Student satisfaction | University College Birmingham

When it comes to student feedback, our university stands out. Our students value their time with us, as can be seen from the outcomes of several nationally-recognised student surveys below.

National Student Survey

The National Student Survey (NSS) allows final-year undergraduate students the opportunity to feedback on their study experience. Each year, five million students from universities, colleges and other higher education institutions across the UK are asked for feedback for the National Student Survey, with questions ranging from quality of teaching and learning resources to feedback for assessments.

The most recent survey (2023) shows once again a positive trend for University College Birmingham, ranking 14th nationally (of institutions with at least 500 responses). In all survey themes, we ranked above sector average. This includes:

The teaching on my course
Learning opportunities
Academic support
Assessment and feedback
Learning resources
Organisation and management
Student voice

Highlights of the survey

100% of students on the Sports Management BA responded that teaching staff make the subject engaging
100% of students on the Bakery and Patisserie Technology BSc and Early Childhood Studies BA responded that marking and assessment has been fair
100% of students on the Health and Social Care BSc said the course was intellectually stimulating
100% of students on the Sports Therapy BSc said the course developed their knowledge and skills they think they will need in the future
100% of students on the Strength, Conditioning and Sports Nutrition BSc and Early Childhood Studies BA said teaching staff supported their learning well
100% of students on the Finance and Accounting FdSc said they have had the chance to bring together information and ideas from different topics
100% of students on the Professional Chef FdA said teaching staff were good at explaining things
100% of students on the Early Childhood Studies BA responded that the course provided excellent learning opportunities and was effectively organised and managed and they felt their student voice was heard

Discover all our courses

We are also delighted that the following University College Birmingham courses received an above sector average positivity score of 85% or more for 'teaching on my course':

BA (Hons) Aesthetic Practitioner
BA (Hons) Aviation and Airport Management
BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies
BA (Hons) Events Management
BA (Hons) Hospitality and Tourism Management
BA (Hons) International Hospitality Business Management
BA (Hons) International Tourism Management
BA (Hons) Primary Education
BA (Hons) Sports Management
BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing

Why are NSS results important?

The results are an important annual marker for all universities as they help to identify what is working well and where improvements are required within an institution. They are also significant for prospective students in deciding where they want to study. We hope our results demonstrate our commitment to your university experience.

Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs)

When it comes to student feedback, our university stands out. Students were asked to rate their university experience for the 2023 Whatuni Student Choice Awards, considering what shaped their time at university, and we came out on top!

We not only won the International category at the awards, the only awards in the UK based solely on student choice, but also silver in the University of the Year category, which we won in 2022. In fact, the top three institutions up for University of the year were so close – by less than one point - awards organisers introduced a gold, silver and bronze ranking for the first time in the awards history.

This means we are the highest ranking university in Birmingham and the West Midlands, according to student choice. We also came second in three other categories - Student Support, Facilities and Career Prospects.

Read about our 2023 win

Read about our 2022 win

Students of University College Birmingham

Postgraduate student experience survey

The Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) is the only higher education sector-wide survey to gain insight from taught postgraduate students about their teaching and learning experience.

In the 2023 survey, University College Birmingham was rated 4th in overall student satisfaction and first for student support and resources.

We were ranked in the top 10 (from 101 institutions) across all categories, including 1st for ‘Academic Support’, 2nd for Organisation, Highest quartile for Resources, 3rd for Skills Development, 4th for Community, 5th for Assessment, 7th for Teaching and 9th for Engagement. This excellent performance reinforces the university’s high performance in PTES over the last three years.

Read about our results

Continuous improvement

As well as taking part in the national surveys, we regularly gather feedback from our students to improve student experience. Our ‘Listening Project’ in 2022-2023 involved over 340 student respondents to co-create actions to enhance the international student experience, academic skills support and development and the choice of food at our restaurants.

We launched a new pre-arrival support pack for international students at undergraduate and postgraduate level, we have embedded more literacy skills within ‘Graduate Advantage’ and modules. We also widened the choice of food offered across our campus and launched cultural food events throughout the year, which students viewed as ‘inclusive and welcoming’.

We value student feedback and ensure that the student voice is heard throughout the decision-making levels at the University. By working with our Guild, we hope to empower students to make a positive difference to their university experience.

Discover our Guild

Award-winning year on year

We are extremely proud of our departments and students that come together at University College Birmingham and help create our unique student experience. With each passing year, our students and departments outdo themselves, winning awards in their respective industries, both for the University and themselves. Below are just a selection of some of the latest awards and nominations our students and the University have received:

Nursing graduate who found his calling during degree wins student of year

A recently-qualified student who was part of the very first cohort of the University’s adult nursing degree at the he…

Food, glorious food! Student chefs and bakers serving up feast of awards for 2023

From brilliant bakers to super seafood chefs and a patisserie prize-winner, food students from University Col…

Tia tipped to become "tomorrow's travel leader" after making 30 Under 30

A graduate who is soaring in an incredible career with a global attractions company on the back of her university inte…

Sports therapy graduate wins best injury clinic for second year in a row

Sports therapist Stacey Naylor – who set up her own clinic just after graduating from University College Birmingham wh…

First Michelin Star for Solihull restaurant run by College of Food graduate

An acclaimed local restaurant run by a University College Birmingham graduate has been honoured with its first Mich…

Amber bound for Brazil after winning national Toque d'Or competition

A student who took a leap of faith to study at University College Birmingham is bound for Brazil having brought a top trop…

Graduate Darcy’s collagen-boosting brand takes beauty world by storm

A go-getting graduate from University College Birmingham is providing a critical ingredient in a brand that is taking the…

Shortlisted for best student experience in national nursing awards

University College Birmingham has been shortlisted for Best Student Experience in the national Student Nursing Times Awards…

University awarded four-star QS rating as facilities and inclusiveness bag top scores

University College Birmingham has been awarded four stars by a leading ratings provider evaluating hundre…

University's student employability consultants win national service awards

Two members of the Hired team, University College Birmingham’s dedicated impartial careers, employability and placem…

College student chef and culinary arts professor recognised at national awards

An “exceptional” student and a chef lecturer devoted to his protégés from University College Birmingham both won…

Make the first step

We believe the best way to experience University College Birmingham is by visiting one of our undergraduate open days, where you will get to meet subject lecturers and view our first-class facilities for yourself.

But there is so much more to discover about our student experience – and you can do so right now online. Use the links in the sections below to find out more about the different departments that come together to make student life at University College Birmingham the award-winning experience that it is.

When you've discovered more about us – and are ready to take the next step – you can register to attend an open day, or apply for your preferred course.

Attend an open day Apply now

Request a prospectus

If you are looking to learn more about our courses, please request a copy of our prospectus.

Get your copy

Discover more

Student support

Whether you need support with your learning, finances, health and wellbeing or other areas, our range of dedicated support services are here for you.

How to apply

Learn more on how to apply for a college, undergraduate or postgraduate course at University College Birmingham.

Student charter - University College Birmingham

Student life

Discover more about our University and living in Birmingham – all you need to know about our accommodation, Guild of Students and what life is like in our vibrant city.

University of Warwick accreditation

From January 2022, a wide range of our courses, as well as some higher level apprenticeships, will be accredited and awarded by the University of Warwick.