Top 20 ranking for assessment and feedback in National Student Survey

The University of Derby has been ranked in the Top 20 for assessment and feedback in this year’s National Student Survey (NSS). 

This includes the clarity, fairness, timeliness and usefulness of feedback and marking, and how well assessments have allowed students to demonstrate their learning.  

In addition, 33 individual programmes at Derby were rated positively for teaching quality by 90% or more students on that course. 

The annual high-profile survey also asks about students’ university experience including the quality of teaching, learning opportunities and resources, academic support, organisation and management, as well as student voice. This year, more than 339,000 students across the UK cast their views. 

Professor Keith McLay, Provost (Learning & Teaching) at the University of Derby, said:

“Universities exist to enrich the lives and careers of students, to provide inspirational experiences and to ensure our future society is enhanced by graduates with the skills and knowledge it needs.

“Students must live and learn in a community which is enriched by academic research, and gives them the support they need to become the best possible version of themselves. 

“At Derby, our aim is for our students to become thought leaders of the future, raise the bar and make a difference in the world. We encourage curiosity and innovation and, as a result, we see our students thrive.  

“Our students are surrounded by a community of expert academics who are undertaking life-changing research. Our focus is on providing them with an education that is grounded in excellence and innovation through high-quality teaching and learning and a curriculum that is industry-relevant and research-informed.” 

The National Student Survey is a key component of the quality assurance and wider regulatory landscape in UK higher education. It is managed by the Office for Students on behalf of the UK funding and regulatory bodies – the Department for the Economy (Northern Ireland), the Scottish Funding Council and the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales. 

This year is the first time the survey has not included an overall satisfaction score for English institutions. The survey also changed its question type and answer scale, and introduced additional questions on mental wellbeing services and freedom of expression. 

Professor McLay added:

“Student satisfaction is an excellent measure for us, and we listen carefully to what our students tell us. In this year's National Student Survey, we are delighted that we are in the top 20% nationally for student voice, showing that our students know we listen and that we respond to what they tell us.

“We are performing above the sector benchmark in almost every area, which is something our staff, students and alumni should be very proud of. 

“It is so important to be challenged and inspired, but above all, students must have a voice. The feedback of our students is crucial, and we look forward to continuing to work in close partnership with them to deliver an outstanding university experience, as we continue to go from strength to strength.” 

Find out more about Learning and Teaching at the University of Derby.