National Student Survey reveals the strengths of Psychology at York

Posted on 16 August 2023

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

2nd in the Russell Group for Organisation and management in National Student Survey

We placed 2nd for Organisation and management among the Russell Group universities included for psychology (non-specific)in the 2023 National Student Survey (NSS), with a score of 91 per cent. We received 94 per cent for Q17. “How well organised is your course?” and 89 per cent for Q18. “How well were any changes to teaching on your course communicated?”

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

3rd for Learning resources in psychology (non-specific)

Including:

Q19. “How well have the IT resources and facilities supported your learning?” 93 per cent
Q20. “How well have the library resources (e.g. books, online services and learning spaces) supported your learning?” 95 per cent
Q21. “How easy is it to access subject specific resources (e.g. equipment, facilities, software) when you need them?” 92 per cent

3rd for Teaching on my course in psychology (non-specific)

Including:

Q1. “How good are teaching staff at explaining things?” 97 per cent
Q2. “How often do teaching staff make the subject engaging?” 89 per cent
Q3. “How often is the course intellectually stimulating?” 91 per cent
Q4. “How often does your course challenge you to achieve your best work?” 91 per cent

Lisa Henderson, the acting Head of Department, said “We are delighted with these results. They reflect the continued and tremendous team efforts of all the staff involved in teaching in the department ensuring the highest standards for our students”.

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.