Stellar year for the University of Northampton

The University of Northampton has cemented its place as a leading University during 2013 with successes across the board, recognising the commitment of academic and professional services staff to enhancing the academic and student experience at the University.

In February 2013, the University was designated an Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, receiving international recognition for its commitment to social innovation and entrepreneurship. The University is the first in the UK to be awarded this honour, and one of only 22​​ in the world.

The University also enjoyed league table successes, shooting up the rankings in the Complete University Guide, Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide and the Guardian University league tables. The University was the highest climber in the Complete University Guide and is now classed as one of the Top 50 universities in the UK by the Guardian.

The Destination of Higher Education Leavers (DLHE) statistics revealed in July showed that for the second year running, 96 per cent of University graduates were in work of further study after six months of completing their course. Testament to the commitment of the university to develop the employability prospects of graduates through placements and internship opportunities; as well as working with students to develop their confidence and workplace competence to give them a competitive edge in their chosen industry.

The University was shortlisted for the Times Higher Education Magazine ‘University of the Year’ award and ‘Business School of the Year’ award in 2013, and also won the Midlands Enterprising University of the Year award.

Vice Chancellor, Nick Petford said: “When I joined the University back 2010, I was bowled over by the quality and diversity of our offer and also the appetite of staff to take the University of Northampton forward to the next level of development. The academic and professional services staff at the University deliver outstanding life changing opportunities that are second to none.

“Looking to the future, we have ambitious plans to continue improving our offer to students, staff and local community through the development of a brand new campus in the heart of Northampton Town. The Waterside Campus will be a state-of-the-art centre of learning and research  which will set the tone for the future of the University as a leading higher education institution, not only in the UK  but internationally.”

Haviour Chen, President of the Students’ Union said “”In the past year the University and the Students’ Union have listened to student feedback and acted to ensure that our students get the best possible student experience. Through investment, the Students’ Union now offers free sport to all students, a unique offer that ensures every student has the opportunity to get involved and which has seen participation double. Together we are committed to delivering continual improvement in partnership with our students, providing them with a memorable experience and opportunities to make change and drive their personal development.”

​The University focus remains on maintaining and improving the offering to students over the coming years. The University hopes to start work on a new state of the art Waterside Campus, in the heart of Northampton Town in early 2014; cementing the future of the University as a leading provider of Higher education in UK and Internationally.

University of Northampton highlights 2013

February 2013 – Designated an Ashoka U Changemaker Campus for our commitment to Social Enterprise
February 2013 – Awarded Midlands Enterprising University of the Year for the second year running
March 2013 – Highest Climber in the Complete University Guide
March 2013 – Signed Partnership agreements with local sports teams to create industry relevant work placement and intern opportunities
May 2013 – Ranked in the Top 50 of the Guardian University Guide
July 2013 – DLHE statistics reveal that 96 per cent of our graduates are in work or further study six months after completing their course
September 2013 – Shortlisted for THE University of the Year Award
September 2013 – Shortlisted for Outstanding Business School of the Year Award
September 2013 – Ranked 59th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2014​