National Student Survey (NSS 2023) launches

The survey, which is open to the majority of final year undergraduates, is one of the most important ways we gather feedback from students about their experience of studying and living in Manchester. All finalists eligible to complete the NSS will receive an email from Ipsos Mori from w/c 30 January with a link to the survey. They can also go directly to the NSS website and complete the survey at any time.  

The results are used internally to inform improvements to the student experience and, externally to compile University league tables and inform future students' choice of university/course through the Discover Uni website. 

However, results can only be published and used if we reach at least a 50% response rate. Our aim is to promote the survey widely and encourage an early uptake, to be on a good trajectory by mid-March. The survey closes on 30 April 2023.  

How you can help to promote the NSS to students 

As well as communication from IpsosMori, there will be an integrated campaign and messages from both central and local (Faculty) Student Communications teams, plus the Students’ Union, to encourage students to complete the survey. However, we know that students respond particularly well to messages from people they know and communicate with on a regular basis. So- if you teach, advise or support students you really can help boost response rates. 

Information, advice and promotional materials for school use can be found on Promoting the NSS pages, on StaffNet. Here, you will also find clear guidance about how to avoid inappropriate influence. 

You can also speak with your Faculty Communications team for advice on any local communication plans. 

Incentives for students to complete the survey 

As a thank you for their time, every student who takes part in the NSS 2023 can enter a prize draw to win one of 17 prizes: 

• 1 x iPad Air 
• 2 x £200 voucher of their choice from: - Amazon, Uber, Deliveroo, LovetoShop 
• 2 x £100 voucher of their choice from: - Amazon, Uber, Deliveroo, LovetoShop 
• 4 x £50 voucher of their choice from: - Amazon, Uber, Deliveroo, LovetoShop 
• 4 x £25 voucher of their choice from: Amazon, Uber, Deliveroo, LovetoShop 
• 4 x Graduation Day package (free gown hire, photography shoot with a complimentary graduation photo and two additional guest tickets) 

Additionally, for each response submitted the University will also make a £2 charitable donation, split equally between the following good causes: 

• University of Manchester Cost of Living Support Fund 
• Awarding grants of up to £2000 to help students overcome financial hardship or unforeseen additional costs. 
• Refugee Women Connect 
• Working to build a safe life in the UK for all women in the refugee and asylum seeker community. 
• Greater Together Manchester 
• Building effective partnerships in communities to bring about positive change by tackling poverty and transforming lives throughout Greater Manchester and Rossendale. 
• Jump Space 
• Based in Stockport, providing rebound therapy and sensory play for disabled children and young people and their families. 

Student voice - making a real impact 

The NSS is the only national survey of its kind and asks students’ views on a range of topics that have shaped their time at University – from teaching, feedback and support to resources and how they feel they’ve been listened to. 

For our current final years, during their time herewe’ve experienced many changes to the way we operate and so this means it’s more important than ever that we listen and really understand what has worked for them and what hasn’t. Their feedback really can make an impact and influence what we do for our students. 

Further information 

Further information about the NSS is available from your School or the NSS website. For more information about University surveys and feedback in general, visit Your Say.  

If you have any questions about our University’s surveys, please contact: teachingandlearningsurveys@manchester.ac.uk 

Thank you for your support in ensuring our students’ voices are heard. 

Professor April McMahon 
Vice President for Teaching, Learning and Students