National Student Survey 2011

17 August 2011

Responding to the results of the National Student Survey 2011, Dr Wendy Piatt, Director General of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities, said:

“We welcome this endorsement from students of their experience at Russell Group universities. Our courses receive an 87% student satisfaction level compared to a sector average of 83%, and one Russell Group institution tops the university table.

“The combination of teaching and research excellence in our universities creates the ideal learning environment. Our students engage in research processes, work with their field’s leading experts; have access to first-rate libraries and facilities, and are part of a highly motivated and talented peer group. 

“Russell Group universities work hard to ensure that they continue to have high levels of student satisfaction and the lowest drop-out rates. Our universities are committed to supporting students by providing effective assessment and feedback throughout their course, and student views are crucial to the development of this. Our priority is to ensure students are able to develop intellectually and socially, and are in a strong position to succeed in a very competitive job market. 

“The cuts to teaching funding over the past year means that maintaining excellence will be increasingly challenging for universities. We have already made significant strategic savings, but the new fee income for English universities from autumn 2012 will be all the more crucial as we work to provide our students with the first-rate teaching experience they deserve.”

Note to editors 

1. Results indicate the percentage of students who agreed with the statement ‘Overall, I am satisfied with the quality of my course.’ This year, Cambridge leads the university table with 94% satisfaction. The University of Oxford was joint 2nd with 93%.