Published: 11.09.08

Students are overwhelmingly satisfied with their lecturers and degree courses at the University of Brighton a national survey has shown.

The National Student Survey (NSS) published by the Higher Education Funding Council for England today, shows that 81 per cent of students are satisfied with their courses. This is a four per cent increase on last year's result.

The survey gathers feedback on the perception that students have of their courses to help inform the choices of future applicants to higher education, and to contribute to public accountability.

For the first year, students from the Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) run jointly by Brighton and Sussex universities were surveyed. Ninety-four per cent of students were satisfied making BSMS the fifth most successful medical school in the country in terms of student satisfaction.

Over 91 per cent of students studying the university's initial teacher training were satisfied, confirming the recent judgement from the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted)of Brighton as the first university in the country to achieve an 'outstanding' rating for management and quality assurance across the full range of primary, secondary and post-compulsory (16+) teacher education courses.

Eight-nine per cent of students studying physiotherapy, 84 per cent of students studying architecture, building and planning, and 81 per cent of students studying art and design also reported that they were satisfied.

Professor Stuart Laing, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs, said: "This confirms what our internal surveys tell us – that – the vast majority of students who come to Brighton think they have made a good choice and are satisfied with their course."

"These results are particular pleasing given that an audit report by the Quality Assurance Agency due to be published next month, expressed confidence in the academic soundness of our awards and the learning opportunities available for students."

"I'm particularly pleased that so many of the courses that contribute directly to the local economy and quality of our local public services are so highly rated and would want to thank all our partners who help to support our students gain these important qualifications."

"However, we are not complacent and will be examining the survey findings in great detail over the next few months to see where there are improvements we can make to address any areas of concern among students."