NSS Results 2004/05
The academic year 2004/05 saw the first National Student Survey.
Although there were some positive responses - notably to the questions about the teaching on our courses - it is clear that there is considerable room for improvement in other areas, particularly those relating to academic support and learning resources.
Methodology
Students' responses are collected using the Likert response scale (from strongly disagree to strongly agree), with these responses being converted to a numeric value between 1 (strongly disagree) and 5 (strongly agree). An average is then taken to give the responses detailed below.
A 'reliability threshold' of is enforced by the organisers of the survey. This means that response rates in any department must exceed 50% in order for the results of that department to be counted.
The figures given below are taken from the NSS Dissemination site, and are based on all 318 responses (out of a sample of 505 students). This response rate of 63% was slightly above the national average of 60%.
Where we are doing well
The following questions received an average response of 4.0 or higher:
- 4.3: The course is intellectually stimulating;
- 4.1: Staff are enthusiastic about what they are teaching;
- 4.0: Staff are good at explaining things;
- 4.0: Overall, I am satisfied.
Where we could do better
The following questions received an average response of under 3.5:
- 3.2: I have been able to access specialised equipment, facilities, or rooms when I needed to;
- 3.3: Feedback on my work has helped me clarify things I did not understand;
- 3.3: I have received sufficient advice and support with my studies;
- 3.3: Good advice was made available when I needed to make study choices;
- 3.3: The library resources and services are good enough for my needs;
- 3.3: I have been able to access general IT resources when I needed to;
- 3.4: The criteria used in marking have been clear in advance;
- 3.4: Feedback on my work has been prompt;
- 3.4: Any changes in the course or teaching have been communicated effectively.
School-wide responses to each question
| Question | Average response |
| 1. The teaching on my course | |
| Staff are good at explaining things | 4.0 |
| Staff have made the subject interesting | 3.9 |
| Staff are enthusiastic about what they are teaching | 4.1 |
| The course is intellectually stimulating | 4.3 |
| 2. Assessment and feedback | |
| The criteria used in marking have been clear in advance | 3.4 |
| Assessment arrangements and marking have been fair | 3.7 |
| Feedback on my work has been prompt | 3.4 |
| I have received detailed comments on my work | 3.6 |
| Feedback on my work has helped me clarify things I did not understand | 3.3 |
| 3. Academic support | |
| I have received sufficient advice and support with my studies | 3.3 |
| I have been able to contact staff when I needed to | 3.6 |
| Good advice was made available when I needed to make study choices | 3.3 |
| 4. Organisation and management | |
| The timetable works effectively as far as my activities are concerned | 3.7 |
| Any changes in the course or teaching have been communicated effectively | 3.4 |
| The course is well organised and is running smoothly | 3.6 |
| 5. Learning resources | |
| The library resources and services are good enough for my needs | 3.3 |
| I have been able to access general IT resources when I needed to | 3.3 |
| I have been able to access specialised equipment, facilities, or rooms when I needed to | 3.2 |
| 6. Personal development | |
| The course has helped me to present myself with confidence | 3.7 |
| My communication skills have improved | 3.8 |
| As a result of the course, I feel confident in tackling unfamiliar problems | 3.7 |
| 7. Overall satisfaction | |
| Overall, I am satisfied | 4.0 |
