The annual National Student Survey (NSS) asks final-year undergraduate students across the UK to give feedback about their university experience.
Run by Ipsos-MORI on behalf of the government, the survey helps future university students choose which degrees to study and which universities to apply to.
The 22 core questions asked in the survey cover teaching, assessment and feedback, academic support, organisation and management, learning resources, personal development and overall satisfaction. There is also an additional question about the Students' Union.
The results are published as Key Information Sets (KIS) on university websites; on a new national website; and on the UCAS course search tool.
We use these results to build on what our students say we do well, and to identify areas where we could improve.
Changes in recent years include:
- a new structure of the academic year that includes a mid-year exam and assessment period, meaning students get better and quicker feedback rather than having to wait until the summer to find out how they are doing
- 24-hour opening of the Library
- new state-of-the-art teaching buildings and campus residences
- professional development initiatives such as Sussex Plus.
Following the results of the 2012 survey, we are prioritising improving assessment and feedback; work that was already underway with the new structure of the academic year. We have also been enhancing students' learning by investing in e-submission and feedback; improving online signposting of information and advice; buying more computers; and improving recording of lectures.
The 2013 NSS took place for Sussex students between February and April 2013.