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Students give Sussex high marks in satisfaction survey

87% of Sussex students are happy with their experience at the University, according to the results of this year’s National Student Survey (NSS), published on Wednesday (12 August).

NSS LogoA record 2,196 final-year Sussex students took part in the government’s annual poll of student opinion this spring, reflecting the growth in the University’s student population over the past few years.

Finalists’ overall satisfaction went up by 2% compared to the previous year. Scores for learning resources as well as organisation and management also increased, with Sussex being placed in the top quartile of universities for each of these measures.

Satisfaction with learning resources continues to be a success story, with improvement from the lowest to the top quartile over a five-year period of investment in the Library and IT services.

The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning), Professor Clare Mackie, said: “Scores for learning resources have increased once again: 91% satisfaction with the Library and 90% with IT services. This was unexpected, as this year’s finalists were the first to pay the new £9,000 tuition fees and the higher education sector was expecting a dip in satisfaction to reflect this change.”

Sussex students also praised their lecturers and other academic staff:

  • 92% said that staff are good at explaining things
  • 89% said that they have been able to contact staff when they need to
  • 88% said that staff are enthusiastic about what they are teaching
  • 87% found their course intellectually stimulating

Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) - run jointly between the universities of Sussex and Brighton - has the most satisfied medical students in the UK, achieving joint first place among medical schools with Keele University and the University of Oxford.

Professor Mackie said: “I’m delighted that so many of our students have made their voices heard about the things that matter to them.

“In recent years we’ve completed a substantial programme of change and investment to ensure the University remains among the best nationally and internationally in teaching, learning and assessment.

“We are now entering a period of consolidation and continuous enhancement, supporting students and staff to reap the benefits of these efforts.

“I would like to thank all staff who work so hard behind the scenes to make sure that we can continue to offer an outstanding education and service to our students.”

The NSS is run by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) on behalf of the government and asks all final-year undergraduate students across the UK for their views on their university experience.