Vice-Chancellor's Education Excellence Awards
The VC's Awards reward those individuals who make a marked impact on enhancing the student learning experience.
About the awards
The Vice-Chancellor’s Education Excellence Awards aim to raise the status of education at Newcastle University by rewarding individuals and teams who have made a marked impact on the student educational experience.
Please note: the VC Education Excellence Awards programme for 2022-23 is now closed and winners will be announced shortly. The programme will reopen for 2023-24 applications in January 2024.
Categories and eligibility
The award is open to all members of staff at Newcastle University, NUIS and NUMed whose work enhances the student educational experience. In addition, applications are welcome from staff of associated employers with direct and substantive involvement in the delivery of the student experience at Newcastle (e.g. staff of INTO). Groups of colleagues who work closely together are invited to apply for the team award.
Up to 5 awards of £3000 will be made across the following two categories:
Category One: Individual Award
- Individual members of staff (academic or professional) whose contribution to education at Newcastle University is exceptional.
Category Two: Team Award
- Teams of staff (either academic or professional services staff, or teams consisting of both) whose contribution to education at Newcastle University is exceptional.
Documentation to support your application
Dr Carys Watts, Senior Lecturer, School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences
Dr Watts received her award in recognition of:
- Her sustained, and much valued, record of achievement and dedication to student learning and support.
- Excellent work on the Support to Study, Virtual Exchange and Study Abroad initiatives.
- Her collegiality and passion for teaching.
Carys commented:
"I am delighted to receive this award and to be recognised for progressing student mobility, co-creativity and enterprise activities.
Working with some incredible colleagues and teaching a diverse student community keeps me motivated, reflective and innovative in my approach to education."
Rosalind Beaumont, Senior Lecturer, Education & Research Development, School X
Rosalind receives her award in recognition of:
- Her record of innovation and creativity in support of student learning and staff development, both within her School and Faculty and more widely across the University.
- Her teaching excellence and dedication to sustainability, which was praised by the panel.
- Support and contributions to the University’s Professional Standards Framework scheme.
Rosalind remarked:
“It’s an honour to be recognised by my peers for my work with both students and staff in different educational contexts at Newcastle over the last 15+ years.
I’m here through a lot of determination, luck, and the countless conversations with colleagues and students which have helped shape me into the educator and colleague I am today.
Thank you to all of you who have been part of my development so far – there’s always more to do, so let’s get on with it!”

Previous Winners
2022 | 2021 |
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2020 | 2019 |
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2018 | 2017 |
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2016 | 2015 |
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2014 | 2013 |
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2012 | 2011 |
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2010 | |
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