With Nottingham Trent University scooping the University of the Year at the 2023 awards, UCB was recognised in the international category – with the awards voted for by over 35,000 verified student reviews at 240+ higher education institutions across the country.

“These awards showcase the quality of higher education in the UK and its creativity, resilience and innovation,” said Simon Emmett, CEO at IDP Connect.

“With the continuing cost-of-living challenges, we’re proud to focus on all the good universities do and celebrate their successes.

“Each of our winners and finalists has gone above and beyond to positively impact students’ university experiences,” he continued, adding that scores in 2023 are significantly higher than previous years.

Michael Harkin, vice-chancellor and principal at UCB, pointed to the “outstanding work” of the international team in building the overall student experience and support for “our overseas cohort from even before they arrive in the UK to their welfare while studying with us”.

“As an extremely diverse community, we are also proud to have such excellent integration between our international and domestic students,” he added.

“We are proud to have such excellent integration between our international and domestic students”

UCB supports over 9,000 students from more than 90 countries, with the majority staying within the region once they graduate. It has developed a reputation for its industry leading culinary arts courses over the past two decades, the institution noted.

It also claimed silver in the University of the year category.

Other winners included Aberystwyth University in both the Student Life and the Lecturers & Teaching Quality categories, The University of Sheffield in the ‘Students’ Union’ category, NTU in the Postgraduate category.

Harper Adams University secured the Career Prospects award, Bishop Grosseteste University the Halls and Student Accommodation and Student Support awards, Loughborough University the Facilities award and Norland College the Small or Specialist award.

Buckinghamshire New University was also recognised in the Submission Award ‘Cost of Living’ category.

“We know that no one is better placed to judge universities than their students,” Camilla King, director of client partnerships at IDP Connect, added.

IDP Connect owns Whatuni.com, which is behind the awards.

“We will continue to ensure that the student voice is always heard when it comes to students making their university choices.

“After a challenging couple of years, it’s important to recognise the universities going above and beyond to support students and give them the best university experiences possible. The institutions recognised have successfully adapted, created and implemented fantastic initiatives to support and engage students, which our awards are thrilled to celebrate.”

The full list of 2023 WUSCA winners is available here.