Our History
DEN has gradually evolved, with a growing impact, into the vibrant community it is today. The initial project began in 2012, when Dr. Farhang Morady launched the International Community Project (ICP) to build links between the University of Westminster, local communities, and international partners. With very limited funding, ICP engaged students in Politics and International Relations and laid the foundations for what would later become DEN.
In 2016, with substantial support from the Quintin Hogg Trust (QHT), DEN was able to expand and manage a growing number of projects. This marked the formal launch of DEN as a student-led initiative dedicated to collaboration, creativity, and global engagement.
DEN’s unique model of student–staff partnership quickly attracted recognition. In 2019, it was named runner-up for the Guardian University Award (Student Experience). In 2022, Advance HE recognised Dr. Farhang Morady as a National Teaching Fellow for his outstanding impact on student outcomes and the teaching profession in Higher Education. A further milestone came in May 2024, when DEN received an award from Capital City College, celebrating the exceptional collaboration between our team and the college.
The remarkable success of DEN has led to its seamless integration into the University’s curriculum. We have meticulously incorporated DEN’s innovative teaching method and approach into various modules, encompassing areas such as enhancing employability skills, fostering community engagement, and promoting global awareness among students. Moreover, recognising the diverse academic backgrounds of our student body, two specialised modules have been developed for students at the School of Social Sciences and the College of Liberal Arts. These modules aim to accommodate the growing number of students from different disciplines and positively influence diverse areas within the University, enriching the academic experience for all.
DEN’s leadership and commitment to sustainability have also been widely acknowledged. In 2025, DEN was a finalist for the Green Gown Awards (Student Engagement), and Dr. Morady was honoured as a Sustainability Champion (Staff).
Today, DEN connects more than 1000 students and 10+ global partners across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and South America. Through international conferences, field trips, student-led books, and creative projects, DEN continues to empower students to link education with real-world challenges and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Its story — from a modest community initiative to an internationally recognised network embedded in the University’s curriculum — demonstrates how student voices, when given space and support, can shape not only their education but also the future of global collaboration and sustainability.
Our Aims
The Democratic Education Network (DEN) is built on a model of genuine student–staff collaboration, grounded in mutual support and shared responsibility. Our aim is to unlock students’ enthusiasm, creativity, and confidence, enabling them to engage meaningfully with their communities while feeling supported and inspired to realise their potential.
DEN provides a platform that celebrates the diversity of the University of Westminster’s student body, encouraging democratic engagement through a collective approach to education. By working together, students learn not only to recognise and communicate their own achievements but also to contribute to wider social and global change.