied in the UK, these nominations are based on reviews by students themselves and reflect the commitment of our staff across the University to providing the best possible learning experience for our students. Our thanks to the students for their support and to our staff for all their hard work.”
Professor Nichola Callow, Pro Vice-Chancellor Education and Head of Human Sciences, Bangor University said: “Bangor University is delighted to be nominated for University of the Year and across a range of other categories in this year’s Whatuni Student Choice Awards, including Lecturers and Teaching Quality, Students’ Union, Accommodation and Postgraduate. We are a University which believes in providing support for all students to embrace opportunities, have the chance to develop, and realise their ambitions – with students at the heart of our decision-making. The Bangor University community is delighted that our students have shown their support and appreciation by nominating their University in these awards.”
