Lincoln Lecturer Helps University’s Continued Success with A National Teaching Excellence Award

An innovative Computer Science lecturer has been recognised with a prestigious national award for his contribution to teaching excellence and positive student outcomes.

Dr Chris Headleand of the University of Lincoln has been awarded a National Teaching Fellowship by Advance HE. The national scheme celebrates a small number of academics across the sector who have made an outstanding impact on student outcomes and the teaching profession in higher education.

Chris joined the University of Lincoln in 2016, taking on Programme Leadership for the Games Computing undergraduate degree course a year later. He became School Director of Teaching and Learning in 2019 and holds national influence as a leader in the gamification of pedagogy and student engagement.

His research interests include Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence and ethics specifically related to gaming applications. Last year, he developed Lincoln Island – a fantasy video game based at the University’s Brayford Pool Campus.

Chris said: “It is an honour to be awarded a National Teaching Fellowship. Lincoln is a fantastic place to teach, where education is underpinned by world-class research and a commitment to student engagement. I’m humbled to be offered this award and proud that it serves to showcase the novel ways that we work in partnership with students in all aspects of teaching, learning, and research.”

Professor Liz Mossop, the University’s Deputy Vice Chancellor for Student Development and Engagement, said: “I am delighted that Chris’ work has been recognised by Advance HE and that he has become the fifth National Teaching Fellow here at the University of Lincoln. Chris’ many initiatives have benefitted not just his own students, but students across the University and beyond, really making a difference. We are very proud of his achievements and hard work, and this award is testament to all the hard work we do to deliver the best experience possible for all our students.”

Alison Johns, Chief Executive of Advance HE, said: “I am delighted to congratulate the 2021 NTFS and CATE awardees on their achievements. This year marks the 1000th National Teaching Fellowship award. Over the years, each and every NTF has made an impact on the sector – both on the students they teach and on their fellow teaching staff who look to them for inspiration and guidance.”

This is the second year in a row that a University of Lincoln lecturer has been recognised with a National Teaching Fellowship, with Tracey White from Lincoln International Business School receiving the same award last year.

This year’s award follows a number of recent achievements for the University, including being named Modern University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021, being placed in the top 20 universities in the UK for student satisfaction in The Complete University Guide 2021, and a five-star score in the prestigious QS Stars global ratings.