Cardiff best in Wales for student experience
21 March 2016
Bangor displaced as Cardiff rises 17 places to 12th in the UK.
Cardiff University offers the best student experience in Wales, displacing Bangor University, according to the latest Times Higher Education (THE) UK Student Experience Survey.
Measured against the rest of the UK’s universities, Cardiff now sits in 12th place – a rise of 17 places on last year’s survey - while Bangor and Swansea trail behind at 14th and 33rd, respectively.
The THE Student Experience Survey, now in its 11th year, is unique in that it looks beyond the usual definition of the student experience – comprised largely of teaching, learning, assessment and feedback – to a broader definition, one created by students themselves that includes those aspects of university life that matter most to them.
Professor Patricia Price, Cardiff University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Student Experience and Academic Standards, said: “We are delighted to be in the top 20 universities in the UK and top in Wales for student experience. The University’s much improved position overall, and particularly on measures such as high quality lectures, facilities and well-structured courses, reflect significant investments we are making in the student experience.
“These include upgrading our learning spaces, longer library opening hours, a major focus on assessment and feedback and more access to student support services, as well as the establishment of a Centre for Education Innovation to drive learning and teaching excellence.”
Professor Sioned Davies, Head of the School of Welsh, added: “The THE results show how good Cardiff University students general experience is, on a social and academic level, and how we are leading the way in Wales. As a School, we are keen to ensure that the Welsh speaking students have an excellent experience. The community in Cardiff is a close and lively one and there are a huge range of activities and events on offer through the medium of Welsh, within the University and externally across the capital.”
More than 15,000 full-time undergraduates took part in this year’s survey, with 4% more participating than last year. All respondents were members of YouthSight’s Student Panel – largely recruited via UCAS – and their views were gathered between October 2014 and June 2015.
