The University of Birmingham is extremely pleased by the results of the 2008 National Student Survey. We were particularly happy that the survey recognised both the quality of our teaching and the advice and support available to students studying here.
We are also delighted that our scores have increased in 16 of the 22 areas surveyed from last year. Our students ranked Birmingham particularly highly for the intellectually stimulating teaching on offer and the enthusiasm of our staff for their subjects.
The University of Birmingham’s Director of Academic Services, Brendan Casey, comments:
“It means a great deal to everyone at Birmingham that our students feel their time here is intellectually stimulating and develops their self confidence. Although the survey shows improvements in many areas, we will continue to develop the student experience at Birmingham wherever we can.”
The results were also useful in highlighting the need to improve assessment and feedback for students. Although there were significant improvements in our scores in these areas, this is something that we will continue to build on. There are projects in place to help new students understand how the learning experience at university differs from school and to improve training for student representatives, who provide a vital link between students and staff.
ends
Notes to Editors:
• 107 subjects are surveyed by the National Student Survey, of which University of Birmingham courses are represented in 46.
• 3121 students from the University of Birmingham responded to the survey out of 4604 who qualified, a 68% response rate.
• The sample that responded represents 12% of the total student population and 19% of the total undergraduate population of the University of Birmingham.
Further information:
Rachel Burrows – Head of Communications, University of Birmingham
tel: 0121 414 6681 / mob: 07789 921165 / email: r.burrows@bham.ac.uk
Ben Hill – Press Officer, University of Birmingham
tel: 0121 414 5134 / mob: 07789 921163 / email: b.r.hill@bham.ac.uk
Anna Dingley – Press Officer, University of Birmingham
Tel: 0121 415 8134 / mob: 07769 952763 / email: a.j.dingley@bham.ac.uk