What do students really think? The 2009 NSS results

Since 2005, the NSS results have been positive, with high overall satisfaction among students of over 80%. The results have always shown that overall students are happy with teaching and learning, but a comparison with past results and across the UK show clear areas for improvement.

A snapshot of the 2009 NSS results

This year, the NSS captured responses from 223,363 students – approximately 62% of higher education students, but what did students really think about their courses of study on a national level in higher education courses and further education colleges?

Download a copy of the Sector Average Results

• By deaprtment JACS levels 1 and 3: NSS 2009 results by JACS
• By Student demographics
• Optional Additional Question Results

View the NSS 09 Results in an in-depth Education Information briefing.

Areas for concern
Despite the positive results, there have been areas of the student experience highlighted by students that need improvement.

Student Satisfaction & Teaching Quality

Most notably, overall student satisfaction amongst courses has slipped by 1% across the UK, and this is the first time overall satisfaction has falling in the NSS’ history since 2005. This is particularly prevalent in England and Wales.

Overall satisfaction has also decreased by 1% amongst students studying at FE colleges this year, slipping to 75%, and course organisation and management is still the most poorly rated area of the student experience for students at FE college students.

Teaching quality, traditionally the area that students were happiest with, displays small decreases in both Scotland and Wales since 2008, but remains stable in the rest of the UK.

Assessment and Feedback

Each year, across the board and regardless of student or institution type, assessment and feedback has been poorly rated, with almost one third expressing dissatisfaction with their institution’s approach.

Assessment and feedback still remains the lowest rated area of the student experience with one third of students still dissatisfied. However, small increases have been noted across the board, most notably in Scotland where timeliness and promptness of feedback have increased by as much as 3%

Find out more about NUS’ work about feedback on assessment and the Great Feedback Amnesty, where you can download a campaign toolkit on how to take action in this area at your institution.

Disabled and Ethnic minority students

Disabled students and those from certain ethnic minority backgrounds were also seen to be less likely to rate their academic courses as positively as those without disabilities, or from a white background.