Survey shows increase in student satisfaction

Posted 11 September 2008

Student satisfaction at Harper Adams University College has risen again – with the 2008 National Student Survey giving it a mean ‘overall satisfaction’ rating of 4.4 out of 5. Last year the University College’s overall rating was 4.3.
This year, across the Higher Education Institutions sector the mean rating was 4.1, dropping to 4 for universities and higher education colleges as a whole.
The National Student Survey is a survey of mostly final year undergraduates, with the main purpose to help inform the choices of prospective students about where and what to study.
Harper Adams Principal Professor Wynne Jones said: “The University College is delighted the National Student Survey has proven yet again that our students are among the most satisfied in the country.
“The fact that 81 per cent of our students responded to the survey, compared to 63 per cent for the sector as a whole, demonstrates their excellent relationship with the institution
   “The quality of the students’ learning experience lies at the core of our strategy. It involves continual innovation and enhancement of the curriculum and its delivery, allied to exposing the students to very capable staff, quality teaching and learning resources – some of which are specialist in line with our mission – and partnership with industry for the professional placement year.
   “Harper Adams is currently implementing a major investment programme to further enhance the quality of teaching at the University College.”
Harper Adams was top of the table for HEIs teaching agriculture and other related subjects, gaining a mean satisfaction rating of 4.5 from students in these subject areas. The University College’s rating places it in the top quartile of all UK institutions, which had a combined mean rating of 4.3.
   “These impressive results prove that Harper Adams is not only a leading institution serving the rural and land-based industries but also takes a leading position nationally across all aspects of higher education,” added Professor Jones.
The survey is conducted across all publicly funded higher education institutions in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and some institutions in Scotland; some privately funded higher education institutions; and all further education colleges in England that offer HEFCE-funded provision within the scope of the survey.