The University of Sheffield
Department of Sociological Studies

Participants in the 2013 National Student Survey (NSS) have awarded top marks to our undergraduate courses for student satisfaction.

The 2013 NSS results show an overall satisfaction rate of 95% amongst students taking BA Sociology. For students taking BA Social Work, the satisfaction rate was an equally impressive 89%. For comparison, the average score for overall satisfaction across the UK as a whole was 85%.

In the Russell Group, our outstanding 2013 NSS results place the University of Sheffield 1st in the subject category Sociology and 1st in the subject category for Social Work.
The NSS is a high profile annual survey of nearly half a million students on undergraduate courses across the UK. The survey asks final year students to provide feedback on their courses and their learning experience, including their overall satisfaction.

As well as overall satisfaction, the survey asked questions relating to the learning experience. On these questions, our courses surpassed our own previous 2012 results, as well as exceeding the sector average in all key areas.

These outstanding results reinforce the University of Sheffield’s global reputation for research and teaching in Sociological Studies. Notably, the latest Research Assessment Exercise rated 95% of our research activity as of `international standard´. Of that, 45% was `internationally excellent´ and 20% `world-class´, which makes us a top-ten research department in our field in the UK. 

Message from Jan Horwath, Head of DepartmentJan Horwath

I am delighted with the results of the latest National Student Survey.

96% of our students have told us that their experience within the Department has been enhanced by the quality of teaching, and the accessibility and enthusiasm of lecturers.

Moreover, they valued the support and guidance and continual feedback provided by staff throughout their time with us.

Our BA (Hons) in Sociology in particular is something to be proud of as it tops the Russell Group Universities for ‘overall satisfaction’.

I am proud to be the Head of a Department that is so committed to providing such a high quality student experience, which has resulted yet again in outstanding degree results.

See more information about the department result in this table.