Our students are amongst the most satisfied students in the UK – according to figures released by the 2012 National Student Survey (NSS).
The results of the annual survey published today (Thursday 27 September) reveal that the overall satisfaction rate for Bath students is 91%.
That is six points above the UK national average for HEIs (higher education institutions) of 85%, and puts us fifth in the national table of over 250 universities and further education colleges in terms of student satisfaction.
Professor Dame Glynis Breakwell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bath, said: “We are delighted to see overall satisfaction levels so high for a second year running as it reflects the students’ view of our complete offer. This achievement is, in no small part, testimony to the hard work and passion all our staff demonstrate in helping to deliver the very highest quality student experience.
“At Bath we aim to offer our students a unique combination of high quality teaching, excellent support services and a welcoming campus community. Although we pride ourselves on our culture of high academic achievement, we also prize the friendliness of our campus and the accessibility of all our staff and services. As a result, we have one of the best records of student satisfaction and degree completions in the country.”
Other highlights of the NSS 2012 results for the University of Bath include:
- Our students ranking their Students’ Union as one of the top ten in the UK.
- Bath being ranked number one in the UK for student satisfaction in no fewer than four subject tables: Architecture (100% satisfaction); Civil Engineering (100% satisfaction); Computer Science (98% satisfaction); and Italian (91% satisfaction).
- Bath achieving a much higher than average response to the optional question “It is clear how students’ comments on the course have been acted upon”. Our response rate was 12 points above the HEI average and clearly demonstrates we listen to our students and act on feedback.
Chris Clements, President of University of Bath Students’ Union, said: “To be starting the new academic year with such an impressive achievement is fantastic. For our Students’ Union to be viewed as one of the best in the country is an honour and a deserved reflection on the efforts of our students.
“We have a really strong culture of collaboration here and the high response rates from our students come from the importance we place on the student voice. The very active role that our students play in working with University staff to improve the student experience is what makes all the difference.”
Professor Dame Glynis Breakwell added: “We enjoy an excellent relationship with our Students’ Union and the strength of this relationship, and the way in which we work together, is a major contributor to delivering the very best.”
The NSS, now entering its eighth year, provides all final year undergraduate students in UK higher education institutions and further education colleges with the opportunity to express their opinions on what they liked during their time at university.
Around 287,000 final-year students responded to the NSS survey this year from 154 HEIs and 106 FECs (further education colleges) from across the UK which is up 20,000 on last year and represents a record high response rate of 67%.
The results of the national survey provide valuable information for prospective students, and help universities, colleges and students’ unions to further improve the education and services they provide.
The NSS data are available on the Unistats website: http://unistats.direct.gov.uk/