The National Student Survey (NSS) published today (Fri 27 July) shows that 83% of final year students at Bedfordshire are satisfied with the University, ensuring it is outperforming most of its competitors and placing it firmly in the top half of universities when rated by student satisfaction.

The results place the University in the top 25 for most improved in overall satisfaction over a three and five year period - ranked 22 and 21 respectively (2018 compared to 2015 and 2013).

Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell said: “We are delighted to have received this good news today. It comes at a time when more and more students are asking questions about value for money and where tuition fees go.

“Our results show that we are bucking the trend in the sector with overall student satisfaction falling by one per cent while we have climbed. Our students are able to see the investment we are making in our facilities, in our library resources, in our IT facilities and in the support we provide to our students.”

Student satisfaction at Bedfordshire has improved in all areas of the NSS; the Vice Chancellor made enhancing students’ experience his top priority when he arrived at Bedfordshire in 2012 when the student satisfaction rate stood at just 78%.  

The NSS asks final year undergraduates to provide honest feedback on what it has been like to study at their institution. It covers a huge range of questions from quality of teaching to learning resources to student’s personal development.

81% of Bedfordshire’s final year students participated in the survey, 12% above the national average.

Many of the University’s courses scored 100% in overall satisfaction including Forensic Science, Psychology and Performing Arts, while others such as Biological Science, Football Studies and Law, as well Adult and Mental Health Nursing, saw satisfaction rates soar over 90%.

In addition the University finds itself in the top 10 for most improved in teaching over the last five years - ranked 9 (2018 compared to 2013).

The Vice Chancellor concluded: “I would like to thank all staff from across the institution for contributing to this year’s results through their incredible hard work and commitment in prioritising the student experience.”