UK number one status retained in modern university global ranking
For the third consecutive year, Oxford Brookes has been hailed as the only UK representative in the QS Top 50 Under 50 World University Rankings.
This latest global table of institutions under 50 years old, published in July 2019, was just the latest ranking success for Oxford Brookes. The University’s world-leading research was also recognised with the UK’s number one status in the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2019. The global ranking, published in June 2019, also placed Oxford Brookes as the UK’s second highest performing university for teaching.
June 2019 saw a rise of eight places in the latest Guardian University Guide and was the third consecutive year that Oxford Brookes has improved, now 33rd out of 121 UK institutions. The compilers of the Complete University Guide 2020 highlighted Oxford Brookes as being amongst the country’s ‘notable climbers’ in May 2019, up 15 places. Only four universities increased their ranking position by a greater number.
New Greek partnership launched
September saw an exciting new partnership with Metropolitan College, Athens, launched at the British Ambassador’s Residence in Athens. British Ambassador, Kate Smith, hosted representatives from Oxford Brookes, Metropolitan College and the British Council.
The partnership will deliver undergraduate and postgraduate courses spanning health, accounting, hospitality and technology. The programmes will prepare graduates with skills in key areas crucial for the growth of the Greek economy.
The event also launched a new alumni group which will help graduates in Greece to connect with each other, plan social activities and provide updates on the latest developments at Oxford Brookes.
Leading the way with degree apprenticeships
Degree Apprenticeships are proving increasingly popular with students and businesses and Oxford Brookes has launched a number of innovative courses in the past year.
Apprentices do not pay tuition fees through the scheme and are able to gain a qualification, learn professional skills and earn a wage. For employers, degree apprenticeships are attractive as they can address skills gaps in an organisation whilst providing a training framework for developing new or existing members of staff.
The new Senior Leadership Master’s Degree Apprenticeship, which launched in March 2019, is specifically designed for current and aspiring leaders who need to fit studying into an already busy working life.
Earlier in the academic year, Oxford Brookes became one of just five universities in the UK to offer an Architecture Degree Apprenticeship at Level 7 - the equivalent of a master’s degree. The University also introduced its new Nursing Associate Higher Apprenticeship with the first cohort of more than 100 students beginning their journey towards becoming the next generation of healthcare professionals.
More information is available on our dedicated webpages at https://www.brookes.ac.uk/ apprenticeships
Commitment made to Stand Alone Pledge
Oxford Brookes formally committed to the Stand Alone Pledge, for students with no contact with their family, in May 2019. This is part of a comprehensive plan, to improve support for estranged students, which also includes a bursary of £2,000 per year.
Over 9,000 university students in the UK have no contact with their family and are therefore studying for a degree without traditional support networks at home.
Susan Mueller, Project Director at Stand Alone, commented: “By signing the Stand Alone Pledge we hope more students will feel confident in coming forward to access the help and support available to them at Oxford Brookes University.”
In May 2019 it was also announced at an event at the House of Lords that Oxford Brookes will be one of eight institutions working to develop a quality mark framework, which will become the national standard for higher education support for students who have been in care.
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Read about Tang Lingyun, a student at our partner: Chengdu University of Technology