NSS Results 2005/06
The academic year 2005/06 saw the second National Student Survey.
The highest satisfaction scores again this year are for the questions covering teaching on our courses. However, there was a very pleasing increase in the satisfaction scores for learning resources: the questions on library resources, for general IT resources and for specialised equipment and facilities all scored significantly higher than in 2004/05.
It was also particularly pleasing to see the number of scores below 3.5 fall from nine in 2004/05 to just three in 2005/06.
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 301 responses (out of a sample of 514 students). This response rate of 59% was slightly above the national average of 56%.
Where we are doing well
The following questions received an average response of 4.0 or higher:
- 4.2: 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:
- 3.3: Feedback on my work has been prompt;
- 3.3: Good advice was made available when I needed to make study choices;
- 3.4: I have received sufficient advice and support with my studies.
School-wide responses to each question
| Question | Average response | +/- on 2004/05 |
| 1. The teaching on my course | ||
| Staff are good at explaining things | 4.0 | 0 |
| Staff have made the subject interesting | 3.9 | 0 |
| Staff are enthusiastic about what they are teaching | 4.1 | 0 |
| The course is intellectually stimulating | 4.2 | -0.1 |
| 2. Assessment and feedback | ||
| The criteria used in marking have been clear in advance | 3.6 | +0.2 |
| Assessment arrangements and marking have been fair | 3.9 | +0.2 |
| Feedback on my work has been prompt | 3.3 | -0.1 |
| I have received detailed comments on my work | 3.7 | +0.1 |
| Feedback on my work has helped me clarify things I did not understand | 3.5 | +0.2 |
| 3. Academic support | ||
| I have received sufficient advice and support with my studies | 3.4 | +0.1 |
| I have been able to contact staff when I needed to | 3.7 | +0.1 |
| Good advice was made available when I needed to make study choices | 3.3 | 0 |
| 4. Organisation and management | ||
| The timetable works effectively as far as my activities are concerned | 3.7 | 0 |
| Any changes in the course or teaching have been communicated effectively | 3.7 | +0.3 |
| The course is well organised and is running smoothly | 3.6 | 0 |
| 5. Learning resources | ||
| The library resources and services are good enough for my needs | 3.8 | +0.5 |
| I have been able to access general IT resources when I needed to | 3.9 | +0.6 |
| I have been able to access specialised equipment, facilities, or rooms when I needed to | 3.6 | +0.4 |
| 6. Personal development | ||
| The course has helped me to present myself with confidence | 3.8 | +0.1 |
| My communication skills have improved | 3.9 | +0.1 |
| As a result of the course, I feel confident in tackling unfamiliar problems | 3.8 | +0.1 |
| 7. Overall satisfaction | ||
| Overall, I am satisfied | 4.0 | 0 |
