Student awards

The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) Student Awards is a celebration of the outstanding performance and achievements of our students.

History of the awards

Launched in 2020 during Black History Month, the initial suite of awards aimed to shine a spotlight on the faculty’s Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic students' remarkable accomplishments, and support the university’s efforts to reduce awarding gaps. Whether achieving the highest overall scores in their module presentations or making exceptional progress towards their study goals, often overcoming challenges along the way, selected recipients of the awards received a certificate, a personalised trophy, and a cash prize to mark their achievements.

Our award offering has extended over the years, with additional awards being introduced that are open to all FASS students and we currently have 11 awards on offer each year.

About our awards

The Sir Lenny Henry Award for Outstanding Achievement award

This award is presented to students on a FASS undergraduate module who meet the awarding criteria. It demonstrates that they have made excellent progress in their OU study towards achieving their study goals.

The Joan Armatrading, The Professor Susheila Nasta and The Professor Marcia Worrell Awards for Outstanding Performance

These awards are presented to students on a FASS undergraduate module who meet the awarding criteria and attain the highest overall score in their module presentation. Awards are available for performance in Level 1 February (B) and October (J) presentations of FASS modules, and Level 2 or 3 October (J) presentations of FASS modules.

The Executive Dean Awards for Outstanding Achievement and Outstanding Performance

These awards are presented to undergraduate students within each School of the Faculty and to the best performing postgraduate student in the Faculty.

Celebration

Each year, we recognise students who have performed exceptionally well and/or achieved their study goals. Recipients are selected by a diverse panel and are invited to attend our Faculty Assembly to receive their award.