One of the pioneers of the popular and innovative veterinary education programme at The University of Nottingham’s Vet School has won a highly coveted National Teaching Fellowship – the most prestigious award available to teachers in UK higher education.

Associate Professor of Veterinary Education Liz Mossop joins the ranks of eight other Nottingham academics who hold Higher Education Academy National Teaching Fellowships. These celebrate excellent practice and outstanding achievement in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and learning.

As Sub-Dean for Teaching, Learning and Assessment at the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Liz has a remit to lead undergraduate teaching, but also pioneers cutting edge research into veterinary education – its design, delivery and the assessment of veterinary students.

Dr Mossop said: “I am delighted and honoured to receive this award. The inspiring and supportive environment at the University of Nottingham has facilitated many of my innovative approaches to veterinary education, which would not be possible without a collaborative approach both within my own school and further afield.

“My own experiences as a practitioner have strongly influenced my curriculum development work, especially in professional skills, and I hope that opportunities such as the business game and communication skills teaching have helped students to navigate a smoother transition to practice life.

“Novel initiatives such as the #vetfinals Twitter revision club are a great example of UK vet school collaboration. This has been huge fun to organise and it is brilliant to see students enjoying this new form of learning and developing a professional network which remains with them as they graduate. I am a great proponent of student engagement, and it has been fantastic to see some of my initiatives such as our Teaching Internship programme, adopted elsewhere.”

Inspirational work

Dean of the Nottingham Vet School Professor Gary England said: “This award is a huge accolade for Liz and is very well-deserved. Her inspirational work here is part of the wider achievement across the School that has forged the best possible veterinary education – innovative and adapted to the changing professional landscape. Our top position since 2011 in the National Student Survey for overall student satisfaction at UK vet schools is testament to the outstanding abilities of the staff who teach here.”

Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education and Student Experience, Sarah O’Hara, said: ”I am delighted that Liz’s significant achievements in the teaching and learning space have been recognized by HEA. She is an outstanding teacher and her innovative approach to teaching is not only benefiting students in the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science but our students across all faculties. She quite rightly joins a growing number of colleagues at the University who have been recognised for the excellence of their teaching.”

Dr Liz Mossop will receive her National Teaching Fellowship at the Higher Education Academy Awards ceremony in London on Wednesday 25th January 2017.