Harper Adams hits high in national survey

Posted 29 August 2006

IT’S OFFICIAL - Harper Adams University College has some of the most satisfied students in the country.

The prestigious Shropshire based university college has hit high in the National Student Survey 2006: 

• Taking seventh place overall, out of 129 institutions in the UK;
• Students studying Agriculture and related subjects at Harper Adams were the most satisfied of any students studying these subjects in the UK;
• Students studying Business and Administrative Studies at Harper Adams were the 5th most satisfied of any students studying these subjects in England.

And throughout the survey, Harper Adams consistently received almost 80 per cent positive feedback in all categories of the survey – focussing on all higher education institutions across the country.

Commissioned, in part, by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), the National Student Survey (NSS) is aimed at gathering the views of students about the quality of their higher education experience.

The survey, which focussed on seven categories, saw Harper Adams receive a score of 4.1 for Teaching, 3.9 for Assessment and Feedback, 4.1 for Academic Support, 3.9 for Organisation and Management, 4.2 for Learning Resources, 4.3 for Personal Development and 4.2 for the “Overall” satisfaction rating.

Professor Wynne Jones, Principal of Harper Adams University College, commented on the results: “This is fantastic news for the university college and confirms the quality of the student experience at Harper Adams.

“The university college is committed to providing an all encompassing experience for all students – we offer top quality teaching and outstanding resources, within a collegiate student environment. 

“Harper Adams is also proud of its community spirit and is devoted to help students achieve their ambitions through studying and developing at a university college where every student is important and matters.”

More than 157,000 final year students across the UK participated in this year’s national survey – a response rate of 57 per cent. This year, 70 per cent of Harper Adams’ students took part – compared to 57 per cent last year.

Bill Rammell, Minister of State for Higher Education and Lifelong Learning, , added: “Choosing a higher education institution can be a daunting task and it is vital that students can access the best possible information to inform their choices. The National Student Survey provides a valuable resource for students to draw upon when deciding which institution is right for them”.

Wes Streeting, Vice-President (Education), National Union of Students, said: “The National Student Survey provides an invaluable service for future students, based on the views of the people who know – existing students.

"The fact that so many students responded to the survey is fantastic news. Not only does it show that current students support the survey and recognise its worth, but it also means the survey provides wide-ranging and comprehensive information.”