News

Durham students amongst most satisfied in UK

(22 October 2008)

Students at Durham University are among the most satisfied in the UK, according to this year’s National Student Survey (NSS).

Durham rises five places to eleventh in the latest NSS. The independent annual survey evaluates how satisfied students are with the overall quality of their higher education experience, gaining student opinions this year from across 148 institutions. The results show that Durham achieved a 74 per cent response rate in the survey and was ranked the top institution in the UK for overall satisfaction in three subject areas – theology and religious studies; combined honours arts; and combined honours in social sciences. A further three subjects were ranked in the top five nationally – physics; engineering; and natural sciences. In total 19 subjects out of 26 were ranked in the top 20 for overall levels of satisfaction. Students rated their satisfaction in seven areas: teaching; assessment and feedback; academic support; organisation and management; learning resources; personal development and overall satisfaction. Durham performed particularly well in both organisation and management, and learning resources, and 89 per cent of respondents agreed that overall they were satisfied with the quality of their course. This follows the University’s success in the Sunday Times University Guide 2008, where it was ranked eighth – equaling its highest ever ranking. Winning praise for its world class research and high quality teaching, the University was also ranked sixth in The Independent's Complete University Guide and eighth in The Times Good University Guide. Professor Anthony Forster, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Learning and Teaching, said: “Durham is committed to providing students with the complete university experience – access to the world’s finest academic backed up by a supportive and diverse college-based student experience. “The high score Durham gained on the survey reflects the positive results we are already seeing. More importantly, however, the survey results enable us to look at where we can further improve our services to offer our future students an even better teaching, learning and life experience.” Durham University Education and Welfare Officer, Emma Carter, said: “The high standards of the University are reflected in the NSS results. The University is extremely good at providing for, supporting and representing students, academically, socially and pastorally.”