Students vote computer science subject as number one for satisfaction among Russell Group universities

Students have voted the University of Sheffield’s computer science subject as number one for overall satisfaction in the Russell Group, according to the latest National Student Survey (NSS).

two computer science students chatting in the Diamond.

Subjects across the Department of Computer Science were ranked among the best in the country, with artificial intelligence in the top five and software engineering in the top ten. 

In artificial intelligence, areas including learning resources and course teaching were all highly rated, with 82 per cent of students satisfied overall. In software engineering, areas such as learning resources and learning opportunities scored highly, with 85 per cent of students satisfied overall.

The quality of teaching and learning resources in the Department were also highly rated, with 84 per cent of students satisfied with the teaching on their course and 86 per cent satisfied with the available learning resources. 

Students also praised learning opportunities  - such as the opportunities to explore concepts and ideas in-depth - with 81 per cent of students expressing satisfaction with what is available.

Across the Department, 84 per cent of students were satisfied with the teaching on their course and 86 per cent were satisfied with the learning resources available to them.

There is also much to celebrate across the University’s Faculty of Engineering, with the materials science course ranked as the best in the UK for satisfaction levels. Mechanical engineering (3), engineering (non-specific) (3) and chemical, process and energy engineering (5) were also ranked in the top five in the country, with bioengineering, medical and biomedical engineering (8) ranked in the top 10.

In this year’s survey there were a total of 13 subjects across the University in the top five and a further three 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. 

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 Guy Brown, Head of the Department of Computer Science, said: “I’m delighted to have this positive feedback from our students. We aim to be one of the very best universities in the UK to study computer science, software engineering and artificial intelligence. 

“Our high national rank in the NSS, and in particular our position as top of the Russell Group for overall satisfaction in computer science, is confirmation that we provide outstanding teaching and learning.”  

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.

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

International Merit Scholarships

We offer a generous package of financial support for international students including 75 undergraduate scholarships worth £10,000 towards the annual tuition fee and 125 postgraduate taught scholarships worth £5,000 towards the tuition fee. Applications are now open for existing offer holders.