The National Student Survey 2021 launches at Imperial

Final year undergraduates are asked to rate their experience at Imperial as the 2021 National Student Survey opens for responses.

The Survey, which is open until 30 April 2021, invites students to assess the College on areas such as academic support, learning resources and assessment and feedback.

Acting on feedback

Professor Emma McCoy, Interim Vice-Provost (Education and Student Experience) said: "A lot has happened inside and outside of the College since the last National Student Survey. 2020 has demonstrated the importance of a university community that stands together, as well as support services that work well for users.

"Our pre-existing plans to deliver flexible-use teaching spaces, high quality digital education, and world-class support services, have in many ways been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The past twelve months have sharpened our focus on delivering on what matters most to our community, and I was glad to find that we were already setting off on that journey some time before campus life changed for us all last Spring.

"I look forward to final year undergraduates providing the College with useful feedback which we can act on for the benefit of future cohorts. There will be areas in which I know we will have done well, and there will be areas in which I hope we can continue to improve."

Some actions the College has taken in response to previous surveys include: 

• Enhancing College policy and guidance on assessments and feedback.  
• Bringing together staff and students to concentrate on the student experience and communications. The College has been working hard with students to provide a consistent approach to education provision and pastoral support for both those students attending campus and those studying remotely. 
• Investing substantial funds into providing innovative learning space and flexible flat floor teaching spaces in the Chemistry building, to be used College-wide, as well as creating additional recording space for online content, all co-designed by students. 
• Developing a College-wide standard for student common rooms. 

Reflecting the student perspective

Michaela Flegrova, Deputy-President (Education) said: "In 2019, the Union made 16 recommendations that were endorsed by the most senior College committees, including Provosts Board. Assessment and feedback was a particularly weak area for which a dedicated working group has been set up.

"The Union and College are also working together to improve how we communicate the way we use your feedback, and what impact it has. In 2020, the Union worked with departmental reps to develop localised action plans, focused on issues specific to their department. We are also working with the College to address some fundamental issues brought up in the NSS, like poor organisation, exam transparency or lack of student spaces around campus."

Have your say

Eligible students can complete the survey on the NSS website from 6 January until 30 April 2021.