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Drive for student satisfaction

20 October 2011

Students

Students’ satisfaction with their Cardiff University education remains steady at 86 per cent, according to this year’s National Student Survey – and a major drive aims to push that figure even higher.

A record response rate showed 86 per cent of final year undergraduates either agreeing or strongly agreeing they were satisfied with the overall quality of their course. This matches last year’s satisfaction level, keeping Cardiff above the average for universities in both Wales and the UK. The quality of teaching remains a particular strength, with satisfaction at 87 per cent. The University also saw a higher rating for its assessment and feedback, building on last year’s improvement and reflecting concentrated effort in this area.

Very high levels of satisfaction were recorded in some subject areas. Some 19 subjects, spanning the humanities, science, engineering, healthcare and the professions, received overall satisfaction rates of more than 90 per cent. However, the University fell slightly in two of the survey’s six themes and also slipped back in a number of subject areas.

While the University is out-performing many others in the sector, the aim is to do better still.A host of actions is under way to enhance every aspect of our students’ education. Everyone involved in teaching and supporting students has a part to play.

Key actions include:

  • A University-wide policy to improve the timeliness, clarity and usefulness of feedback to students
  • A University-wide policy  to ensure consistent assessment practice across the University
  • Student Academic Representatives, elected by students, in every School
  • Each School to draw up an individual action plan in response to this year’s Survey

Professor Jonathan Osmond, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Education and Students, said: “There is much to be proud of in our educational provision, but we cannot stand still. Our students expect, and deserve continuous improvement and we must respond to what they have told us through the National Student Survey. We are acting to tackle those areas where we know there are weaknesses and to build further on our many strengths.

“If the Survey is to be meaningful, we also need a high response rate. Colleagues in all Schools should be thinking now about encouraging their final-year undergraduates to take part, so we can surpass this year’s record response rate of 71 per cent.”