The Recognising and Advancing Teaching Excellence (RATE) Award scheme was first introduced by Stirling Students' Union in 2010.
Nominations are open from Monday 24th November and can be completed on the student portal. Nominations remain open until Wednesday 1st April 2026 and you can nominate for multiple staff members.
Our student-led RATE Awards recognise exceptional people and teams at the University of Stirling. This is your chance to celebrate excellent teaching, academic mentors, tutors, teams, and departments across the University. The categories for 2026 are:
Teacher of the Year (Arts & Humanities)
Teacher of the Year (Health Sciences & Sport)
Teacher of the Year (Natural Sciences)
Teacher of the Year (Social Sciences)
Teacher of the Year (Management School)
Teacher of the Year (INTO Stirling)
Teacher of the Year Awards are invited from each Faculty and allow you to nominate lecturers who have stood out and inspired you at the University. You can nominate for whatever reason you want in order to celebrate their contribution to your education.
Outstanding Personal Tutor
Nominate your personal tutor due to their role in providing academic guidance and pastoral support to you.
Outstanding PGR Supervisor of the Year
Many lecturers supervise and support PGRs; this is your chance to recognise their work and effort
Postgraduate Research Student Teacher of the Year
There are many postgraduate research (PGR) students who also teach across the University, this is your chance to recognise their contribution and effort.
Outstanding Professional Services and Support Staff of the Year
There are 1000s of non-academic staff working at the University to help you succeed. This award recognises any individual that has played a crucial role in providing exceptional services to students, contributing to their overall university experience.
Outstanding University Team, Service or Department
This award celebrates a University team, service, or department that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to enhancing the student experience and contributing positively to the university community.
Outstanding Programme
This award allows you to nominate an outstanding academic course that has delivered an exceptional learning experience, fostering student engagement, and provided valuable knowledge and skills.
Outstanding Feedback or Assessment
If you have received amazing feedback this year or been impressed with innovative assessment, this award allows you to say thank you and celebrate it.
Outstanding Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and Social Justice
Open to academic and non-academic nominations, this award acknowledges individuals, groups or teams that have made significant contributions in promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion and social justice, making a positive impact pn campus and beyond.
Outstanding Commitment to Sustainability & Biodiversity
Open to academic and non-academic nominations, this award acknowledges individuals, groups or teams who have demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability and biodiversity, making a positive impact on campus and beyond.
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RATE Slide