Many subjects above national average in recent NSS

27/07/2018 by Sinead Staunton

Results from the National Student Survey (NSS) 2018 have been recently published.  The National Student survey was launched in 2005 and was open to all final degree students at institutions in England, Wales and Norther Ireland. The survey is designed to access students’ opinions of the quality of their degree programmes. NSS is conducted by Ipsos MORI on behalf of the Higher Funding Council for England (HEFCE). The National student survey is particularly valuable as it demonstrates students’ opinions based on their own experiences.

Newman University has exceeded the National benchmarks in a number of subject areas by at least 5%, including Counselling, English, History, Psychology, Working with Children Young People and Families, Sports Science and Youth and Community Work.

Newman once again scored highly in the ‘learning opportunities for students’ achieving 4% above the National benchmark. In this area taught modules as well as work placements provide a huge variety of opportunities for students to develop and learn, providing a formative education for all.

In addition student satisfaction for teaching, academic support, learning resources and student voice scored above the sector average, along with library resources achieving 3% higher than the sector average and the organisation and smooth running of courses scoring 5% higher than the sector average.

According to the NSS results staff at Newman were 4% more likely than the sector average to value students’ views and opinions about the course, which reflects on the unique, inclusive teaching style that the University offers to students. The interactive teaching styles, coupled with small class sizes enable lively discussion and innovative teaching, where all students have the chance to participate and to be heard.

The NSS survey is also one of the key metrics underlying the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) in which Newman University was awarded silver in 2017. This award demonstrates that the university delivers high quality teaching and learning outcomes for our students. We consistently exceed rigorous national quality requirements for UK higher education.