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Celebrating 15 years of the MEd in University Learning and Teaching
On Friday 4 September 2026, alumni, students, colleagues and friends of Imperial’s MEd in University Learning and Teaching came together at 170 Queen’s Gate to celebrate 15 years of the programme.
The anniversary was an opportunity to reflect on the programme’s journey, celebrate its impact on educators and the wider Imperial community, and reconnect with the people who have helped shape its story.
The evening featured speeches, live music, food and refreshments, with speakers reflecting on their experiences of the MEd and the difference it has made to their careers and educational practice.
From a small group to a growing community
Professor Martyn Kingsbury reflected on the programme’s early beginnings and its evolution from a small group of educators into a much wider community. For Martyn, the growth of the programme reflects the strength of the community behind it and what can be achieved through working together.
“We’ve gone from that… five people who were brave, perhaps underground adopters.”
— Professor Martyn Kingsbury, Director of Educational Development Unit, Imperial College London
Connection, confidence and community
Speakers reflected on the many ways the MEd has supported their professional development.
Professor Emeritus Jane Saffel highlighted the importance of connection, describing how the programme helped combat the isolation that can come with developing educational practice. She also reflected on how the programme opened up new ways of thinking and created opportunities for recognition.
For Andy McKeown, the MEd provided a sense of legitimacy and confidence, as well as the strength that comes from connecting with colleagues across disciplines.
“The strength in numbers, that sense of collegiality across disciplines… gave us real strength.”
— Andy McKeown, Dean of Medicine, University of Liverpool
Professor Sophie Rutchmann similarly highlighted the importance of community and collaboration, describing the value of bringing people together from different backgrounds to share ideas and develop their practice.
Making an impact across Imperial
The MEd’s impact extends beyond individual careers, with graduates contributing to educational developments across the College.
Alan Spivey reflected on the expertise that the programme has helped develop and embed across Imperial:
“It was incredibly reassuring that we had this sprinkling of talent and expertise in every department who had passed through this programme.”
— Alan Spivey
These reflections captured the wider contribution of the MEd: developing confident, knowledgeable educators who can influence teaching and learning within their departments and across the institution.
Looking to the future
After 15 years, the MEd is much more than a qualification. It is a community of educators who continue to learn from one another, share ideas and contribute to the future of education at Imperial and beyond.
The anniversary was a celebration of that community and the many people who have contributed to its journey — while looking ahead to the next chapter of the MEd in University Learning and Teaching.