NSS: Outcome for 2023 survey announced
10 Aug 2023
Our University provides an intellectually stimulating teaching environment, but students want better assessment and feedback
The annual National Student Survey (NSS) results conducted by the Office for Students (OfS) were released today (Thursday 10 August). This year our University improved its engagement rate by 12%, with 74% of final year undergraduate students completing the survey, compared with 62% last year. The increased response rate this year is 3% above the English sector average.
The new key measure for this year’s questionnaire is the Positivity Score, calculated as the proportion of respondents who chose a positive option when answering the questions.
NSS 2023 results show students think our courses are intellectually stimulating, with 86% being positive about them, compared to the overall English sector score of 84%. They rate teaching highly, with 89% saying that teaching staff explain things well.
The Students’ Union was also given a strong score of 74% for ‘supporting students’ academic interests’ compared to the sector average of 72%.
Areas where our University could do better are mainly around assessment and feedback. Students also say the balance of directed and independent study could be improved, scoring this 67% compared to the sector average of 76%.
The 2023 survey has undergone significant changes to the wording of questions, response scales and questionnaire structure following a period of consultation with the OfS. The substantive changes mean that directly comparing this year’s results to previous years is not possible. For example, the previous question on overall satisfaction, which was often used for comparisons across the sector, is no longer included in England.
The change in methodology this year saw two new questions added to allow students to reflect on mental health and freedom of speech. For the question, "How well communicated was information about your university/college’s mental wellbeing support services?", 75% of students gave a positive score, similar to the sector average of 76%. For the question, "During your studies, how free did you feel to express your ideas, opinions, beliefs?", 82% scored positively.
Commenting on this year's results. Professor April McMahon, Vice-President for Teaching, Learning and Students, said: "First of all, I want to thank every one of our students who took time to complete the survey and tell us about their experiences. The NSS survey is always an important time to reflect on progress and areas where we need to do better. We know there are areas in teaching and student experience where we can improve, but we are also very proud of our amazing graduates, whose Manchester degrees support them into excellent jobs and future opportunities."
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