University Centre Peterborough, the higher education provider of Inspire Education Group (IEG), has been accredited with Silver status by the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), a testament to the high quality of teaching and student experience offered by the city’s 15-year-longstanding university.
The TEF found that the student experience offered by UCP is typically of very high quality, with outstanding features. An area deemed to be outstanding is the level of engagement with its student body to drive enhancements, as UCP places the student voice at the ‘heart’ of its decision-making processes and strategic developments. Achievement of a Silver rating also aligns University Centre Peterborough with some of the best institutions in the country, including the world-class Russell Group universities, Kings College London, University College London, Queen Mary University London and The University of Manchester.
Liz Knight, Academic Director of University Centre Peterborough was delighted with this recognition, sharing, “This noteworthy accomplishment is testament to the diligent efforts of our academic and support staff and hardworking students. This achievement sets a standard for continued growth and progress, ensuring that University Centre Peterborough remains a beacon of educational excellence for this year’s cohort and beyond”.
The Teaching for Excellence Framework is a national scheme developed by the Office for Students (OfS), designed to evaluate the quality of teaching, learning, and student outcomes of higher education institutions across England. In addition to University Centre Peterborough’s success, we are also celebrating the achievement of our validating partner, the Open University, who achieved a Gold. The international status of the Open University, along with their TEF rating, means our students in both Peterborough and Stamford receive a high calibre academic experience.
The TEF panel concluded that “highly effective teaching, assessment, and feedback practices that support students’ learning progression and attainment, are embedded throughout University Centre Peterborough”. Facilitated by the small class sizes, curriculum and pastoral staff are dedicated to the success of every student, lending a supportive ear to any learner that may require additional help. As noted by TEF, “students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning, but are still provided with appropriate support mechanisms”. The report goes on to describe assessment feedback as ‘exemplary’, “ensuring that students engage in their learning, and stretch themselves to develop their skills”.
Student feedback also described how University Centre Peterborough has invested considerable time and funding into the provision of high-quality resources and facilities, including Forensic Investigation students having access to a permanent simulated crime scene, and Media and Journalism students working from a broadcast-standard Media Centre. The three floors of the £10M build on Park Crescent are also equipped with a 96-seater lecture theatre, social atrium, digital suites and quiet study zones, fostering an environment of academic growth and collaboration.
The report continues, “Students experience very high-quality professional practice and employer engagement that contributes hugely to the students’ academic experience. These strong links with industry enables students to apply their learning in a real-world context”. The wider Inspire Education Group is dedicated to supporting students to develop the confidence and skills required for their future careers, achieved through relationships with local and regional employers, professional bodies and other stakeholders. In many cases, these connections have provided students with valuable opportunities for work experience, internships and industry placements, enhancing students’ employability prospects and bridging the gap between full-time education and the world of work.
To learn more about University Centre Peterborough, visit our website at www.ucp.ac.uk