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Students getting happier, survey shows

11/09/2008

Satisfaction among Britain's students has improved yet again this year, the latest national students' survey shows.

Over four out of every five students expressed overall satisfaction with their higher education experience, according to research by pollsters Ipsos Mori published today.

Eighty-two per cent agreed with this criteria in England, compared with 81 per cent in 2007. Teaching satisfaction, academic support, learning resources and personal development satisfaction ratings also all saw improvement.

The fourth annual survey was completed by over 220,000 students, well up on the 177,000 responses last year.

Minister for students Delyth Morgan said: "The continued high level of satisfaction – 82 per cent – shown by students is a welcome testament to the quality of the teaching and learning experience in this country.

"Our students deserve the best and these results show that universities and colleges are meeting students' expectations and delivering a high quality experience."

Universities UK's president Rich Trainor described the increase in the overall satisfaction rate as "very pleasing", adding he believed the results showed universities were listening to students.

And Sally Hunt, general secretary of the University and College Union, said the achievement was amplified by the hindering factors of "rising class sizes and an ever-increasing administrative burden".

"In order to maintain this level of excellence the government must recognise and reward this fine work," she added.

"The country needs to protect its proud reputation and can only do this with proper support and investment."