13 Sep 07

The third annual National Student Survey (NSS) shows that 92 per cent of students at Oxford University are satisfied with their experience of higher education, compared with the national average of 81 per of students at universities and colleges across the UK.

The survey of final-year undergraduates, commissioned by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), was carried out by Ipsos MORI between January and April in 2007. There were responses from 177,000 full-time and part-time undergraduates to 22 questions about teaching, assessment and feedback, the level of academic support, the organisation and management of the institution, learning resources, personal development, and overall satisfaction.

Oxford University did well across all areas, with the teaching on the course rated very highly by students. The survey found that 96 per cent of undergraduates found their course intellectually stimulating; 97 per cent of students thought that library resources and services were good; 96 per cent were able to access IT resources when they needed to; and in personal development, 84 per cent of students said as a result of the course they felt more confident about tackling unfamiliar problems. On the issue of assessment and feedback, Oxford University had a comparable response to other colleges and universities in receiving a lower score with 68 per cent of undergraduates reporting they were satisfied. However, 79 per cent of students said assessment arrangements and marking was fair, and 73 per cent said the feedback had helped them to clarify things they did not understand. The overall satisfaction rating of 92 per cent in 2007 was the same as last year, but this is the first time that Oxford University data has been published as part of the NSS.

The survey is designed to provide prospective undergraduates with a range of information to guide them in choosing a course. The data will also be used by the Higher Education Funding Council.

Academic Registrar for the University of Oxford, Michael Sibly, said: 'We are pleased that the survey confirms that our students are broadly very satisfied with the educational provision we make for them and the outcome is a testament to the commitment shown by the departments and colleges in Oxford to providing an excellent education. The survey data will help us to continue to develop and improve all aspects of student life at Oxford and ensure that our students get the best possible experience.'