Outstanding teaching

High-quality teaching lies at the heart of Oxford Brookes. We are proud to have received a host of achievements and accolades, including 12 National Teaching Fellowships for our staff.

National recognition for great teaching

We are home to 12 National Teaching Fellows - the most prestigious award for excellence in higher education teaching. Our National Teaching Fellows work across a range of subjects from geography and architecture to business and education. Our academics also take part in innovative schemes which add value to their teaching.

Professor Tina Miller

Professor of Sociology

Tina is one of the BBC Academy’s Expert Women - an ongoing campaign attempting to increase the number of expert female contributors on TV and radio. She has appeared on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour and BBC Radio Oxford talking about her influential research into contemporary family lives, which she brings to life through her teaching.

Professor Jane Anderson

Programme Lead for Undergraduate Architecture

Jane won a National Teaching Award Fellowship in 2014 for her innovative use of live projects in architectural education. Students design and build real projects, such as a pop up cinema, commissioned by local communities, charities and organisations. They have enabled students to collaborate with clients, local government and industry experts, engaging in social and cultural issues and contributing to the local area.

Dr Jonathan Louw

Principal Lecturer

Jonathan is a recipient of Senior Fellowship from the Higher Education Academy (HEA) in recognition of his commitment to high quality student learning and teaching. He is also the Faculty Champion for the Oxford Brookes Social Entrepreneur Programme (OBSEA), providing vital encouragement, support and expertise to help students undertaking funded projects that are designed to address some of the world’s pressing social issues.

Marc Howe

Principal Lecturer in Law

Marc became a National Teaching Fellow in 2015. His teaching philosophy is to bring the study of law to life. A former practising solicitor, he focuses on helping his students develop highly sought after professional skills. Under his guidance, Oxford Brookes law students have won national and international competitions in client interviewing and mooting. He’s national adjudicator for the prestigious national ESU Mooting Competition.

Brookes Union Teaching Awards

Every year, our students get the opportunity to recognise members of staff who have made a real difference to their learning experience. Oxford Brookes is ranked 5th in the UK for teaching (Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2023).

Dr Mark Cain, Reader and Programme Lead for Philosophy and Religion, won the Most Inspirational Lecturer award. Students nominating Mark highlighted his passion for his subject and the outstanding support he provides for his students. 

“Mark consistently expresses an enthusiasm, passion and enjoyment for teaching and for his subject. He is also always willing to sit down and talk through things, whether it be academically related or to do with personal matters.”

What our students say

Photo of Bernard Chu

“All my lecturers are really professional, knowledgeable and engaging as well, which makes learning much easier and more interesting, just fun.”

Bernard Chu, studying Nutrition

Photo of Kristi Langli

“Being able to have a close relationship with tutors and my academic adviser has been vital for my studies. I don't think my course would have been half as enjoyable as it is without the remarkable staff.”

Kristi Ronning Langli, studying Drama and English

Photo of Haakon Sorlie

“The best thing about the course is the people who teach it.”

Haakon Sorlie, studying History

Photo of Dana Kanibolotska

“Your teachers become your mentors and guides for life.”

Dana Kanibolotska, studying International Hospitality Management

Photo of Aiysha Whitfield

“My parents have been impressed with the academic standards of my course.”

Aiysha Whitfield studying Film Studies and Communication, Media and Culture