Scottish Students Happiest In UK

12 August 2014, 05:00

Levels of student satisfaction in Scotland are among the highest in the UK, according to a new survey

This year's National Student Survey shows that 87% of full-time undergraduates in Scotland were happy with their course overall.

The figure equals that of students in Northern Ireland and tops levels of overall satisfaction in England and Wales (both 85%).

A Universities Scotland spokesman said: "Scotland's universities recorded improved or equal satisfaction from students in 21 out of 22 measures this year, including on level of feedback, teaching, academic support, learning resources and personal development.

"As well as being the best place to study in the UK, official figures published earlier this summer show Scottish universities are producing the UK's most employable graduates with the best rates of positive destinations of work or further study. ''

The highest rated institution in Scotland was the University of St Andrews , with a satisfaction score of 93%.

The university rose one place on last year's survey and now shares first place with the University of Bath and the University of Keele.

Five subjects at the university achieved 100% satisfaction ratings - computer science, geography, biology, anthropology and divinity.

Professor Lorna Milne, St Andrews vice-principal and proctor, said: "If St Andrews students are among the most satisfied in the country, it's really down to two things: our superb staff, who work very hard to provide the best education they possibly can; and the students themselves, who clearly appreciate being challenged to achieve excellent results.

"I'm delighted that they have rated their University so highly once again.''

St Andrews was closely followed by the University of Glasgow with 91% satisfaction, up two points on last year.

Students of dentistry, geology, molecular biology, biophysics and biochemistry and zoology reported being 100% satisfied with their courses.

Professor Anton Muscatelli, principal and vice-chancellor, said: "It is very encouraging that our students continue to rate their experience at the University of Glasgow so highly and particularly rewarding to see such a significant increase in our overall satisfaction rate.

I know that staff at the University are committed to providing a top-quality education and to ensuring that Glasgow continues to offer one of the very best student experiences available.''

The survey canvassed around 321,000 final-year students from 156 higher education institutions and 166 further education colleges across the UK.