From groundbreaking programmes and global partnerships to student-led initiatives and campus milestones, the past year at the University of Westminster has been one of innovation, sustainability and impact. As the year draws to a close, here are ten standout moments that shaped the Westminster community, celebrated its achievements and set the course for what comes next.
1. Securing £2.5m from Office for Students to create Immersive Experience Lab
In 2025 the University of Westminster secured £2,496,000 in funding from the Office for Students (OfS) to create a new Immersive Experience Lab on its Marylebone Campus, designed specifically to tackle critical skills shortages already affecting employers in London and across the UK. The Lab will provide students with hands-on, industry-aligned learning that builds practical and strategic skills in high-growth sectors, including digital technology, finance, construction, manufacturing, professional and business services, and the creative industries.
2. Achieving EcoCampus Platinum Award
Westminster’s Environmental Management System (EMS) received the Platinum Award from EcoCampus for its sustainable planning and performance. Having previously received the EcoCampus Gold Award in 2018, which was recertified in 2023, the even more prestigious Platinum certification demonstrates the strong progress the University has made in its journey towards sustainable development.
The use of an EMS helps the University to identify, manage and reduce its environmental impacts, ensure legal compliance and drive continual improvement. The system not only solidifies the University’s Being Westminster 2022-2029 strategic commitment to sustainability and protecting the environment but also helps to reduce waste, tackle emissions and conserve energy.
3. Launching Right to Food UK Commission in Parliament
This year students and colleagues partnered with Ian Byrne MP, the Food and Work Network, and the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU) to launch the Right to Food Commission in Parliament. The Commission aims to provide a roadmap towards ending hunger in Britain and bring together academics, activists, trade unionists and campaigners to tackle hunger and malnutrition in the UK.
The Commission was announced at the Right to Food UK Conference which was held at the University of Westminster in September and featured Westminster’s Dr Regina Murphy Keith and Dr Sharon Noonan-Gunning who are technical advisors on the Commission.
4. Being named University of the Year at 2025 Queer Student Awards
The University of Westminster was named the University of the Year at the 2025 Queer Student Awards (QSAs), a national celebration recognising the impact of LGBTQ+ students, graduates and inclusive institutions across the UK.
Westminster’s recognition reflects a broad and intentional programme of support, visibility and empowerment. Landmark initiatives include the LGBTQ+ Empowerment Programme, an eight-week journey for LGBTQ+ students centred on leadership, wellbeing and self-expression; Open MiQ+ nights, which bring the University community together through inclusive, expressive performances; and the Queering Academia Conference.
5. Students embarking on international trips through Westminster Working Cultures programme
During the year Westminster students took part in Westminster Working Cultures (WWC) international and UK trips, where they explored professional environments and learned from industry experts from across the globe.
In June students had the chance to visit Singapore, where they attended ten sessions with 18 volunteers from local and international employers. Three student cohorts then travelled across Hong Kong, Tokyo and the UK where they took part in more than 30 sessions with over 50 Westminster alumni and partner organisations. These events spanned industries such as architecture, creative, entrepreneurship, fashion, fintech, journalism, law, media and tech. This was the first WWC trip to Tokyo and gave students the opportunity to connect with Westminster’s large network of alumni and key business leaders in Japan.
6. Being shortlisted for Outstanding Support for Students at Times Higher Education Awards 2025
The University of Westminster was named a finalist in the Outstanding Support for Students category at the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2025. These awards recognise excellence in the UK and Irish Higher Education sector and are widely known as the Oscars of Higher Education.
Being shortlisted for the award is a recognition of Westminster’s outstanding commitment to enhancing student experiences and career prospects through innovative and tailored initiatives, such as the Future Ready Mentoring programme, that help students thrive.
7. Celebrating 50 years of Media degrees
This year marked the 50th anniversary of the University’s pioneering Media Studies degree, the first undergraduate course of its kind in the UK. To celebrate the milestone, the University held a celebration event and two-day conference, bringing together students, academics, alumni and global media scholars to honour a half-century of media education.
The festivities also provided the opportunity to look to the future of Media teaching, with the School of Media and Communication launching Westminster Waves, a next-generation digital station with the infrastructure to grow into a DAB-licensed broadcaster with potential reach of over two million people across West London. The year also saw a number of inspiring high-profile journalism events such as the Charles Wheeler Award full of VIPs held at the University’s historic Regent Street Cinema and the annual Leveson Lecture with Atomic Kitten’s Kerry Katona and Lord Leveson also in attendance.
8. Financial Times featuring Westminster as only educational institution on UK’s Best Employers 2025 list
This year, Westminster proudly stood out as the only university to be featured in the Financial Times UK’s Best Employers 2025 list. From free onsite gyms and 35 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays and seasonal closures, to generous pension contributions, language learning opportunities and a wide range of wellbeing programmes, Westminster offers a comprehensive package of benefits that reflects its commitment to supporting colleagues and helping them thrive.
9. Black History Year Researchers Network winning Research Culture Impact Award at Vitae ICE Awards 2025
Westminster colleagues Dr Deborah Husbands and Kate Theophilus won the Research Culture Impact through Researcher Development Award at the annual Vitae Impact, Culture and Engagement (ICE) Awards. The prize was given for their work on the University’s Black History Year (BHY) Researchers Network and highlighted its significant contribution towards helping Black researchers reach their full potential.
The Vitae ICE Awards celebrate impactful and innovative work carried out by the researcher development community, with the Research Culture Impact through Research Development Award specifically recognising outstanding practice that demonstrates how researcher development can act as a catalyst for change in research culture.
10. Hosting the London Student Sustainability Conference 2025
The University of Westminster hosted the London Student Sustainability Conference 2025, bringing together students from universities across the capital to showcase innovative projects addressing global sustainability challenges.
The London Student Sustainability Conference is a student-led event, organised by eleven London-based universities, including the University of Westminster. Held on 26 February at Westminster’s Little Titchfield Street site, attendees had the opportunity to deepen their understanding of key sustainability challenges, explore potential solutions and network with fellow students, academics and professionals.
Find out about the 2024-2025 academic year highlights.
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