Students at St Andrews University are the most satisfied in the UK, according
to a new survey.
It is the eighth time in the past 10 years that the Fife institution has been
ranked in the top two in the National Student Survey (NSS), which is a high-profile census of nearly half a million students across the UK undertaken
independently by Ipsos MORI.
This year’s poll found 94% of St Andrews final year students surveyed
gave the university top marks for the quality of the learning and teaching
experience – the university’s highest score in the past decade.
St Andrews shares the 2016 top spot with Keele University, ahead of
Cambridge and Oxford in joint 11th, while Scottish universities have again
performed well in the survey – with nine ranked among the UK’s top 50.
St Andrews vice-principal and proctor Professor Lorna Milne said: “This
should be great news for those joining our academic family in 2016, as this
year’s graduates assure incoming students that they’ve made the right
choice.
“This ranking confirms we have superb staff waiting to greet them, and
a community where the greatest satisfaction goes together with the most
ambitious challenges.
“Nonetheless, we take all feedback seriously and will be looking for
opportunities for further enhancements to the St Andrews experience.
“Scottish universities are setting excellent standards in UK education,
and we are delighted that the NSS can be taken as such a positive endorsement of hard work and achievement in our sector.”
In the same survey students rated Dundee University the eighth best in the
UK. As a result, the university received its highest ever feedback score.
The university recorded an overall satisfaction score of 91%, up 1% from last
year, resulting in it rising seven places.
Further success saw Dundee University Students’ Association (DUSA) remain the top students’ union in Scotland and fourth best in the UK.
The survey reflects student responses to core questions relating to academic
support, learning resources, teaching, management, assessment, personal
development and satisfaction.
Charlotte Andrew, president of the St Andrews Students’ Association, said:
“This demonstration of confidence from our graduating class clearly shows
that the St Andrews experience is outstanding.
“I feel proud and privileged to have shared in that, and I hope this news
encourages students from around the globe to continue to apply and
contribute to the University of St Andrews.
“I have full faith that both the university and the students’ association
will continue to look for ways to improve upon what we provide to every student.”
Meanwhile, Abertay University has been ranked the best modern university
in Scotland by its students.
