National Student Survey 2015

12 August 2015

Responding to the National Student Survey (NSS) results published today, Dr Wendy Piatt, Director General of the Russell Group, said:

“Students at Russell Group universities continue to express higher than average levels of overall satisfaction with the quality of their course.  

“The results reflect our universities’ commitment to take students’ views and needs very seriously and to provide an outstanding student experience where teaching is enhanced by world-class research and facilities. 

“Our aim is to instil both independence and rigour of thought and learning; we produce graduates with deep subject knowledge and robust analytical skills but who are also creative and entrepreneurial problem-solvers.  

“It is a model that ensures our students have the best chance of success in the global employment market - 10 of the top 30 universities in the world, as ranked by employers, are Russell Group universities. 

“But we are not complacent and are always looking at ways to make the student experience even better. Our universities continue to invest millions of pounds in improving the teaching, facilities and services available to our students. 

“While we welcome data which helps prospective students make good choices it is important to remember that data can have its limitations. We urge students to read up on courses, look at information available online, go to open days and talk to careers advisers and others to find out which degree course will suit them.”

Notes to Editors

1. The NSS data shows an unweighted average of 87.4% course satisfaction amongst undergraduates at our universities compared to 86% across all higher education institutions.
2. According to the QS world university rankings 2014, 10 of the top 30 universities in the world, as ranked by employers, are Russell Group universities. 
3. Research by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills identified that male graduates of Russell Group universities earn on average 16% more than graduates from newer universities. This premium is 9% for female Russell Group graduates.
4. Our publication A passion for learning and accompanying film explore how Russell Group universities provide a learning environment where students can flourish, how they support students to get the most from the education on offer and how they give graduates the best chance of success in the wider world.