UCL Foundation Year teaching staff shortlisted for Student Choice Award

Angela Cooper and IIyas Azouzi, both teaching staff on the Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) - UCL’s International Foundation Year, have been shortlisted for a Student Choice Award.

The Awards give students the chance to celebrate and recognise members of staff who have inspired or supported them during their time at UCL.

Angela, an Associate Lecturer at the UCL Centre for Languages & International Education, has been shortlisted in the Excellent Personal Tutoring category for the second consecutive year, following her richly deserved win in 2020. This is also the fifth year in a row that she has been nominated for the award.

Angela said: "This is very exciting in what has been a very challenging year! In a face-to-face classroom or tutorial, you can build up a trusted relationship and pick up on 'soft signs', which is crucial for the wellbeing and mental health of students. It is far more difficult to build up a rapport with a screen! So, I'm thrilled to be shortlisted again."

Ilyas, a Postgraduate Teaching Assistant and History PhD candidate, has been shortlisted in the Brilliant Research-based Education category for his teaching on the UPC’s Geography and the Built Environment (GABE) module, where he shared his doctoral research and disciplinary expertise on the geography of postcolonial architecture and the Westernisation of architectural knowledge with his students.

You-Vin (Lawela) Kim – GABE Student Representative said: “Although many of us were unfamiliar with architecture, Ilyas’s lectures and seminars sprouted great interest and enthusiasm in us. We are truly grateful to him, especially in such challenging times, for explaining this complex and novel topic so thoroughly.”

Ilyas was delighted to be shortlisted and paid tribute to both his students and colleagues.

“I am very grateful to all the students for their incredible support and their great work and participation throughout the year” Ilyas said, “I am thrilled to see how responsive and inspiring this cohort has proved to be.

Thank you for the nomination and for valuing my work. This could not have been achieved without the support of our module leader, Dr Dan Kilburn.”

This year, a record 1482 nominations were submitted for an award, covering 731 individual members of staff. 3 nominees were then selected for each of the 8 categories by a panel of Sabbatical Officers and Faculty Representatives.

The award winners will be announced on Wednesday 9 June – best of luck to both Angela and Ilyas!