“A deep commitment to inclusion and creativity”

A music academic who cultivates creative, inclusive learning communities within diverse student cohorts has been recognised with a prestigious national award.

Dr Daniel Bickerton of the University’s School of Music has been awarded a National Teaching Fellowship by Advance HE – the highest award in the sector.

The National Teaching Fellowships are given each year to a small number of academics who have made an outstanding impact on student outcomes and the teaching profession in the UK.

Dr Bickerton has been central to the transformation of Cardiff University’s School of Music. His students value the importance of lifelong learning and experience exciting opportunities to collaborate in creative workshops and performances, as well as develop imaginative leadership and engagement skills to facilitate the challenges of interdisciplinary scholarship across the Arts and Humanities. He has won awards for his extensive outreach and widening participation work, which has, in turn, provided enrichment and work placement opportunities for HE students as inclusive co-leaders.

Daniel’s work has not only translated into improved student admissions but also enhanced student outcomes through skills-driven learning, teaching, and support practices. He is highly regarded for his inclusive and digital assessment practices through showcase events and student conferences. His work has resulted in significant increases in student satisfaction and assessment and feedback over the last ten years.

Internationally recognised as a mentor to HE staff and students alike, Dr Bickerton promotes best practice and inclusive learning overseas, and is sought after as an advisor to HE curriculum committees, including peer reviewing for Europe’s Music Quality Enhancement, contributing to the continuous improvement of learning and teaching in HE internationally.

Claire Morgan, Pro Vice-Chancellor Education and Student Experience said: “Daniel’s teaching is founded on a deep commitment to inclusion and creativity. He recognises the great diversity of his students and has developed a lively and multi-faceted music provision involving placements, skills-focussed workshops and rich activities. His students have opportunities to be involved in hugely memorable national and international performances across multiple genres and benefit from an ethos in which all are supported to achieve.”

Commenting on his award, Dr Bickerton said: “I am honoured and truly humbled to have received this award. I am aware that the National Teaching Fellowship’s prestige is recognised both nationally and internationally, and I am immensely grateful for the life-changing opportunities I have been afforded to make a difference to the lives of students from all kinds of backgrounds during my career so far.”

“I hope that this National Teaching Fellowship will shine a spotlight on the teaching and scholarship excellence evident at Cardiff University’s School of Music, and within the discipline of Music and the Arts more broadly, at a time of such challenge for those working in Higher Education.”

A total of 55 National Teaching Fellowships were awarded by Advance HE this year. The awards are highly competitive and an independent panel of senior higher education leaders, representing the four UK nations, assures their quality.