National Student Survey shows strengths of media studies and music at York

News

Posted on Friday 17 July 2026

The results of the 2026 National Student Survey (NSS) have revealed the strengths of the School of Arts and Creative Technologies for the study of media studies and music.

The results of the 2026 National Student Survey (NSS) have revealed the strengths of the School of Arts and Creative Technologies for the study of media studies and music. We have excelled in ‘Academic support’ and ‘Organisation and management’, ‘Learning opportunities’ and ‘student voice’.

Media Studies

We placed 4th in the UK for ‘Academic support’ among universities included for media studies in the 2026 National Student Survey (NSS).

Academic support

Q15. ‘How easy was it to contact teaching staff when you needed to?’ - we scored 100%
Q16. ‘How easy is it to access subject specific resources (e.g., equipment, facilities, software) when you need themow well have teaching staff supported your learning?’ - we scored 98%

We placed 4th in the UK for ‘Organisation and management’ among universities included for media studies in the 2026 National Student Survey (NSS).

Organisation and management

Q18. ‘How well were any changes to teaching on your course communicated?’ - we scored 94%
Q17. ‘How well organised is your course?’ - we scored 93%

We placed =8th in the UK for ‘Learning opportunities’ among universities included for archaeology in the 2026 National Student Survey (NSS).

Learning opportunities

Q6. ‘How well does your course introduce subjects and skills in a way that builds on what you have already learned?’ - we scored 95%
Q5. ‘To what extent have you had the chance to explore ideas and concepts in depth?’ - we scored 94%’
Q9. ‘How well has your course developed your knowledge and skills that you think you will need for your future?’ - we scored 92%
Q7. ‘To what extent have you had the chance to bring together information and ideas from different topics?’ - we scored 91%
Q8. ‘To what extent does your course have the right balance of directed and independent study?’ - we scored 83%

Music

We placed 8th in the UK ‘Student voice’ among universities included for music in the 2026 National Student Survey (NSS).

Student voice

Q22. ‘To what extent do you get the right opportunities to give feedback on your course?’ - we scored 97%
Q23. ‘To what extent are students' opinions about the course valued by staff?’ - we scored 91%
Q24. ‘How clear is it that students' feedback on the course is acted on?’ - we scored 73%

Tom Cantrell, Head of the School of Arts and Creative Technologies, said “I am delighted by these results, which are a testament to the vibrant, creative community we nurture at York. Our success highlights the strong collaboration between our dedicated staff and students. By ensuring our students are supported and their voices are heard, we’ve created an inspiring space where our students flourish”.

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.

Almost 2,800 York students responded to the 2025 survey, helping prospective applicants 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.

While 400+ institutions take part in the NSS, including Further Education colleges, these results are based on a sector-wide list of 130 universities typically found in domestic league tables.