Student satisfaction
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 chance for our undergraduates to give their honest opinions on what they liked about us, as well as things they feel could be improved.
In 2026, we came third for overall student satisfaction among universities in the UK (taking the average score for student satisfaction for the 26 questions), with a positivity score of 90.3%, an increase of 7.3 percentage points on last year.
The results reflect continued improvements across every aspect of the student experience. University College Birmingham scored above the sector average in all seven themes; teaching, academic support, learning opportunities, assessment and feedback, learning resources, organisation and management, and student voice.
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
OfS to Whatuni: More recognition for what we do
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.
The University also won best university for career prospects and facilities in Birmingham at the 2026 Whatuni Student Choice Awards.
If you like the sound of studying with us, please contact our Admissions team, who can 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.
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How to apply
Learn more on how to apply for a college, undergraduate or postgraduate course at University College Birmingham.
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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.
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Accommodation
Our halls of accommodation, The Maltings, is located at the heart of Birmingham, close to our campuses and a wealth of shops, restaurants and bars.
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Fees and funding
Find out the tuition fees that apply for new home students (students who are not classified as international students) who enrol at the University in the new academic year. T…
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News and Insights
Discover the latest news, insights, blogs and opinions from across the University.
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