The Department of Materials rose three places in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022.

The news comes as the College's student satisfaction, measured in the National Student Survey, reaches an all-time high, and Imperial takes a further Good University Guide award as the University of the Year for Student Experience 2022. Imperial has significantly increased its investment in learning and teaching, including developing a world-class hybrid education experience.  

'Rising to the challenge'

The Department of Materials faced several challenges last year with the pandemic, limiting opportunities for face-to-face teaching. As a result, staff and students had to adapt quickly in a very short time frame.

Professor Peter Haynes, Head of Department, commented on last years teaching demands and their impact on this year's ranking. 

He said: "Organising and delivering teaching online is far more demanding than in person, but our staff rose to the challenge, and I’m delighted to see this recognition by the students of their efforts, which we will endeavour to build on in the future."

A collaborative effort

The Department of Materials collaborated to adapt teaching to a virtual setting and introduce several innovative projects like lab-in-a-box home learning kits and new tablet devices at each laboratory bench. 

Professor Jason Riley, Associate Head of the Department for Education for 2020/21, commented:

"Switching to remote teaching and assessment required the Teaching Office, the Academic Staff and the students to make major adjustments to the way they worked.

All parties engaged with the new challenges and working together with our high quality, challenging programmes were delivered and where problems arose innovative solutions found."

University of the Year

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide has also named Imperial College London as University of the Year 2022. 

Professor Alice Gast, President of Imperial College London, said: "Imperial’s success is thanks to its brilliant people. When COVID-19 struck, students and staff did not just think about mitigation, they raised their ambitions."

Find out more

To find out more about undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the Department of Materials, please visit the Study section of the website and the Department of Materials website. 

Student ambassadors representing every department and many different countries can talk to prospective students: chat to a current student or graduate. 

The College welcomes applications from a diverse range of prospective students. You can find out about the grants, loans, scholarships, and bursaries that may be available by visiting the Student Finance section of the website.