September 2014
Record year for student satisfaction at UCB
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University College Birmingham is celebrating its best ever scores in the National Student Survey.
A record 87% of final year undergraduates said they were satisfied with their courses, placing UCB above the national average and gaining a position in the top third of 321 institutions in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
UCB’s overall score was up 2% on last year and students singled out areas including assessment and feedback, personal development, academic support, and organisation and management for particular praise. The University exceeded the national average in all these areas.
Alex Lofthouse, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Performance & Partnerships), said: “This is an outstanding set of results and is a testament to the hard work and professionalism of both academic staff and support staff.
“The National Student Survey allows undergraduates to give honest feedback about their university experience. It really is a warts-and-all guide to higher education performance and we are delighted that students continue to endorse our value-for-money courses.”
Foundation, part-time and full-time students all rated UCB above the national average in the survey. Meanwhile, overall satisfaction among first degree students increased by 6% and now stands at 86%, the same as the sector-wide average.
The three highest ranked courses – which received unbeatable overall satisfaction rates of 100% – were FdA Sports Management, FdA Professional Studies in Children’s Integrated Services and FdA Professional Studies in Early Years.
The top-rated full degree for student satisfaction was the BSc in International Tourism Management (95%). Thirteen courses achieved overall satisfaction of 90% or above.
The three courses in which most students took part in the survey were: FdA Professional Studies in Children’s Integrated Services (99% response rate); FdA Spa Management with Hospitality (98%); and FdA Professional Studies in Early Years (97%).
The students’ responses included glowing tributes to the University’s teaching standards, facilities, ethos and friendly atmosphere.
Here is a small taste of the many positive comments:
“Placement year was one of the best years of my life.”
“Lecturers know the course inside out. Feedback is valid and helps for further improvement.”
“The lecturers throughout my course have been amazing both in class teaching as well as outside the classroom if I have needed any additional help or support.”
“I have gained a lot of life experiences, have met some really great people and made great friends… Really would recommend the uni to anyone.”
“A very close community feel around uni. Most of the lecturers would stop and say hello when walking past.”
“The facilities are the best around. The placement year helped me grow as a person.”