National Student Survey shows strengths of chemistry at York

News

Posted on Wednesday 16 July 2025

The results of the 2025 National Student Survey have revealed the strengths of the Department of Chemistry which has excelled in ‘Assessment and Feedback’, ‘Academic Support’ and ‘Learning Resources’.

Chemistry

We placed 2nd in the Russell Group for ‘Assessment and Feedback’ among universities included for chemistry in the 2025 National Student Survey (NSS).

Assessment and Feedback

Q10. ‘How clear were the marking criteria used to assess your work?’ - we scored 75%
Q11. ‘How fair has the marking and assessment been on your course?’ - we scored 91%
Q12. ‘How well have assessments allowed you to demonstrate what you have learned?’ - we scored 72%
Q13. ‘How often have you received assessment feedback on time?’ - we scored 92%
Q14. ‘How often does feedback help you to improve your work?’ - we scored 71%

We placed =3rd in the Russell Group for ‘Academic Support’ among universities included for chemistry in the 2025 National Student Survey (NSS).

Academic Support

Q15. ‘How easy was it to contact teaching staff when you needed to?’ - we scored 98%
Q16. ‘How well have teaching staff supported your learning?’ - We scored 91%

We placed 3rd in the Russell Group and =8th in the UK for ‘Learning Resources’ among universities included for chemistry in the 2025 National Student Survey (NSS).

Learning Resources

Q19. ‘How well have the IT resources and facilities supported your learning?’ - we scored 93%
Q20. ‘How well have the library resources (e.g. books, online services and learning spaces) supported your learning?’ - we scored 91%
Q21. ‘How easy is it to access subject specific resources (e.g. equipment, facilities, software) when you need them?’ - we scored 96%

Dr Derek Wann, Head of the Department of Chemistry, said “We are delighted with the recent NSS results which reveal that we are excelling in so many areas. I'm particularly proud that the Department is seen by our own students as a place where they will be stimulated, where they know that teaching staff will be on hand to support them, and also where the student voice will not just be heard, but acted upon. This is a Department where every individual matters and I think shines through in our outstanding results.”

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.