Student satisfaction remains steady at University of Reading
15 July 2020
Student satisfaction at the University of Reading once again remains above the sector average, according to the 2020 National Student Survey (NSS) published today.
84% of final year undergraduate students reported being satisfied with their overall experience - the same score as the 2019 survey. The average overall satisfaction rate for the higher education sector is 83%.
Reading students reported improved satisfaction across most areas, including ‘Learning resources' (from 75% to 80%), ‘Student Voice' (67% to 71%) and ‘Organisation and management' (from 76% to 78%).
‘Organisation and management' (78%) and ‘Learning community' (77%) are both above the sector averages of 74% and 76% respectively.
At discipline level, six areas achieved an overall satisfaction score of 90% or above, including: Clinical Language Sciences (96%); Degree Apprenticeship Scheme (93%); Mathematics and Statistics (92%); Meteorology (92%); Biological Sciences (91%); and Archaeology (90%).
2,559 University of Reading undergraduate finalists completed the NSS this year, representing a solid 70% response rate and maintaining the sharp rise of last year's survey. The response rate in 2018 was 66%.
The University is committed to working in partnership with students to support them to achieve their goals, both personally and academically. Feedback from surveys such as the NSS is hugely valuable, allowing the University to hear from students to better understand what's working well and what needs improvement, and to take action accordingly.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Robert Van de Noort said: "We are very grateful to all our students who took the time to share their feedback with us in this year's National Student Survey.
"Overall satisfaction at Reading has remained steady this year, and I am pleased to see ongoing improvements in key areas such as ‘Assessment and feedback', ‘Learning resources' and ‘Student Voice'.
"This is the result of the dedication and commitment of colleagues across the institution, working closely with students to support their learning and enhance their university experience. Although most of the responses were submitted before we moved teaching online as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, these results are also indicative of all of the hard work to make this transition as smooth as possible for our students. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of my colleagues for everything they have done to contribute to this achievement.
"As ever, the survey results do also highlight areas where we need to improve. Our 2020-2026 Strategic Plan sets out our commitment to fostering an environment where our students can excel, academically and personally, alongside putting our diverse community at the heart of everything we do. We will be guided by these principles to address issues raised through the National Student Survey, and other channels, to make improvements for the benefit of all our current and future students and colleagues."
The full results are publicly available on the Office for Students website.