Matthew Reisz, Times Higher Education reporter and features writer, has been named Education Journalist of the Year at a national awards ceremony in London
Mr Reisz was one of three Times Higher Education journalists shortlisted for the annual award handed out by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), more nominations than any other publication.
He was joined on the shortlist by Zoe Corbyn, reporter and features writer, and John Gill, news editor, alongside journalists from the BBC, The Times Educational Supplement and several national newspapers.
His winning submission was a series of three pieces examining developments within the academic study of economics, sexology and theology.
The CIPR judging team said: "The ability to communicate issues effectively and thoughtfully is vital in keeping ongoing debate open in the education sector, and we congratulate Matthew on his skills in doing this to such a high standard.
"All three reports were fascinating and well written. When you find yourself reading bits out to colleagues, you know you're on to something good."
Mr Reisz said: "The great thing about higher education is that its subject area covers everything from particle physics to archaeology, economics and sexology.
"One of the great privileges of working at Times Higher Education is the chance I get to speak to some of the key players involved and to play a minor role in the major debates."
The honour, which was announced at a ceremony at the House of Commons on 5 November, came as Melanie Newman, Times Higher Education's chief reporter, was highly commended in the Paul Foot Award for Campaigning Journalism.
The commendation was for a series of news articles about the funding crisis at London Metropolitan University, which was ordered to return £36.5 million over-paid to it by the Higher Education Funding Council for England because of major inaccuracies in its student completion data.