Last month, the National Student Survey (NSS) results for 2024 were published. Looking at the data, Mark Wild, our Learning and Teaching Policy Officer outlines the importance of this survey and what students think about Scottish higher education.
NSS results for 2024 were published in July and speak to the quality of Scottish university education. Overall satisfaction improved in Scotland (78.1% compared to 77.1% in 2023).[1]
In general, Scottish universities scored best, and very highly, on the themes of quality of teaching (86.2% – highest in the UK), learning opportunities (81.3%), academic support (86.4%) and learning resources (87.4%). Though still high scores, collectively Scottish institutions will want to pay attention to lower figures, relatively speaking on assessment and feedback (74.3%), and organisation and management (72.7%). Scotland’s universities will want to better understand the set of results around student voice, which give a mixed picture. On the one hand, 84.7% of students in Scotland said they had the right opportunities to provide feedback but only 58% of students said it was clear how their feedback was acted on
But so what? NSS is just a survey gathering dust, right? No! The NSS is a catalyst for change in higher education. It helps universities and students’ associations identify issues (sometimes at university level, sometimes in particular subjects) that need work. That leads to more focused work with students to understand what’s driving the issues and helps to drive continuous improvements in the quality of teaching and learning and enhance the student experience all-round.
Enhancing the student experience in Scotland
Because of this, universities invest significant resources in encouraging students to participate in NSS. NSS results feed into quality assurance, and positive results can boost a university’s reputation and provide a competitive edge in terms of attracting students and funding.
This is part of Scottish universities’ commitment to continuous improvement of our learning and teaching offer. This enhancement has been central to quality oversight arrangements in Scotland for the last 20 years. This includes the groundbreaking Enhancement Themes, supported by QAA Scotland, which have played a crucial role in quality enhancement in Scotland for the last 20 years, and have included extended, sector-level explorations around NSS and the use of data to drive improvements to quality. For example, the initiative has conducted in-depth analyses of NSS data to understand sector performance better and identify areas for enhancement. These collaborative efforts involve staff and students working together to improve strategy, policy, and practice across Scottish higher education institutions. This will continue to be a feature of our system under the recently introduced Scottish Tertiary Quality Enhancement Framework, which will bring in colleges and their students to this approach.
How institutions have used NSS to enhance quality and the student learning experience
University of Strathclyde: Improvements include:
- Enhanced study spaces: Upgraded library facilities with new equipment to create a more comfortable study environment.
- Improved digital services: Enhanced Wifi across campuses and residences, and improved the Virtual Learning Environment, including a digital student card on the StrathApp and an improved degree certificate management system.
- Faculty of Science: Piloted the use of a one-page revision guide in exams, which promoted deeper learning and better study planning.The Open University in Scotland: Consistently high student satisfaction. Key improvements:
- Personalised Tutor Guidance: More tailored support.
- Extensive Online Resources: Easier access to study materials.
- Support for Diverse Needs: Accommodating students balancing studies with work/family.University of Edinburgh: Focus on improving assessment and feedback:
- Timely Feedback: Prompt and constructive feedback mechanisms.
- Enhanced Academic Support: Additional training for academic staff.
- Student Engagement: Increased student involvement in decision-making.
[1] We also can’t easily compare results from pre-2023 because of changes to both the survey questions and response scales.