Nearly 70% of its academic staff has been awarded this mark of distinction with a further 26% working towards becoming an Associate Fellow, Fellow or Senior Fellow for their good practice in teaching and supporting learning.

The HEA focuses on the contribution of teaching in higher education to the wider student learning. It does this by offering professional recognition programmes and awards which serve as a benchmark for teaching excellence.

Dr Tim Jarvis, Lecturer in Creative Writing at the University has seen significant benefits to gaining the fellowship. “I have already seen my increased knowledge and skills having an impact in the classroom, with the theories and techniques I learnt on the course giving me new ways to engage students and keep them interested.”

Commenting on the figures, Lisa Hayes, Academic Professional Development Co-ordinator at the Centre for Learning Excellence said: “We’re really pleased that the majority of our academic staff are now HEA accredited, or soon will be.

“A valuable measure of success, gaining HEA fellowship not only shows that our academics are working within the UK Professional Standards Framework, but it is also considered important in terms of promotion and progression."

The University has focused on the student experience in recent years, with the quality of its teaching a priority.

Earlier this year the University’s Director of Teaching and Learning Dr Mark Atlay was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship. He was one of just 55 higher education staff to have received the award this year; the most prestigious awards for excellence in higher education teaching and support for learning.