University of Sheffield ranks top in the Russell Group in National Student Survey

The University of Sheffield has been placed top in the Russell Group, according to the latest National Student Survey published this week (10 August 2023).

The survey, in which more than 335,000 final year students from across the UK have fed back on their higher education experience, places Sheffield top of the UK’s 24 world class, research-intensive universities, based on aggregate responses.

Sheffield received the highest positive responses to 27 questions that asked students to rate their academic experience, mental wellbeing, resources and support.

Students
In individual categories, Sheffield is placed top for assessment and feedback and for Students’ Union in the Russell Group of universities.

Sheffield is also in the top three across the Russell Group for learning opportunities, student voice and mental health, and top five for learning resources, academic support and organisation and management.

This year’s survey, which is led by the Office for Students (OfS), also added a new question to explore freedom of expression. Sheffield is the top five in the Russell Group for students feeling free to express their opinions and beliefs during their studies, according to the results.

Professor Koen Lamberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield, said: “We are really pleased that our students have rated us so highly in this year’s National Student Survey. This is a testament to the hard work of our staff and the positive work of Sheffield Students’ Union.

“We really value feedback from our students as it provides important insights into how we can improve. We will use the survey responses to further develop the student experience we offer here at Sheffield.”

Lily Byrne, President of Sheffield Students’ Union, said: “This recognition goes to show the dedication of both staff and students, here in the Students’ Union and University. We aim to harbour an inclusive community which promotes freedom of expression, and it is encouraging to see this recognised through student feedback. We will continue to be a space shaped by student voice, to support the needs and wellbeing of all students here at the University of Sheffield.”

The NSS also shows how positive students are about their individual course.

Results from this year’s survey reveal that some of Sheffield’s courses in architecture, East Asian studies, engineering, genetics, landscape design, microbiology, nursing, Spanish, Portuguese and zoology, have received some of the most positive student feedback in the whole of the UK.