Students outside Dickens Yard
Students outside Dickens Yard

Review of the year 2020

Introduction

2020 has been undoubtedly one of the strangest, most unpredictable and challenging of years we’ve ever experienced at the University of West London.  

But it was also a year of innovation, dedication and success. Therefore, we thought it only appropriate to take a look back over the past year and revisit just some of the highlights – showcasing the successes and outstanding contributions to society of not only the University, but also our wonderful students and alumni.

Review of the year

Professor Peter John

January

University of West London Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter John, is awarded a CBE in the New Year honours list

UWL’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter John, was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the Queen’s 2020 New Year honours list for his outstanding work and service to higher education.

Members of the Anand family winning an award for best-family run restaurant.

February

ITV accolade for University of West London graduate family restaurant

The Brilliant Restaurant, run by UWL graduate Dipna Anand and her family, was crowned Best Family-Run Restaurant in ITV’s first Food & Drinks Awards, hosted by Stephen Fry.

Professor Alison Wakefield

March

Security professional brings expertise to UWL students

Professor Alison Wakefield joined UWL’s Cybercrime and Criminology Centre where she will lead a new Professional Doctorate programme in Policing, Crime and Security. Professor Wakefield was also recognised in the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber UK 2020 list, by IT Security Guru.

male and female student nurses

April

University of West London students enter NHS workforce during pandemic

Hundreds of trainee nurses from UWL took the extraordinary decision to start their healthcare careers early in hospital wards across London and Berkshire to help during the Coronavirus pandemic. Students joined members of staff and alumni from UWL’s College of Nursing, Midwifery and Healthcare in the effort to manage the crisis and keep us safe. Thank you for all your work this year.

Someone behind a window with their hands pressed up against the glass

May

Students snapshot lockdown life with Hounslow Visual Arts

Seven artists from the UWL’s Photography BA used their talents to showcase their experiences of lockdown in an online exhibition with Hounslow Visual Arts.

Collage of student work from ArtsFest 2020

June

ARTSFEST heads online to celebrate student creativity

ARTSFEST – UWL’s annual creative showcase – celebrated another year of student talent, welcoming industry professionals, alumni and residents to enjoy a host of free online film screenings, interactive exhibitions and performances. 

Two students walking through Heartspace at the University of West London

July

University West London is top university in London for overall student satisfaction*

UWL was the top university in London and in the top 25 in the UK for overall satisfaction in the National Student Survey (NSS) 2020* – demonstrating the University’s dedication to delivering a great student experience.

* Excluding specialist institutions

Daniel Ojeme, a student at the University of West London

August

Student impresses with 21st century innovation

Taking his vision for a very modern doorbell to the next level, UWL Business Management student and entrepreneur Daniel Ojeme reached the finals of this year’s innovation award from the Mayor of London.

Three students walk together in the Street at UWL holding coffee and chatting.

September

University of West London announced as University of the Year for Student Experience

Fighting to secure a more sustainable future, UWL became a founding signatory of the One Planet Pledge to bring about major change over the next 30 years. The national pledge calls for organisations to get behind ambitious targets and help the UK hit net zero carbon emissions by 2050. 

The front entrance of the University of West London's St Mary's Road site

October

University of West London joins global drive with Planet Pledge

Fighting to secure a more sustainable future, UWL became a founding signatory of the One Planet Pledge to bring about major change over the next 30 years. The national pledge calls for organisations to get behind ambitious targets and help the UK hit net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Heartspace - in the heart of the University of West London's Ealing site.

November

University of West London partners with former Education Secretary to close Opportunity Gap

Continuing to open up opportunities and boost social mobility, UWL partnered with the former Secretary of State for Education, Rt Hon Justine Greening, to increase access to higher education – committing to an action plan to help people improve their career opportunities and be able to progress unhindered by their background or lack of connections. 

UWL Students are joined by Philip Schofield in Pillars Restaurant

December

Student critics reach millions in ITV festive showcase

UWL student chefs joined television presenter Phillip Schofield, in the final episode of ITV’s How to Spend It Well at Christmas, in the University’s Pillars Restaurant to offer their thoughts on some alternative festive dishes. 

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