National Student Survey reveals the strengths of Mathematics at York

News | Posted on Tuesday 12 September 2023

The results of a nationwide survey have revealed that the Department of Mathematics is home to some of the happiest mathematics students in the UK.

2nd in the Russell Group for ‘Assessment and feedback’ in National Student Survey

We placed 2nd for ‘Assessment and feedback’ among the Russell Group universities included for mathematics in the 2023 National Student Survey (NSS), with a score of 84%. We received 80 per cent for Q10. How clear were the marking criteria used to assess your work?, 88 per cent for Q11. How fair has the marking and assessment been on your course?, 83 per cent for Q12. How well have assessments allowed you to demonstrate what you have learned? and 93 per cent for Q13. How often have you received assessment feedback on time?

We also ranked highly within the Russell Group in the following area:

3rd for ’Teaching on my course’ in mathematics

Including:

  • Q1. How good are teaching staff at explaining things? 96 per cent
  • Q2. How often do teaching staff make the subject engaging?  86 per cent
  • Q3. How often is the course intellectually stimulating?  87 per cent
  • Q4. How often does your course challenge you to achieve your best work? 87 per cent

What is the National Student Survey

The NSS is a nationwide survey of final-year students in higher and further education. They answer questions on a variety of aspects of their university experience, including their department and course. 

Over 339,000 took part in the 2023 survey, helping prospective students to compare courses and make informed decisions about where to study. The survey empowers those taking part to shape the future of their course, giving universities honest feedback on what they are doing well and where they can improve. 

York's overall position

York performed strongly in this year’s National Student Survey, featuring in the top 10 for multiple categories among Russell Group universities.

The University as a whole placed 5th in the Russell Group for Learning Resources, 6th for Academic Support and 6th for Organisation and Management. 

Ten subjects featured in the top three in the Russell Group for Academic Support, while a further eleven were placed in the top three for Teaching On My Course.

Read more about York’s excellent NSS results.