Student satisfaction remains strong at Southampton

86 percent of Southampton’s final year undergraduate students from 2013-14 expressed their satisfaction with the quality of their course leading the University to climb two places to 14th within the Russell Group. Satisfaction at Southampton was above the national average for Organisation and Management and Learning Resources, with 91 percent of students saying that Library and IT services at the University are particularly well resourced. Students also felt that the University made advances in terms of Academic Support, Assessment and Feedback and Personal Development, and 86 percent expressed the view that their course ‘helped me present myself with confidence’ and ‘improved my communication skills’. Satisfaction amongst international students has also increased.

The University’s highest rated course is the BA (Hons) in French and Spanish, which achieved 100 percent overall satisfaction. Undergraduate degrees in Fashion and Textile Design, Civil Engineering and Physics achieved 97 percent, with Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, English and Geography achieving 96 percent.

Professor Alex Neill, the University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education), praised staff for their hard work in engaging with students, and listening and responding to their concerns to make improvements to student-focused services across the University.

“We have actively listened and responded to what our students have told us,” said Professor Neill. “We’re delighted that this is being recognised through our improved position in the National Student Survey and we look forward to continuing to work with our students to give them an excellent experience at Southampton.”

The National Student Survey is a UK national initiative conducted annually since 2005 by HEFCE and IpsosMori and asks final year undergraduates to provide feedback on their universities and courses.

Core questions in the survey relate to aspects of the student learning experience, rated on five point scales including:

• Teaching on my Course
• Assessment and Feedback
• Academic Support
• Organisation and Management
• Learning Resources
• Personal Development
• Overall Satisfaction
• Students' Union

Over 75 percent of final year undergraduate students at the University of Southampton responded to the survey this year – up four percent on last year.