University of Sheffield subjects ranked among the best for student satisfaction

Despite the challenging year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the overall satisfaction of Sheffield students is at 80 per cent - four per cent above the national sector-wide average, according to the National Student Survey (NSS)

A group of students sat outside of the Students' Union building.
  • The University is ranked number one in the UK for bioengineering, medical and biomedical engineering and landscape design, with 17 subjects within the top 10 nationally.
  • The Students’ Union also ranked highly, with a satisfaction rate 16 per cent above the sector average for effectively representing students’ academic interests 

The University of Sheffield is ranked number one for satisfaction in a number of subjects, with an overall satisfaction rate among students at 80 per cent, according to the latest National Student Survey (NSS).

Despite the challenging year many students faced due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the overall satisfaction of students studying at the University of Sheffield was four per cent above the national sector-wide average. 

The University was placed fifth for student satisfaction in the Russell Group - the association of leading UK research intensive universities.  

Bioengineering, medical and biomedical engineering and landscape design were all ranked top in the UK for student satisfaction. Nine subjects ranked top in the Russell Group and a total of 17 subjects ranked within the top 10 for satisfaction nationwide.

Subjects which were ranked top in the Russell Group for student satisfaction are: production and manufacturing engineering; zoology; aeronautical and aerospace engineering; economics; health studies; ophthalmics and artificial intelligence.

Those ranked within the top 10 in the UK are: bioengineering, medical and biomedical engineering; landscape design; artificial intelligence; production and manufacturing engineering; engineering; zoology; aeronautical and aerospace engineering; genetics; materials science; materials technology; mechanical engineering; Asian studies; linguistics; dentistry; microbiology and cell science; ophthalmics; planning (urban, rural and regional).

The University’s Students’ Union also performed highly, with a satisfaction rate 16 per cent above the sector average for effectively representing students’ academic interests, placing it first in the Russell Group.  

Professor Mary Vincent, Interim Vice-President for Education at the University of Sheffield, said: "We are extremely proud that in an unprecedented and challenging year, our students continue to rank us so highly for satisfaction in their learning and teaching. This is testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff across the University.

"Listening to the views of our students is a vital part of our work at the University of Sheffield and we are grateful to all of the students who took part in the National Student Survey.  The results give valuable insights which will inform our future work as we continue to provide an exceptional student experience alongside world-class learning and teaching for our 29,000 students from across the globe."

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.

Earlier this year, the University of Sheffield celebrated being ranked among the top 100 universities in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2022, reaffirming its position as a leading global university for teaching and research excellence. The University was rated second in Yorkshire and Humber, 17th in the UK and 95th in the world.

Four students laughing while sat at a bench, outside the Students' Union

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