Wolfson Fellow wins Lecturer of the Year Award

The annual Excellence Awards celebrate outstanding contributions from students, staff and student-led initiatives across the University, recognising excellence in teaching, support, community building, leadership and inclusive practice.

The nomination praised Nigel for making complex ideas clear, engaging and accessible, using real-world examples to bring his lectures to life. Students described him as a passionate expert who is “wonderful to listen to”, highlighting the enthusiasm, warmth and humour he brings to every class.

“I was very surprised and delighted to be nominated for Lecturer of the Year,” Nigel says. “It shows that my commitment to creating research-informed lectures, inclusive teaching materials and challenging all students to achieve their best has hit the mark.”

While he values all student feedback as an opportunity to improve, he says this recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the positive impact his teaching has had on students’ learning and personal development.

“It’s a privilege to work with such talented students, and this award is an acknowledgement of the work of my many colleagues.”

Nigel teaches at the Institute of Continuing Education (PACE), which has been widening access to Cambridge education for more than 150 years through part-time, flexible courses ranging from short programmes to undergraduate qualifications and Master’s degrees. One of the aspects he enjoys most is the diversity of both the subjects he teaches and the students he teaches them to.

“My teaching at PACE is incredibly diverse and affords me the opportunity to work with a global community of students,” he explains. “Currently, I lead research methods teaching to Master’s students, focusing on bridging the gap between abstract theory and professional practice, but I also teach sociology, politics and social policy. It’s an exciting (and challenging) opportunity to learn together with one of the most diverse student bodies in Cambridge.”

Asked about his teaching philosophy, Nigel says successful teaching is about much more than delivering information. “I’ve always thought, perhaps unoriginally, of teaching as a performance art,” he says. “It requires developing professional and friendly relationships in the classroom to challenge and stretch students to achieve their best. The backstage of this art is the unseen work of lecture preparation, marking and feedback, and the administration of teaching. Teaching is not, however, disingenuous ‘acting’ since it must be underpinned with the values of care, inclusion, and social justice.”

Ultimately, he hopes students leave his lectures with more than subject knowledge. “I’d like my students to apply classroom knowledge to their real-world activities, but also develop a commitment to the wellbeing of other people. 

“Teaching philosophy should not just be about binary choices between, for example, subject- or student-centred approaches. It’s about values and moral choices too.”

Nigel’s connection with Wolfson stretches back almost three decades. Having completed both his MPhil and PhD at the College before becoming a Fellow, Director of Studies, and Tutor, he says the qualities that first drew him to Wolfson remain unchanged. “I first arrived in Wolfson in 1997 and was impressed by the international and cosmopolitan character of the College. I made friends with and learnt from such a diversity of people, both students and staff. It’s that commitment to an egalitarian, international and inclusive academic community that has remained unchanged.”

Today, he particularly enjoys supporting students through their academic journeys. “I enjoy helping our students overcome difficulties and achieve their personal and academic goals. It’s the friendly and supportive ethos of the College that many of us take pride in.”

For students preparing to begin at Cambridge this autumn, Nigel has one piece of advice. “Embrace the whole Cambridge and Wolfson experience – whether you are starting a one-year intensive Master’s, an undergraduate degree or a PhD. It is right that students give centrality to their academic work and achievement, but participating in wider Cambridge life is also vital for students’ resilience and wellbeing. The Cambridge experience also includes many sources of support in the University, faculties and departments, and College. Ask for any help you may need.”

Two members of Wolfson staff were also shortlisted for awards in recognition of their outstanding contributions. Community & Leadership Impact Coordinator Simona Obeng was shortlisted in the Student Support by a Member of Non-Academic Staff category, and Academic Skills Librarian Connor Johnston was shortlisted in the Inclusive Practice category. The recognition of Nigel, Simona and Connor reflects the dedication of Wolfson members to creating an environment in which students can thrive.

Read more about the winners in each category