University of Bolton number one for student satisfaction in Greater Manchester

The university achieved its record student satisfaction rating of 85 per cent following the results of The National Student Survey (NSS) 2017 placing it number in Greater Manchester for how students feel about their experience.

This bucks the trend of national figures which show percentage of students satisfied with their course has dropped for the first time in years.

The university is in top half of the national table for its results.

Prof George Holmes Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bolton, said: "When students are paying fees, it's their satisfaction with the education they are getting that counts the most.

"We have moved up more than 60 places in the sector in the last year."

The NNS asks students 27 questions relating to eight aspects of the learning experience and is primarily aimed at final-year undergraduate students, gathering opinions on their courses and time at university. The results are designed to inform prospective students when making their choices while assisting universities enhancing the student experience.

A spokesman for the university said: "This year’s survey has seen the university achieve multiple success, ranking in the top five for student satisfaction in the North West as well as becoming the number one institution for student satisfaction in Greater Manchester and number one nationally across its accountancy and English Studies courses.

"The university’s Business and Civil Engineering courses were also ranked as number one in the North West with its Nursing and Building courses ranking in the top three.

"Media Studies and Psychology were also ranked as number one in Greater Manchester."

The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), who carried out the National Student Survey (NSS), disputed year-on-year comparisons due to changes on the questionnaire.

The number one universities were Royal Veterinary College, University of Buckingham and University of St Andrews.

Professor Madeleine Atkins, HEFCE chief executive, said: "The NSS continues to be the largest and most authoritative survey of its kind in the UK.

"Its role in gathering crucial evidence about the student experience in higher education has been enhanced this year by new questions on student engagement and updated questions to reflect the latest approaches to learning and teaching.

"The 2017 results show that students provide particularly positive feedback on the quality of teaching and on learning opportunities.

"Institutions will also, however, be considering carefully how they can continue to improve assessment and feedback, and their broader engagement with students."