Survey Reports a Drop in Student Satisfaction

The most recent Student Academic Survey, based on views from 10,000 students across the UK, has found that 31% consider their course to be poor or very poor value, up from 29% last year.

The survey has been tracking student opinions since 2006 and shows a decline in satisfaction, with value for money, down from 41% to 39%, with another 30% thinking it was neither good or bad value.

The study takes into consideration universities across the UK and found tuition fees were the biggest cause for concern.

In particular, only around a quarter of students felt they had received enough information with regard to how fees were spent. Students also raised concerns about the lack of contact hours with staff, which was linked to strikes and closures due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Students also highlighted that the quality of teaching made a positive difference to their experience, with a greater number receiving useful feedback from staff on work that had been assessed.

Universities are making preparations to reopen campuses for the autumn and new applicants will be wondering if teaching will be delivered online, in person or a mixture of both.

The Office for Students has told universities they must provide this information to those applying and if parts of a course cannot be delivered, these will have to be highlighted.
Nicola Dandridge, chief executive of the Office for Students said: "These are exceptionally challenging times for both students and universities, but students must be told clearly how their courses will be taught next year."