The University has been shortlisted in two categories in the prestigious Times Higher Education Awards 2010.

Head of the Department of Philosophy Professor Wayne Martin is a finalist in the Most Innovative Teacher of the Year category, while Student Support is up for a top award for Outstanding Support for Students.

Professor Martin was selected for his work on two innovative undergraduate and MA courses which show students the benefits of pushing themselves to their limits.

Professor Martin said: ‘Both courses involve students putting in a lot of extra work straight away, but with the intensive feedback they are given they see the quality of their work rise very dramatically.’

Student Support was picked out for the highly effective way it integrates peer support with other services to deliver accessible support to students.

The 40th birthday of the Nightline listening service saw students and Student Support staff work together to continue improving the student experience.

Director of Student Support, Rachel Fletcher, said: ‘The exceptionally strong partnership between students running Nightline and our Student Support services means it is at the heart of University life.’

The awards ceremony takes place in the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on 25 November 2010.

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For more information please contact the University of Essex Communications Office on 01206 872400 or e-mail: comms@essex.ac.uk.