Published on 07 August 2019
Andrew Sturrock, Principal Lecturer in Pharmacy, has become our latest National Teaching Fellow.
Throughout his time at the University of Sunderland and indeed in Higher Education, Andrew Sturrock has successfully driven improvements to the student experience. Under his leadership the University’s Master in Pharmacy (MPharm) programme has been wholly transformed, both in terms of student success, learning and teaching approaches and assessment.
Andrew’s improvements have made a positive difference to student satisfaction and overall performance. In the General Pharmaceutical Council’s Registration Assessment results 95% of University of Sunderland students achieved registration at first attempt, 15% higher than the national average. This result is testimony to Andrew’s transformational approach to teaching and the supportive work he and his team have undertaken in preparing students to become qualified pharmacists.
The University of Sunderland’s Pharmacy programme was first established in 1921, making it one of the longest-running programmes – and it’s been at the cutting-edge of Pharmacy education throughout that time.
Professor Michael Young, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, commented: “By linking his research with teaching, Andrew has spearheaded innovative inter-professional education that moves well beyond the traditional ways that allied health professions work alongside one another. Andrew’s research interests are embedded in teaching and provide authentic, experiential learning for students, through simulation, inter-professional learning or working directly with patients.
“Andrew’s work on curriculum transformation and the development of pedagogical approaches has had a significant impact on the student experience, outcomes and employability not only at the University of Sunderland but also in other institutions. He retains a strong focus on leading and developing other academic staff from the University of Sunderland and beyond. Andrew has undertaken the role of tutor to those working as part of the Academic / Community Pharmacy Pre-registration year, acting as a mentor to potential future generations of academics to ensure student success and employment.”
Three London colleagues receive Senior Fellowships
University of Sunderland in London has announced its first three colleagues to be awarded Senior Fellowships of the Higher Education Academy.
Allison Young, Head of Academic Operations; Yahaya Alhassan, Principal Lecturer for Quality Assurance, Enhancement and Programme Development; and Dirisa Mulindwa, Principal Lecturer for Research, External Engagement and Employability, were awarded their Senior Fellowships on 25 July 2019.
Allison commented: “This is an exciting and important milestone for the University of Sunderland in London. On a personal level, I am delighted for myself, Dirisa and Yahaya. For all three of us to be awarded Senior Fellowship on the same day makes the achievement particularly special, a collegial as well as an individual success. More importantly, this recognition will enable us to mentor and support other colleagues in London towards Fellowship, in collaboration with the University’s Centre for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching.
"In the next two years we are aiming for 100% of teaching staff to have Fellowship and are looking forward to seeing the first London staff graduate with the PG Certificate in Academic Practice later this year”.
Dr John Unsworth, Head of Learning and Teaching Enhancement, said: “HEA Fellowship provides an opportunity for staff to reflect on their teaching practice and to gain internationally recognised recognition for their work in supporting learning and student success. I am delighted that we have been able to award our first three Senior Fellowships to the academic team at the University of Sunderland in London. Their recognition is testimony to the outstanding work, over many years, in leading and developing academic staff in London”.