National Student Survey highlights excellent student satisfaction in Electronics and Computer Science

Students in Electronics and Computer Science (ECS) at the University of Southampton have demonstrated excellent satisfaction levels in National Student Survey 2017 (NSS).

Data published from the highly-esteemed assessment ranks Southampton second for overall satisfaction in Electronic and Electrical Engineering (EEE) out of all UK Higher Education Institutes.

The NSS 2017 found that 99% of EEE students and 90% of Computer Science students were satisfied or very satisfied with the overall quality of their course. These approval levels even peaked at 100% among MEng Electronic Engineering and MEng Computer Science students.

The strong NSS performance has been welcomed by senior leaders from the department and follows impressive previous results in the national survey.

Professor Paul Lewin, Head of ECS, says: “This is further confirmation that in ECS our staff provide high quality research-led education that is both intellectually challenging and more than meeting the expectations of our students. I would like to personally thank all ECS staff who have contributed to our undergraduate programmes over the last year; their continued hard work and dedication are largely responsible for this result.”

The National Student Survey has been conducted annually since 2005 by HEFCE and IpsosMori and asks final year undergraduates for feedback on their universities and courses. This year has seen substantial changes to the NSS, including the addition of three new sections that focus on the Student Voice, Learning Community and Learning Opportunities.

In Computer Science, the NSS 2017 found that 99% of students agreed that the IT resources and facilities provided have supported their learning well. 95% of MEng Computer Science students expressed they were satisfied or very satisfied with the teaching of their course and agreed that the course has challenged them to achieve their best work. Under Learning Opportunities, 95% of students agreed that their course has provided them with opportunities to apply what they have learnt.

In Electronic and Electrical Engineering, student responses ranked the subject second for teaching out of all UK Higher Education Institutes. 100% of MEng Electronic Engineering students were satisfied or very satisfied with the teaching of their course and agreed that staff are good at explaining things, that staff have made the subject interesting and that the course is intellectually stimulating and challenged them to achieve their best work. Electronic and Electrical Engineering students also reported that they were satisfied or very satisfied with the learning resources on their course in 93% of responses.

The excellent results in ECS correspond with high scores from students studying in Physics and Astronomy in Southampton, the other undergraduate subject area taught within the institution’s Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering.

Professor Bashir Al-Hashimi, Dean of Physical Sciences and Engineering, says: “I’m delighted with these results which evidence that our faculty is providing the highest quality student experience and learning. We have plans to build further on this success to the benefit of our students and staff.”