Putting students at the heart of the university experience pays off as Russell Group students report greater satisfaction

11 September 2008

Responding to the results of the National Student Survey, which show a further increase in the level of student satisfaction at Russell Group universities, the Director General of the Russell Group, Dr Wendy Piatt, said:

“Providing a first-class teaching and learning experience is vitally important to the Russell Group, so we are delighted to see such a positive response to this year’s survey. The year-on-year increase in student satisfaction at Russell Group universities helps highlight the value of our institutions’ increasing efforts to put students at the heart of the university experience.

“The combination of teaching and research excellence in our universities creates an ideal learning environment. It gives students opportunities to engage in research processes; a connection to leading thinkers and world-class experts in their fields; access to first-rate libraries and facilities, and a highly motivated and talented peer group. We are constantly assessing how we can improve the student’s learning experience because our priority is to ensure they receive a first-class education which helps them to develop intellectually and socially, and which stands them in good stead for the world of work or further study.

“It is important that students have a say in their education to help ensure that the university experience is tailored to their individual needs. The National Student Survey is therefore a useful tool to help our universities continue to target improvements in the quality of education."
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Notes:

1. The full results of the 2008 National Student Survey are available from www.unistats.com 

2. On Question 22 which asks undergraduates to agree or disagree with the statement “Overall, I am satisfied with the quality of the course,” 86 % of Russell Group students agreed, an increase from 2007. This compares with an 82% average satisfaction rate for all undergraduate students registered at FE and HE institutions.

3. This is the first year the survey has been able to include results from the University of Cambridge who have one of highest overall rates of satisfaction at 93%.