School of Medicine retains second position of UK Medical Schools in the National Student Survey 2021
The School of Medicine has retained its position as second place of UK Medical Schools in the National Student Survey (NSS). The NSS gauges students’ experiences of learning and teaching at university. The same survey placed St Andrews as the UK’s top mainstream university for the thirteenth time in the past 15 years.
This year, the NSS asked students a new set of questions about specific aspects of their experience during the pandemic. The School of Medicine scored 95.8% for student satisfaction. Prof Crossman, Head of School and Dean of Medicine said, “This is a tremendous result in any time, but in the context of the disruption to education caused by the COVID-19 pandemic this is a result that reflects the quality of the staff and culture at the School. The result is a testament to the huge commitment of our staff and the rapport they have with our talented students.”
During the last year, all lectures in Medicine were delivered online however students were able to continue a significant number of practical sessions in person albeit with social distancing restrictions and appropriate PPE where required. Director of Teaching, Dr Alun Hughes added: “This fantastic result wouldn’t have been possible without the engagement of all staff and students who create a collegiate and supportive environment regardless of the challenges faced over the last couple of years. Whilst we benefit as a School who have always embraced technology in teaching, it’s great to see the quality of the staff that enable and deliver it recognised in these results.”
Anna Apara, School President, who is entering the final year of her BSc stated: “The last academic year has been extremely different from previous years. As we continue to transition from what has been an unprecedented change within our global community, I believe that the position the School has made within the national Student Survey is a testament to the dynamic measures that staff have taken on, notably with continual areas for student feedback and change.”
The NSS is managed by the Office for Students on behalf of the UK funding and regulatory bodies – the Department for the Economy (Northern Ireland), The Scottish Funding Council and the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales.
