University of Staffordshire has won University of the Year at the Academic Employability Awards 2026.

Judged by sector experts, the awards recognise the efforts being made by universities to help students secure employment after graduating.

The panel assesses how higher education providers work with industry partners and prepare students for future careers.

University of Staffordshire was awarded University of the Year in recognition of its "strongly embedded approach to employability with strong outcome and inclusion focus".

According to the Staffordshire University website: "The University's Curriculum Framework provides a structured, evidence-based approach that ensures students gain academic knowledge alongside the practical skills, professional competencies, and real-world experience essential for career success.

"The framework has been developed collaboratively by academics, professional services, students, and industry partners, ensuring teaching and assessment remain aligned with professional practice and employer needs."

According to Staffordshire University, 80 percent of recent graduates are in positive destinations meaning they have entered the workforce or embarked on further study.

This is an increase of 6% over the past three years.

advertisement

The University was also ranked third in the UK for career prospects by students in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025.

Carolina Salinas, Head of Employability & Graduate Outcomes, commented: "This award recognises our strong collaborative approach to integrating career readiness into curricula, assessment, and student development.

"From first-year to graduation, employability is integrated across all programmes ensuring students are prepared for the job market well before graduating.

"The Curriculum Framework continues to evolve in response to student feedback, labour market trends, and emerging technologies to ensure that every student, regardless of background, benefits from an employability-led learning experience aligned with employer expectations and evolving industry needs."

Each year, the University showcases students' work to industry professionals at its GradEX event.

Internships are also available to those from disadvantaged backgrounds which has given 300 students the chance to take on paid professional experience in the past three years.

The University's Games institute produces more industry-employed games graduates than any other UK institution.

Professor Chris Headleand, Head of Staffordshire Games Institute, said: "This recognition reflects years of sustained, collective effort to build an environment where our graduates are supported, and positioned to thrive.

advertisement

"This award is a testament to the power of collaboration, shared institutional vision, and a relentless focus on student outcomes.

"It recognises not just individual initiatives, but a whole ecosystem designed to transform potential into real-world success."