Students satisfied with teaching and support, survey shows

The results of the new-look National Student Survey (NSS) show some very positive findings about student experience at Reading. 

Changes to the annual survey’s design this year mean we no longer get a score for students’ overall satisfaction with their course, and that we cannot make direct comparison with previous years’ results. 

However, more students than ever responded to this year’s survey, with 72.1% of students taking part compared to 71.8% last year. The data has provided some valuable insight for Reading, with the results showing: 

• 92% of students felt our staff explained things well. 
• 84% of students felt teaching staff supported their learning well. 
• 81% of students said their course developed the knowledge and skills they need for the future. 
• 92% of students felt Library resources supported their learning well. 

Reading also received above-sector-average scores for the organisation of courses, ease of contacting staff, and the allocation, support and supervision of placements for students on healthcare-related courses. 

Although the mandatory question on students’ overall satisfaction with their course was removed this year, Reading added it as an optional question. Of all the students who responded to this question, 79% were satisfied, compared to 80% last year. 

Hard work making a difference 

Vice-Chancellor Professor Robert Van de Noort said: “It is fantastic that so many students shared their views with us this year in the National Student Survey. 

“The results demonstrate the hard work of all colleagues in fostering a community of learning where knowledge, ideas and skills can be developed. Thank you to all my colleagues for the effort you put into this – it's clear that what you do to ensure our students get the best experience makes a real difference to individuals. 

“Positive feedback is always encouraging but the NSS results are also an opportunity to pause and reflect on the areas where we can improve. These results show that students at Reading are optimistic about the organisation and delivery of their programmes, and about the design of assessment and timeliness of feedback. 

“The data also indicates that they want to receive better, more useful feedback to help them improve their work, and we will continue to work with colleagues to support further progress in this area. 

“The power of partnership is at the heart of positive change. Working together, all students and staff share the credit for what we are achieving as a community of teachers and learners. I am proud to say that this make Reading a truly excellent place to study.” 

Data analysis 

Over the coming weeks and months, our Planning and Strategy Office (PSO) team will continue to examine the data in detail and provide further analyses and updated Tableau dashboards. 

A headline summary report, including a breakdown of results by School/Department, is available on the PSO Data Shares MS Teams channel. If you need access to the channel, please email PSO.

To view Reading’s response data in full, select ‘The University of Reading’ on the Provider Level Dashboard on the Office for Students’ NSS results webpage.