An institution-wide set of principles to help staff and students understand how academic freedom and freedom of expression apply to teaching and learning. Why this mattersUniversities depend upon the freedom to question, test ideas, challenge established thinking, and pursue knowledge. For staff and students, these are not abstract commitments: they shape what can be taught, how learning takes place, and how differing perspectives are considered.Learning should allow people to encounter challenging and sometimes controversial ideas, engage with them critically, and develop their own reasoned positions. Related freedoms, different protections Academic freedom protects staff engaged in teaching, the provision of learning, or research, enabling them to question established ideas, develop new ones, and express controversial or unpopular opinions within the law, without placing their employment or associated privileges at risk. Freedom of expression applies to the whole University community, including staff, students, and visitors, protecting their freedom to express lawful views, exchange ideas, and participate in debate. What we didThe Curriculum and Education Workstream developed seven principles explaining how these distinct freedoms work together in an educational context.Written by colleagues for colleagues, the seven principles are intended as a shared reference point for staff and students.They address diversity of thought, lawful expression, boundaries, learning through difference, critical thinking, respectful disagreement, and navigating tension. Key principles for academic freedom and freedom of expression in teaching and learning The Principles provide an accessible statement of the University's educational commitments. Read the principles in full or the summary below.Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression Key Principles for Teaching and Learning1. Championing Diversity of ThoughtWelcoming different views, beliefs, and experiences.2. Empowering Lawful ExpressionSupporting open debate and lawful expression.3. Freedom within BoundariesDistinguishing lawful expression, including views that may offend, from unlawful conduct such as harassment, threats, or incitement to violence.4. Learning through DifferenceBroadening understanding through varied perspectives.5. Developing Critical Thinking through Open DiscourseTesting assumptions and considering evidence.6. Challenging and Disagreeing RespectfullyEngaging in civil, reasoned challenge.7. Navigating Tension ThoughtfullyHelping staff and students engage critically and respectfully with challenging, unwelcome, or even offensive ideas, rather than shielding them from such encounters. How the principles work togetherThe seven principles are intended to be read and applied together. They affirm the importance of lawful expression and robust intellectual challenge, including engagement with views that may be uncomfortable or unpopular. At the same time, they emphasise the responsibilities that accompany participation in academic discussion: listening respectfully, recognising the dignity of others, examining ideas with scholarly rigour, and making space for different perspectives to be heard and challenged.The aim was not to prescribe the views that may be taught or debated, but to establish shared expectations and conditions within lawful, academically rigorous education.Together, they provide a foundation for open, rigorous, and respectful teaching and learning.Sharing these principles within our communitySupporting guidance and educational communications were developed to help staff apply the principles when designing teaching, facilitating discussion, and approaching contested topics. The Workstream also developed a student-facing film for use in teaching and learning settings to introduce the principles and their significance for learning at the University. The film explores the importance of independent thinking, questioning and challenging ideas, critical inquiry, lawful expression, and engaging thoughtfully with different perspectives. What difference is this intended to make?A practical reference point for teaching and learning: The principles are intended to inform teaching and learning in practice, particularly when challenging or contested questions arise. They provide staff with a shared point of reference when planning and facilitating learning, while helping students understand how to participate confidently and constructively in academic discussion.A stronger culture of academic inquiry: Support evidence-based challenge, diversity of thought, intellectual independence, and opportunities for students to develop critical judgement through engagement with difference.Institutional ownership going forwardSenior lead: Associate Principal and Deputy Secretary, Students.Established structures: Senate Education Committee, Academic Quality and Standards, and School-level educational governance.Delivery partners: Principally, academic Schools and the Students' Association.Useful linksCurriculum and Education Workstream: Terms of ReferenceResources for use in learning and teaching environments:Principles for teaching and learning (PPT)Principles for teaching and learning (PDF)Our story: 2023-2026 This article was published on Friday 6 November 2026
