What is the NSS?

Supported by the National Union of Students (NUS) and the Higher Education Funding Councils (HEFCW; HEFCE), the National Student Survey (NSS) is an online survey that final year undergraduate students throughout the UK are invited to complete.  The survey is available for completion each year between January and April.  The results are analysed and made available on a public web site (http://www.unistats.com) the following autumn.

The survey is administered by Ipsos-MORI, an independent research company, who act on behalf of the higher education funding councils.

What is being asked?

The questionnaire asks the extent to which students agree with a series of statements about their course, providing an opportunity for students to voice their opinions at a national level.  Topic areas include:

• Teaching
• Assessment and feedback
• Academic support
• Organisation and management
• Learning resources
• Personal development

When and how do students take part?

The survey is predominately targeted at final year undergraduate students.

Eligible students will receive an email during w/c 2nd February 2009, with an invitation to complete the survey online.  Non-respondents to the online survey may be contacted by post and telephone in order that we collect the views of as many students as possible are collected.  Find out more by going to www.thestudentsurvey.com. 

How will feedback be used and by whom?

Within Cardiff University   All Schools at Cardiff University take the feedback received from the NSS and other internal exercises seriously.  Student opinion is used to help shape and improve the delivery and organisation of degree courses.  The NSS results are considered annually together with other forms of information including feedback from student representatives.

Prospective Students   In late August the survey results for all participating UK universities are posted on a public web site (www.unistats.com). This allows prospective students to view relevant information which includes students’ opinions on their course. This is designed to help the enquirer make an informed choice about where to go and study.

Newspaper League Tables   Students’ opinions of academic experiences at Cardiff are used by newspapers such as the Times and the Guardian and contribute to league tables which rank UK universities. The ratings appear in publications such as "The Times Good University Guide".

Student opinion is therefore highly valued at Cardiff, not only by Academic Schools and the University, but also by those who are thinking of applying to Cardiff.

2009 is the fifth year of running the NSS.  Past survey results have show particularly good satisfaction rates in the quality of teaching on courses; the learning resources available; and the individual student’s personal development.  All three areas are important factors in students making Cardiff University their preferred place of study.