National survey seeks the Imperial student view

Imperial’s final year undergraduates are invited to share their views in the National Student Survey 2013.

“Make sure you take this chance to have your say”, says Imperial College Union’s Deputy President (Education) Doug Hunt, as the National Student Survey (NSS) gets underway at the College.

This year’s NSS is now open, with final year undergraduates asked to rate a range of elements related to the student experience in a survey of student views, from academic support and learning resources to assessment and feedback.  

The nationwide survey compiles year on year comparative data for higher education institutions, with its results being made publicly available. Its closing date is 30 April 2013.

Doug added:

“We want to hear from as many eligible students as possible. The more final years who participate the more reliable and useful the survey will be, to us and the College. I’d encourage everyone who can to take part to do so, and make their voice heard, and to also make full use of the free text boxes to share details of their experiences.”

Professor Debra Humphris, the College’s Pro Rector (Education) said:

“Our final year students have a great deal of experience of life and studying at Imperial. We want to encourage them to share their views and ideas, so that we can understand what we’re doing well and what we should improve.  The information they provide via the NSS is feedback we take very seriously and which helps us identify changes that will benefit the students who follow them. ”

How Imperial uses NSS information

Previous NSS responses have helped inform key College developments, including changes to student assessment to ensure more timely feedback as well as the introduction of action plans by departments, examining how they can enhance the education they offer.  Feedback from the NSS also supported the introduction of Imperial Horizons, a series of courses rolled out to new undergraduates last term. The courses allow students to study topics beyond their course and develop valuable skills to enhance their future employability.  

Read more about departments’ activities related to enhancing their learning experience.

Since 2011 Imperial College Union has also shaped the survey information into an official NSS response, including a series of recommendations to the College focused on education and student experience.  Professor Humphris said: “It is an incredibly useful document, it distils the Union’s aims – based on what they understand from their student members, and highlights opportunities for the College and the Union to work together to achieve these.”

Students moving from a three year degree to a four year one are still required to complete the NSS in their third year. To ensure they don’t miss their chance the College’s Registry has been working to notify all undergraduates who fall into this category.

For students who are not final year undergraduates there are other ways to offer feedback, including through departmental representatives, their lecturers, the Union sabbatical team and the departmental and College-run internal surveys, such as the Student Online Evaluation (SOLE).  SOLE surveys are course evaluations which give students the opportunity to comment on their modules and lecturers.  In March, students will be invited by email to complete the Spring Term undergraduate or postgraduate SOLE, or their department’s equivalent to these.

How to take part

• Visit Imperial College Union’s NSS webpages for some tips on taking part.
• Take the Survey.