UoG is shortlisted for new awards celebrating excellence in higher education

University of Gloucestershire has been shortlisted for prestigious new awards recognising and honouring excellence in higher education.

Organised by the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS) in partnership with Universities UK, Guild HE and the Institute of Student Employers, the inaugural Academic Employability Awards celebrate outstanding employer initiatives in the curriculum.

The University’s School of Business, Computing and Social Sciences is a finalist in the International Employability and Global Skills category in recognition of the positive contribution of its annual Make An Impact initiative.

Launched in 2021, Make An Impact was originally designed to support Small and Medium-sized Enterprises by providing research-based, business-focused solutions to real-world challenges. 

Run over two days, the initiative has since proved so successful that it has been expanded beyond business-related courses to provide opportunities for all international undergraduate and postgraduate students to work collaboratively on a live client brief tailored to the students’ academic disciplines.

Examples include Human Resource Management students working with Müller to develop initiatives for its graduate internship programme, and International Business Management students collaborating with International Trade Matters to explore innovative approaches to sourcing critical minerals essential to the UK economy. 

Recognising the diverse backgrounds of international students, special efforts are made to address the challenges they may face when transitioning into the UK higher education system and professional environment.

International students who have participated in Make An Impact said benefits included improved problem-solving, leadership and communication skills, while employers welcomed the innovative solutions and unique insights that emerged to support their business.

Professor Cathia Jenainati (pictured left), Head of the University’s School of Business, Computing and Social Sciences, said: “We’re thrilled that the outstanding dedication and commitment of our colleagues driving the Make An Impact initiative is being recognised and celebrated at the first ever AGCAS Academic Employability Awards.

“The success of Make an Impact is driven by effective collaboration between academics and leadership teams. Led by Dr Emily Beaumont, Associate Professor for Enterprise and Entrepreneurship working collaboratively with the Student Futures team, this collaboration ensures that students are supported, empowered to work in teams, showcase their professional skills, and enhance the quality of their project outcomes.

“Our international students make a valued contribution to our vibrant and welcoming University community, enriching cultural diversity across our campuses and providing students with opportunities to discover and appreciate other experiences and perspectives, broadening their world view.

“We look forward to joining our colleagues from across the university sector at the AGCAS awards ceremony to recognise and celebrate all the outstanding employer initiatives in the curriculum that are benefiting students in the UK and beyond.”

The winners of the Academic Employability Awards 2025 will be announced at an awards ceremony in London on 24 April.