The annual National Student Survey (NSS) results were released yesterday, with our overall satisfaction score decreasing from 81% to 71%. Overall, 63% of final year undergraduate students at our University completed the survey, up from 60% last year.
The results show a considerable step down in overall levels of satisfaction both across the sector and here at The University of Manchester. While this is understandable given the impact of pandemic restrictions – which have been particularly severe across Greater Manchester – it is still a really disappointing outcome.
These students have not had the final year they wanted, and it is certainly not the year we had planned or hoped for them.
While the pandemic definitely had a major effect, we won’t view these results entirely through a COVID lens. It is certainly not that simple and there are undeniably improvements for us to make.
We are proud of the huge efforts of our staff throughout the year, and it is heartening to see those efforts recognised in the comments of the survey. We have also invested significantly in student support this year, as well as enhanced library and other resources.
As is always the case, we are currently looking at all the NSS data in detail to understand our performance in significantly more depth. Every final year student who filled in the survey wanted to tell us something, positive or negative, and we are committed to learning from their comments to improve teaching and student experiences at Manchester.
Above all, we are looking forward to seeing you back on campus in the autumn, teaching in person, enjoying everything that the University and the city of Manchester can offer, and renewing your student experience of university life.
Kind regards
Professor April McMahon
Vice-President for Teaching, Learning and Students