Chemistry achieves 95% overall student satisfaction in National Student Survey
Chemistry students at the University of Southampton have demonstrated high satisfaction levels in teaching, academic support and learning resources in the National Student Survey (NSS) 2020.
The census of final year undergraduate students found that 95% of Southampton Chemistry students were satisfied or very satisfied with the overall quality of their course.
NSS is an annual survey of nearly half a million students across the UK, asking questions around eight aspects of the student experience. Overall, it found that 83% of UK students that took part were satisfied with the quality of their course.
Chemistry at Southampton scored highly for teaching on its courses, with 99% of students agreeing that staff are good at explaining things and 99% agreeing that the course is intellectually stimulating.
The Survey also found that 93% of Chemistry students agreed that their course has provided them with opportunities to explore ideas or concepts in depth.
Dr Geoff Hyett, Undergraduate Admissions Tutor for Chemistry, says: “I’m very pleased with the positive feedback from our students, which I think is a real refection of the quality of teaching at Southampton. It demonstrates the care and effort that our staff put into providing both an excellent education and a positive environment for study.”
Under learning resources, there were 93% of Chemistry students that agreed in the NSS 2020 that they have been able to access course-specific resources when needed.
The School is currently finalising a £12m investment in its facilities, including a complete renovation of the teaching laboratories. This refurbishment ensures students benefit from an outstanding educational experience, working in modern, state-of-the-art teaching spaces. Students are able to work with the same facilities and equipment that are used in modern chemical laboratories, preparing them for future employment.
Reflecting on student voice, 90% of Chemistry students in NSS 2020 agreed that they have had the right opportunities to provide feedback on their course.
This year’s University of Southampton Students’ Union (SUSU) Academic Awards recognised several Academic Reps that mediate between staff and students to help improve academic experience. Chemistry School President Hannah Watson was celebrated for Best Contribution to the Faculty in the annual prizegiving, which selected its winners from over 500 nominations across the University.
Physical and Inorganic Chemistry lecturer Professor Andrea Russell was also recognised for Best Pastoral Support in Engineering and Physical Sciences, with Inorganic Chemistry Teaching Fellow Dr Paul Duckmanton Highly Commended in the same category.