The University of Sussex has been ranked 41st in the UK in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019, published in full yesterday (Sunday 23 September).

The University is already working hard to address the circumstances that led to this ranking position, which was anticipated.

The University has taken major steps in developing initiatives to improve the student experience in response to the most recent National Student Survey (NSS), which has had a significant bearing on the new university rankings.

The appointments in recent months of the University’s first permanent Director for the Student Experience in Jayne Aldridge  and Professor Kelly Coate as the new Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students will help the University to work more closely with the student community and address improvements that need to be made.

Vice-Chancellor Adam Tickell said: “This result is not unexpected and we have already taken swift and decisive action in response to the most recent NSS results.

“We have begun putting in place significant measures and improvements well in advance of the publication of this league table, including the appointment of senior officers whose work in partnership with the Students’ Union is already showing great promise.

“We’ve listened to feedback from the NSS and we are already planning major initiatives to boost the student voice, foster a greater sense of belonging amongst our students and improve assessment and feedback.

“Our new Strategic Framework - Sussex 2025 - has been designed to put students at the heart of university life and our decision making for the future of our great institution.”

The Good University Guide 2019 assesses universities on 10 metrics including teaching excellence and student experience.

The University’s 2019 scores for graduate prospects, measuring the job or further education prospects after graduation, and entry standards increased compared to last year’s figure.