Dundee’s student experience climbs in rankings
Published On Thu 23 Mar 2017 by Grant Hill
The University of Dundee has been ranked 15th in the UK, a rise of six places, in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) Student Experience Survey.
The survey asks students at 122 UK institutions to rate their experience across eight areas – academic experience, university facilities, societal experience, student welfare, accommodation, industry connections, security and students’ union. Students were also asked how likely they were to recommend their university to a friend.
Dundee University Students’ Union (DUSA) was ranked top in Scotland (6th overall) while the University was ranked 5th equal in the UK for facilities. Dundee performed consistently well across the board and its standing was boosted by particularly strong performances in questions relating to social life and community atmosphere.
The poll comes on the back of Dundee being named Scottish University of the Year for the second year in succession in the Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide. The University has improved its position in every major league table this year and was ranked 180th in the world and 28th in the UK by THE’s World University Rankings.
Professor Sir Pete Downes, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University, said, “We are delighted by yet another positive performance which demonstrates the progress we are making towards our ambition of becoming the top university in Scotland.
“The quality of student experience is of utmost importance to any university so to be continually polling so highly in major surveys such as this is a great credit to all staff and our Students' Association.”
Indre Urbanaviciute, President of DUSA, said, “This is a really thrilling result for both the University and the Students’ Association, once again showing that neither institution ever stands still. The unique partnership we have developed and fostered over the years helps us to safeguard the excellent student experience.
“This year’s result shows that we are not complacent. We always listen to the students and tirelessly look for new ways of improving their time here at Dundee. We aim to make sure the University is open and affordable for everyone and ensure there is always somebody listening to and caring about each individual.”
For more than a decade, the THE survey has looked beyond the usual definition of the student experience – comprised largely of teaching, learning, assessment and feedback – to a broader definition, one created by students themselves that includes those aspects of university life that matter most to them.
Almost 16,000 full-time undergraduates were polled in this year's THE survey, which was conducted in conjunction with specialist youth market research agency YouthSight.
The full results can be found at www.timeshighereducation.com/student/news/student-experience-survey-2017-results.
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