St Andrews students most positive in UK

Students at the University of St Andrews are more positive about their education than students at any other mainstream university in the UK, according to the results of the National Student Survey 2024, published today (Wednesday 10 July 2024).

Scotland’s oldest university came top in the UK on an average positivity score of answers to the 26 questions which the National Student Survey (NSS) puts to thousands of undergraduates at universities across the UK.

The NSS questions cover students’ opinions on teaching quality, assessment and feedback, support for mental health, and facilities.

Scottish universities performed very strongly in the survey, with four institutions ranked among the UK’s top 20 for positivity.

St Andrews also came top in the UK for academic support and learning resources.

Students at St Andrews recorded the highest positivity score across 13 subject areas in Scotland, including Medicine, Physics, English, Classics and Philosophy. St Andrews was also top in the UK for positivity for two national Modern Languages subject areas.

Vice-Principal Education (Proctor) Clare Peddie said: “We are delighted once again to have scored so highly for positivity in the National Student Survey. We value the positive endorsement and feedback from our student community, reflecting our commitment to the very highest standards of learning, teaching, and student experience.

“Today’s results are a testament to the collaborative approach of the University, the Students’ Association, staff, and students to ensure a positive learning and teaching environment where students feel supported and can thrive.

“St Andrews offers students the highest quality support, direct contact with some of the best researchers in the world, an international and diverse community, unique traditions, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and world-class facilities.”

President of the Students’ Association Cam Brown said: “I am thrilled that the University of St Andrews has come out on top for its positivity score in the National Student Survey. The unique student experience at St Andrews is what sets us apart. This endorsement by our students reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire community.

“From our academic and professional services staff who work hard to deliver world-class education and facilities, to our international, diverse and supportive student community, who make the St Andrews experience truly unique and inclusive, St Andrews is a place where everyone plays an important part in our success. I look forward to continuing to support and deliver for our students.”