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 2023 published this week (Thursday 10 August 2023).

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.

St Andrews’ students had an average positivity measure of 87.2%, ahead of the University of West London on 85.9% and the University of Surrey on 85.4%.

Scottish universities performed very strongly in the survey, with four institutions ranked among the UK’s top 10 for positivity.

St Andrews also came top in the UK for teaching quality with a positivity score of 93.2%.

Students at St Andrews recorded the highest positivity score across 13 subject areas in Scotland, including Medicine, Physics, International Relations and Classics. St Andrews was also top in the UK for positivity for four national subject areas; Russian, Comparative Literature, Classics, and general degrees.

Vice-Principal Education (Proctor) Clare Peddie said: “I am delighted by these results that confirm our commitment to the very highest standards of learning, teaching and the unique student experience we offer at St Andrews.

“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 extra-curricular activities, and world-class facilities.”

President of the Students’ Association Barry Will said: “I am thrilled that the University of St Andrews has come out on top for its positivity score in the National Student Survey. This endorsement by our students reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire community.

“From our dedicated staff, who have persevered through big challenges in the last years to deliver a world-class education, to our international and diverse student community, who work every day to make the St Andrews experience truly unique and inclusive. St Andrews is a place where anyone can confidently be whoever they want to be. It really is a time to celebrate”