York top in Russell Group for academic support in National Student Survey

Posted on Wednesday 6 July 2022

It is the sixth year in a row that York has claimed the top spot in the survey – one of the largest of its kind in the world with almost 325,000 responses across the UK this year.

The University is 7th in the Russell Group for overall satisfaction with 80%, up from last year's 78% and above the national average of 76%.

York also came 3rd in the Russell Group on learning resources and organisation & management. 

Nine departments achieved overall satisfaction scores of 90% or higher: biology, biosciences, French, genetics, marketing, natural sciences, philosophy, physical geographical sciences and psychology.

The survey asks final-year students about a range of factors related to their academic experience, including teaching, assessment and feedback, and their community. The results are used by the University and Students’ Union to support further improvements in teaching and learning.

Other key results include:

• 1st in Russell Group for: Biology, biosciences, French, genetics, law, mental health nursing, marketing and philosophy
• 2nd for: Forensic & archaeological sciences, music, natural sciences, physical geographical sciences, psychology
• 3rd for: English, environmental sciences

Professor Tracy Lightfoot, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Teaching, Learning and Students, said: “This year’s results show that we continue to offer excellent teaching, learning and student support here at York.

“We worked hard to provide a supportive and rewarding student experience during the pandemic and to return to fully in-person teaching as soon as lockdown restrictions were lifted and this has been reflected in the scores for many of the subject areas. 

“Our tailored approach to teaching and learning has been well received by many of our students, and we have continued to invest in the wider student experience, committing extra resources to our mental health support, financial assistance and our sporting and social activities.

“Our students have shown such remarkable resilience and patience during the pandemic, with much of their time at University affected by lockdowns and other restrictions on student life. As we have returned to in-person teaching, we are aware of the long-term effects on student wellbeing and mental health in particular. We will continue to listen to student feedback to develop and evolve how we support our community of learners.”