Dr Doug Specht, Head of the School of Media and Communications at the University of Westminster, has been awarded with a National Teaching Fellowship from Advance HE. The National Teaching Fellowship Scheme (NTFS) celebrates individuals who have made an outstanding impact to student outcomes and the teaching profession in UK higher education (HE).
Dr Specht is a Reader in Cultural Geography and Communication, Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and a Chartered Geographer. His academic work spans geopolitics, cartography, human rights and educational innovation, and he serves as Chair of the Environmental Network for Central America. He is also the Chair of the United Nations Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) working group on AI in University Management, which contributes to international policy discussions on sustainability, ethics and digital transformation in HE.
Beyond Westminster's walls, Dr Specht has established himself as a prominent voice in educational discourse. He regularly contributes to high-profile publications including WonkHE, Times Higher Education and The Conversation, where he writes on critical issues including AI and education, ethics in digital systems, environmental justice and human rights in learning contexts. He serves on multiple editorial boards and participates in national and international debates about the future of education and the role of universities in addressing pressing global challenges.
In January, Dr Specht was awarded the Principal Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy, making him the first person to simultaneously hold the Chartered Teacher Status (CTEACH), Advanced Teacher Status (ATS) and the PFHEA, alongside his existing qualifications of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE).
Dr Specht said: "Being named a National Teaching Fellow is a real honour. My work has always been driven by a belief that education should equip students to read the world critically - to understand the infrastructures, data and power relations that shape their lives. I'm grateful to Advance HE for the recognition, and to the students and colleagues who have pushed that thinking forward with me.”
Alistair Jarvis CBE, Chief Executive of Advance HE, said: “Congratulations to the recipients of the 2026 National Teaching Fellowships and Collaborative Awards for Teaching Excellence. They exemplify the dedication, creativity and leadership that underpin outstanding higher education. Through their commitment to students and continual enhancement of teaching and learning, they are making a significant contribution to their institutions and the wider sector. I am pleased to recognise their achievements and celebrate the impact they have made on students, colleagues and communities throughout the UK.”
The 2026 National Teaching Fellows will be formally recognised at an awards ceremony on 24 September in Edinburgh.
The achievement directly reflects the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) 4: Quality Education. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
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