Imperial recommits to improving student experience, as NSS results are revealed

Student satisfaction at Imperial is now at 82%, according to the most recent National Student Survey (NSS).

The results represent a 2% decrease in overall satisfaction compared to last year’s survey. They come as Imperial begins a decade-long transformation of learning and teaching.

"Satisfaction remains high, but we can and will do better." Professor Simone Buitendijk

Imperial's Vice-Provost (Education) Professor Simone Buitendijk said: “Satisfaction remains high, but we can and will do better. I want students to know that we are listening and want to far exceed this year’s results. We are confident that we have a plan in place that will provide the world-class experience all our students deserve.

“Since last year’s survey we’ve launched a Learning and Teaching Strategy that will radically improve the student experience. This sustained investment in education will make a significant impact. It will take time for the benefits to be felt throughout all campuses, faculties and student cohorts.

“I would like to thank staff and students for their dedication to their work and studies, during what has been a challenging year for many in our community. Our vision for Imperial’s future is ambitious, and I'm excited to see this vision come to life.”

Investment, reform and renewal

The news comes as Imperial undergoes ambitious reform and renewal across its entire offering of learning, teaching, education and the student experience.

These include:

• A transformative Learning and Teaching Strategy, launched with a £7 million investment over the first two years, and considerably more funds over the next decade, to improve the student learning experience and introduce more interactive teaching.
• A just-announced £1.8 million of new investment in the renovation of teaching spaces over the summer.
• The appointment of Professor Alan Spivey as Assistant Provost (Learning & Teaching) to oversee the development of a new approach to learning and teaching.
• A new Student Support Strategy to tackle issues including mental health provision, combatting sexual violence, and improving the trans experience on campus, to be led by Hannah Bannister, Director of Student Services, and Professor Stephen Curry, newly appointed Assistant Provost (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion).
• A series of measures, led by the Education Office and Imperial’s Faculties, to give students a greater role in shaping their education. For example, Student Shapers, an upcoming project involving student-teacher collaboration.
• A new Digital Learning Hub to develop the ‘classroom of the future’ utilising digital technologies and Imperial’s rapidly growing expertise in this field, while building multi-functional teaching spaces and interactive teaching tools.