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 the biggest, nationally-recognised student surveys.

National Student Survey

The National Student Survey (NSS) is a nationally-recognised, annual survey completed by final year undergraduates in the UK. This includes foundation degree students in the final year of their course.

The survey is the opportunity for our undergraduate students to give their honest opinions on what they liked about their time with us, as well as things that they feel could be improved.

In the 2025 NSS survey, we scored more than 90% on questions regarding quality of teaching, support and student development, with each representing a rise in satisfaction on last year's scores.

Our scores across the survey's seven key themes were also up on 2024 results by an average of almost 2.5 percentage points, testament to our commitment to continued excellence in higher education.

Read the full story View our courses

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey

In the 2025 Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES), the largest survey of its kind in higher education, we received an overall positivity score of 88%, 2% higher than the sector benchmark.

Within this, there were some stand-out highlights.

Students were most positive about our community and we scored 10.6% higher in this category than the sector benchmark
94% agreed teaching staff were good at explaining things
93% agreed they had good access to online learning resources
91% were happy with the support on their course
91% said they had developed their skills as an independent learner
90% said their confidence to be innovative/creative had developed
90% agreed their course enhanced their academic ability
90% agreed our academic skills support met their needs
90% agreed their research skills had developed
90% said they felt better prepared for their future career

Our postgraduate courses taught in the heart of the city are industry-focused and management-led, and we are recognised by top industry bodies, giving you a well-respected qualification that will help you take your career to the next level.

You'll also benefit from exciting work placement and enrichment opportunities and there is postgraduate financial support to tap into as well, including an early payment discount and a fee waiver for University College Birmingham undergraduates going into postgraduate study. If you are an international student choosing a postgraduate course with us, there are lots of other scholarships to apply for too.

View our postgraduate A-Z Read the news story

More recognition for our teaching and support

The University is recognised by the Office for Students’ (OfS) Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) for delivering excellence in teaching and learning focusing on the areas that students care about the most: teaching, learning and achieving positive outcomes from their studies.

In addition, the University won best university and best student support in the West Midlands at the 2024 Whatuni Student Choice Awards, also winning best postgraduate and international in the region.

If you like the sound of studying with us, please contact our Admissions team, who will more than happily talk you through our full range of courses and how to apply and enrol with us.

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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.