National Student Survey (NSS) 2016
10 August 2016
Overall satisfaction amongst final year Cardiff University students with the quality of their studies remains high, according to a new survey.
The National Student Survey (NSS) 2016 results published today (Wednesday August 10th 2016) found that 87% of final year undergraduates who completed the annual survey were satisfied with their overall student experience.
Despite a fall from last year’s record high of 90% satisfaction levels remain high and on a par with both the HE sector and Wales average.
Pro Vice-Chancellor for Student Experience and Academic standards, Professor Patricia Price said: “The annual National Student Survey (NSS) is an extremely helpful snapshot of how our final year students feel at the end of their undergraduate studies.
“As a University we set ourselves extremely high standards so, of course, we are disappointed that we’ve slipped a few points in overall satisfaction levels this time round – especially after last year’s all-time high.
“What’s important now is we take some time to reflect on this year’s results and work with our students to increase levels of satisfaction in future surveys.
“We are committed to making our student experience a byword for excellence.”
Published annually, the NSS asks undergraduates to rate their University experience in areas including teaching, academic support and personal development.
The results also show continued satisfaction with Cardiff University Students’ Union (87%) cementing its place as one of the very best in the UK.
As part of the University’s commitment to improving the student experience the University has unveiled a five-year investment programme in buildings and learning spaces.
The programme includes a new flagship Centre for Student Life, extensive upgrading of lecture theatres, classrooms and seminar rooms as well as installing the latest audio, visual and IT equipment, and flexible, comfortable seating.
In addition, the University is investing in existing library services which includes extended opening hours.
Professor Price added: “Our students rightly expect the very best facilities and teaching in every part of their Cardiff education.
“Only last week we submitted a planning application to build our flagship Centre for Student Life. This is on top of a major investment in exisiting lecture and library facilities which current students are already seeing the benefit of.
“There’s still more work to be done but we are committed to providing excellent facilities for students to study.
“We pride ourselves on the high level of engagement that exists between our students, the Students’ Union and the University, and we work together to enhance the Cardiff experience.”
The Way Forward strategy sets the University the target of achieving 90% overall satisfaction in every School and 80% satisfaction in the assessment and feedback category by 2017.