This is awarded to the top 0.5% of the undergraduates graduating each year (presented at the summer graduation ceremonies) and will appear on students' Higher Education Achievement Records (HEAR). Each student is awarded with a prize cheque for £1000.

The award is available to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. The DAA is awarded to students who have:

• Made an exceptional contribution to life of the University;
• Contributed significantly to the development of the curriculum;
• Enhanced other students' experience at University through activities such as peer support, student societies, or work with central services such as Recruitment and Admissions;
• Has coupled excellent academic achievement with either major external activity (top level sport or music) or have overcome major difficulties.

The postgraduate DAA nomination deadline falls in November and the undergraduate in January.