NSS Results 2006/07
The academic year 2006/07 saw the third National Student Survey.
The highest satisfaction scores again this year are for the questions covering teaching on our courses. It is also very pleasing to see that these scores continue to rise. There were also notable increases elsewhere, particularly in organisation and management, and learning resources.
We received more scores of 4.0 or higher than last year (six this year, from four last year), and it is particularly good to see that, following substantial investment in general IT resources, the satisfaction rate has risen from just 3.3 in the 2004/05 survey, to join the top band of 4.0 and above.
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 306 responses (out of a sample of 539 students). This response rate of 57% was in line with the the national average.
Where we are doing well
The following questions received an average response of 4.0 or higher:
- 4.3: The course is intellectually stimulating;
- 4.2: Staff are enthusiastic about what they are teaching;
- 4.1: Staff are good at explaining things;
- 4.1: Staff have made the subject interesting;
- 4.1: Overall, I am satisfied;
- 4.0: I have been able to access general IT resources when I needed to.
Where we could do better
The following questions received an average response of under 3.5:
- 3.2: Feedback on my work has been prompt;
- 3.3: Feedback on my work has helped me clarify things I did not understand;
- 3.3: Good advice was made available when I needed to make study choices;
School-wide responses to each question
| Question | Average response | +/- on 2005/06 |
| 1. The teaching on my course | ||
| Staff are good at explaining things | 4.1 | +0.1 |
| Staff have made the subject interesting | 4.1 | +0.2 |
| Staff are enthusiastic about what they are teaching | 4.2 | +0.1 |
| The course is intellectually stimulating | 4.3 | +0.1 |
| 2. Assessment and feedback | ||
| The criteria used in marking have been clear in advance | 3.6 | 0 |
| Assessment arrangements and marking have been fair | 3.9 | 0 |
| Feedback on my work has been prompt | 3.2 | -0.1 |
| I have received detailed comments on my work | 3.6 | -0.1 |
| Feedback on my work has helped me clarify things I did not understand | 3.3 | -0.2 |
| 3. Academic support | ||
| I have received sufficient advice and support with my studies | 3.5 | +0.1 |
| I have been able to contact staff when I needed to | 3.9 | +0.2 |
| 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 | 3.8 | +0.1 |
| Any changes in the course or teaching have been communicated effectively | 3.7 | 0 |
| The course is well organised and is running smoothly | 3.8 | +0.2 |
| 5. Learning resources | ||
| The library resources and services are good enough for my needs | 3.9 | +0.1 |
| I have been able to access general IT resources when I needed to | 4.0 | +0.1 |
| I have been able to access specialised equipment, facilities, or rooms when I needed to | 3.8 | +0.2 |
| 6. Personal development | ||
| The course has helped me to present myself with confidence | 3.8 | 0 |
| My communication skills have improved | 3.9 | 0 |
| As a result of the course, I feel confident in tackling unfamiliar problems | 3.9 | +0.1 |
| 7. Overall satisfaction | ||
| Overall, I am satisfied | 4.1 | +0.1 |
