The latest published results of the National Student Survey (NSS) revealed that Cardiff UniversityÔÇÖs overall student satisfaction rate stands at 89 per cent, 3 per cent above the national average.
This year Cardiff University also recorded its highest ever response rate, with a record level of 80 per cent.
The independent survey, which began in 2005, asks final year students to rate their university experience in a variety of areas including, teaching, assessment, academic support and personal development. Using proposed statements, students are asked to rank their responses to each of the 23 questions on a scale ranging from ÔÇÿdefinitely agreeÔÇÖ to ÔÇÿdefinitely disagreeÔÇÖ. Results are then analysed to show students that either ÔÇÿdefinitely agreeÔÇÖ or ÔÇÿmostly agreeÔÇÖ.
Although on the whole results from the NSS are decidedly positive, there remains a great deal of variation among different courses. Archaeology, Civil Engineering, Accounting, Zoology, Law & Criminology, Law & French, Marine Geography, and Economics & Management Studies all achieved overall satisfaction rates of 100 per cent. Business Economics and Italian & Spanish, however, fell far short of this achieving a mere 60 per cent.
Assessment and feedback has once again been highlighted as a particular area for concern. Only 66 per cent of students reported being satisfied with the level feedback they receive. Although only 5% below the national average, it is clear this is an area with room for improvement.
Ollie Wannell, Cardiff UniversityÔÇÖs Vice President for Education, acknowledged the disproportionate figures, stating:┬á ÔÇ£Overall the NSS is neither good nor bad: there are schools that are doing very well and there are schools that are doing less well.ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£As a university we are beating the national average. However, looking at the upper quartile where Cardiff should comfortably be sitting, thereÔÇÖs still work to be done to reach a 90% overall satisfaction rate and match our highest preforming competitors.ÔÇØ
In response to the latest NSS results, Cardiff University has unveiled a series of new targets, with the aim of achieving 90 per cent overall for satisfaction in every school and 80% satisfaction in the assessment and feedback category by 2017.
Wannell added: ÔÇ£The StudentÔÇÖs Union will ensure that the student voice remains the focus of our work as we strive to help the university meet these expectations.ÔÇØ
Patricia Price, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Student Experience & Academic Standards welcomed the latest figures stating: ÔÇ£The results show weÔÇÖve maintained the record level of satisfaction we achieved last year, despite a year of structural change with the introduction of Colleges.┬á However, we are not complacent. We will continue to invest in our student experience and work in partnership with our students.ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£Higher Education is a dynamic and economically challenging sector at present, yet we have set ourselves some tough targets for the NSS over the next few years. We will be working with staff and students to share best practice, and put the necessary measures in place to achieve these targets, and ensure that Cardiff University graduates are well-rounded, flexible, mobile and highly employable.ÔÇØ
Aside from education, the NSS includes a bonus 23rd question concerning the level of student satisfaction in regards to their StudentÔÇÖs Union. Cardiff University has always been known to score highly in this area, this year being no exception. Although falling in the national rankings from the 5th best in the country to 7th, the Union achieved a student satisfaction rate of 82%, a staggering 14% above the national average.
Georgia Hamer
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