Newman University named number one in the country for student satisfaction
Birmingham’s Newman University has been named the best in the UK for student satisfaction in the most recent National Student Survey (NSS).*
The NSS is organised by the Office for Students and gathers students’ opinions on the quality of their courses to help inform prospective students’ choices, provide data to help universities improve the student experience, and support public accountability. Every university in the UK takes part in the annual survey, which enjoys consistently high response rates.
Out of all universities in the UK, Newman has the highest % overall positivity across all questions, with an average of 88.19% satisfaction. Newman students highlighted the quality of teaching and the university culture, which allows students to explore ideas and concepts in depth thanks to smaller class sizes, as key to pushing them to achieve their best at the university. Similarly, Newman scored highly for providing opportunities for students to bring together information and ideas from different topics – a reflection of its approach that encourages multi-disciplinary study and creates a genuine learning community.
Professor Jackie Dunne, Vice-Chancellor of Newman University said: “This is a momentous achievement for Newman, and it hasn’t happened by accident or chance – it is the result of our culture and values coming to life through an institution that truly puts students at its heart. It is reflective of the hard work and commitment of our staff across the institution who go above and beyond for our students. The NSS results show that Newman University is a fantastic place to study and to thrive.”
Looking in more detail at the specific themes of the survey, Newman is celebrating a consistently strong pattern of results; the library has come top in Birmingham for six years running, and the Students’ Union has been top in Birmingham for five consecutive years. We are 1st in the UK for ‘Learning Opportunities’, and 2nd in the UK for ‘Student Voice’. In all seven themes of the NSS, we appear in the top 20, and in six of them, we are in the top 10. Overall satisfaction levels at Newman were above the sector average in 96% of all questions asked of students. Several courses including Primary Education (3-7), Applied Humanities, Early Childhood Education and Care, Psychology, History, and Business Management, enjoyed 100% satisfaction ratings in a range of areas.
Zoe Harrison, President of Newman Students’ Union said: The NSS results has put Newman Students Union as number 1 in Birmingham, this recognition is a testament to the dedication from our staff and the students. The Students’ Union like Newman University is student-centered which is shaped by the student voice and experience. The Newman community is special as the University and Students’ Union puts our students first. I look forward to the new academic year and will continue working with this institution to provide the best quality experience and providing the opportunity for our students to thrive.”
Newman University offers foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in subjects ranging from teaching and education to business management, criminology, and law. It is now open for Clearing 2023 and will host an Open Day at its Bartley Green, Birmingham Campus on Saturday 19 August, between 10 am and 3 pm.
ENDS
*Measured by % overall positivity (Q1-Q24) of full-time first-degree students in NSS 2023