Students vote University of Sheffield courses among the best for satisfaction

Students have voted University of Sheffield courses as some of the best in the country, with overall satisfaction among students at 78 per cent, according to the latest National Student Survey (NSS).

  • Student satisfaction overall at the University of Sheffield is at 78 per cent – two per cent higher than the sector average, according to the National Student Survey (NSS) 2022
  • The University ranked number one in the UK for satisfaction levels in materials science, with a further 13 subjects in the top five and three more in the top 10
  • 11 University of Sheffield subjects were ranked number one in the Russell Group, with a further 21 subjects voted in the top five
  • The University of Sheffield’s award-winning Students’ Union also ranked number one in the Russell Group, with a satisfaction rate 15 per cent above the sector average for effectively representing students’ academic interests

Students have voted University of Sheffield courses as some of the best in the country, with overall satisfaction among students at 78 per cent, according to the latest National Student Survey (NSS).

This year’s survey has ranked the University’s materials science course as the best in the UK for satisfaction levels, with a further 13 subjects in the top five and three more in the top 10. 

The annual league table has also shown overall satisfaction among University of Sheffield students is two per cent above the national sector-wide average. 

Subjects ranked within the top five or 10 in the country are: materials science (1); aeronautical and aerospace engineering (2); archaeology (2); landscape design (2); mechanical engineering (3); materials technology (3); genetics (3); microbiology and cell science (3); engineering (non-specific) (3); planning (urban, rural and regional) (4); Asian studies (5); chemical, process and energy engineering (5); adult nursing (5); artificial intelligence (5); bioengineering, medical and biomedical engineering (8); software engineering (9) and dentistry (10).

The University also ranked number one in the Russell Group, the association of leading UK research-intensive universities, for 11 subjects. These include: materials science; aeronautical and aerospace engineering; archaeology; landscape design; mechanical engineering; materials technology; planning (urban, rural and regional); Asian studies; production and manufacturing engineering; computer science and journalism.

The University of Sheffield’s award-winning Students’ Union has also been recognised within the rankings, with satisfaction 15 per cent above the sector average, placing it first in the Russell Group.

Professor Mary Vincent, Vice-President for Education at the University of Sheffield, said: “We’re delighted to have been recognised by our students as delivering some of the best learning and teaching in the country. I am grateful to our dedicated staff for their hard work in achieving this and for being an inspiration to the next generation.

“Listening to the views of our students is so important in helping us further develop our student experience and the National Student Survey provides us with a really useful insight into what it is our students want and need.”

The annual survey asks students for their views on key aspects of their University experience, including learning and teaching, assessments and feedback, academic support, learning resources and the Students’ Union.

Last month the University of Sheffield was ranked as one of the top 100 universities in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2023, reaffirming its position as a leading global university for teaching and research excellence. The University was also named one of the most international universities in the world by Times Higher Education. Earlier this year, the University of Sheffield Students’ Union was also awarded the Whatuni Student Choice Award 2022 for Best Students’ Union, for the fifth year running.

Find out more about studying at Sheffield.