NSS results reflect pandemic’s effects
The results of this year’s National Student Survey reflect an overall drop in satisfaction rates among UK students when asked about educational experience during the pandemic.
Overall course satisfaction at Leeds was 76%
For Leeds respondents, the score for overall satisfaction with their course is 76%, with a sector average of 75% across all participating institutions.
Last year’s score for Leeds was 82%, compared with the sector average of 83%.
Professor Peter Jimack, Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Student Education, said: “Students in Leeds and across the UK have been severely impacted by the effects of the pandemic, including national lockdowns, and we know that this has been a very difficult year for them.
“The determination and positivity of students at Leeds is – as ever – hugely impressive, and the degree outcomes this year will reflect the hard work that they and our staff have put in.
“We have worked in partnership with students to adapt the Leeds experience and to protect the academic outcomes of our students and we will strive to make continuous improvements, keeping the student voice at the centre of everything we do.”
Professor Simone Buitendijk, Vice-Chancellor, said: “The Covid crisis has been extremely challenging for students and we will continue to do everything we can to support them.
“Part of that support is a focus on continuous innovation and investment in the future so that we can co-create an environment in which students can flourish, as outlined in our new strategy.
“Driven by a focus on community, culture and impact, we will be working towards a deeper partnership with students and embracing new inclusive and active educational approaches.”
This year’s NSS was open to students from Wednesday 6 January 2020 to Friday 30 April 2020 and had 332,500 responses – a 69% response rate.
It asked students about a range of factors related to their academic experience, including the teaching on their course, assessment and feedback, and how well courses were organised.
This year’s NSS included specific questions about students’ experience during the pandemic, covering a range of issues.
Universities’ Minister Michelle Donelan said: “Whilst there is still more to be done, our universities have shown real innovation and resilience in adapting to this pandemic, which is shown by the majority of students rating their overall experience of their courses positively.
“I urge vice-chancellors to continue their work as we deal with the legacy of this virus.”
Full results of the survey are available via the Office for Students website.
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