The results of the annual National Student Survey (NSS) have been published with The Open University ranked first for Assessment and Feedback with a score of 85%.
Overall satisfaction has stayed at its strong score of 87%, keeping the OU in the top 20 of all UK universities, with a ranking of 17th amongst 139 participating universities (going up three places since 2018). There are 11 other universities that share this place this year alongside the OU. This score places the OU three percentage points above the average for the sector (84%) and just 3% below the average for the top quartile for overall satisfaction (90%).
Dr Liz Marr, Acting Pro-Vice Chancellor Students, The Open University, said:
“I am proud of the way we are working hard across the University to make a positive difference for our students. We will continue to work closely with our students to act on what they have told us; and we will build on the good work so far to help further improve the overall experience for our current and future learners.
“I am pleased that by matching last year’s NSS result for student satisfaction and remaining in the top 20 universities we have achieved two of our key success measures for 2019.”
Dr Liz Marr, (Acting) PVC Students, OU
Away from the headlines, some of the individual questions such as My course has provided me with opportunities to apply what I have learnt (79%), and The IT resources and facilities provided have supported my learning well (84%), both up 1% point since 2018.
Buoyant performance across the nations
The Open University is the only institution included in the survey to operate across all UK nations. The performance in the nations is extremely buoyant.
Northern Ireland retained 1st position amongst five participating higher education institutions. With an overall satisfaction ranking of 92% for Northern Ireland (unchanged).
Scotland was ranked 2nd of 19 participating universities. Overall satisfaction ranking of 90% (unchanged).
OU in Wales – Students in Wales have ranked The Open University as one of the top two institution in Wales for overall student satisfaction, behind Aberystwyth University. The overall satisfaction ranking of 89% for Wales (up 1 percentage point).
Louise Casella, Director of The Open University in Wales said:
“We’re so pleased to see such a strong endorsement of our university from the people who matter most – our students. It’s been a busy 12 months for us. As well as celebrating our 50th anniversary, we’ve also had the welcome challenge of responding to a massive swell in interest in our courses. Our staff provide first-class sup
port and teaching to our students throughout their studies, and we’re really looking forward to working with even more students in the future.”
Louise Casella, Director, OU in Wales
What is the National Student Survey?
The NSS is an annual survey of almost half a million students final-year undergraduates studying for higher education qualifications at publicly funded higher education institutions (HEIs) and further education colleges (FECs) in England and Wales, and HEIs in Northern Ireland and Scotland.
The survey consists of 27 questions relate to aspects of the student experience – teaching, learning opportunities, assessment and feedback, academic support, organisation and management, learning resources, learning community, student voice and overall satisfaction.
