NSS results reveal Earth Science and Engineering success

The Department of Earth Science and Engineering has ranked highest in Imperial College in student satisfaction, reports the National Student Survey.

The College’s overall satisfaction levels have increased in the past year from 81 to 84%, placing it first among fellow London universities, top amongst Russell Group institutions, and 15th of all participating Higher Education Institutions. 

Prioritising students in Earth Science and Engineering 

The Department of Earth Science and Engineering saw particular success in the NSS, with high scores across the board - most notably a teaching satisfaction score of 95.3% and a College-leading overall student satisfaction score of 93.8%. This endorses the efforts of all staff within the Department to adapt to the pandemic while protecting the quality of student experience as a priority. 

“Our students have shown amazing resilience in an extremely challenging time, and should feel immensely proud of their achievements,” says Professor Tina van de Flierdt, incoming Head of the Department of Earth Science and Engineering. “The high level of student satisfaction could not have been achieved without the dedication, creativity and tireless work of our staff. I truly appreciate this recognition of how we have acted to support students throughout the past year, maintaining our department as a fantastic place to study.

“We have implemented a number of new student-focused activities to minimise study disruption during the pandemic – such as our virtual fieldtrips, which we developed rapidly to offer students fieldwork opportunities despite being unable to travel – and it’s wonderful to see that initiatives such as this have been successful in creating an enjoyable, effective, and inclusive teaching experience.” 

A university for everyone 

The NSS assesses student opinion on many aspects of College experience, from teaching and academic support to learning resources and opportunities, student voice and the Students’ Union, organisation and management, and assessment and feedback.  

Despite the challenging learning environment of the past year, Imperial College and the Department of Earth Science and Engineering have made strong and successful efforts to support students through the upheaval, also investing in “infrastructure improvements which will have a real impact on the experience future students will receive,” said Imperial's Interim Vice-Provost (Education and Student Experience) Professor Emma McCoy (read the full story to hear more from Emma).  

“Students have been at the heart of our decision-making. The pandemic is not over yet, but as we continue to emerge from the public health restrictions placed upon us, we need our entire community’s support to build upon these encouraging results and ensure Imperial is a university for everyone.”