National Student Survey highlights excellent student satisfaction in Physics and Astronomy

Students in Physics and Astronomy at the University of Southampton have demonstrated excellent satisfaction levels in the National Student Survey 2017 (NSS).

Data published from the highly-esteemed assessment places the department third for overall satisfaction out of all UK Higher Education Institutes. The NSS 2017 found that 99 per cent of Physics and Astronomy students were satisfied or very satisfied with the overall quality of their course.

The strong NSS performance has been welcomed by senior leaders from the department and follows impressive previous results in the national survey.

Professor Jonathan Flynn, Head of Physics and Astronomy, says: “We are delighted to have such good results from the NSS again this year. Our students are the future and it's very important to us to give them the best possible environment to learn and develop.”

The National Student Survey has been conducted annually since 2005 by HEFCE and IpsosMori and asks final year undergraduates for feedback on their universities and courses. This year has seen substantial changes to the NSS, including the addition of three new sections that focus on the Student Voice, Learning Community and Learning Opportunities.

The NSS 2017 found that 91 per cent of Physics and Astronomy students were satisfied or very satisfied with the teaching of their course, with 99 per cent agreeing that they were able to contact staff when needed. 100 per cent of BSc Physics students agreed that staff have made the subject interesting, and that the course is intellectually stimulating. 92 per cent of BSc Physics students agreed that the IT resources and facilities have supported their learning well, while 98 per cent of Master of Physics students agreed that they have been able to access specialised equipment, facilities or rooms when needed.

Under Learning Opportunities, the NSS found that 93 per cent of Master of Physics students agreed that their course has provided them with opportunities to explore ideas or concepts in depth, with the same percentage agreeing that their course has provided them with opportunities to bring information and ideas together from different topics. The excellent results in Physics and Astronomy correspond with high scores from students studying Computer Science and Electronic and Electrical Engineering, two other subject areas taught within Southampton’s Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering.

Professor Bashir Al-Hashimi, Dean of Physical Sciences and Engineering, says: “I’m delighted with these results which evidence that our faculty is providing the highest quality student experience and learning. We have plans to build further on this success to the benefit of our students and staff.”