Happy campus: University of Hull ranked in UK top 20 in student poll

TOP 20: Students outside the Venn Building at the University of Hull

By Simon Bristow

The University of Hull has been ranked in the UK’s top 20 for “overall positivity”, according to a nationwide survey of students.

The ranking not only places Hull above the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, it also above the Russell Group – a self-selected association of twenty-four public research universities in the UK.

The results are from Times Higher Education analysis of the National Student Survey 2023, which rated 114 UK universities with at least 1,000 responses.

Although the survey did not ask a specific question about how satisfied students in England are with the quality of their course, Times Higher Education provided its own analysis and rankings of 114 higher education providers with at least 1,000 survey responses by introducing a measure to determine how positive students are about their studies.

The University of St Andrews came first with an overall positivity rate of 86.9 per cent, while Hull came 20th with 82.2 per cent. The University of Oxford ranked 51st with a positivity rate of 79.4 per cent, and the University of Cambridge was in 92nd place (76.9 per cent).

Professor Dave Petley, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Hull, said: “I am delighted that the University of Hull has been ranked 20th in the UK by Times Higher Education. It is testament to the hard work of colleagues across the university and it is wonderful that our students feel so positive about their studies.”

The results show that satisfaction levels have increased markedly across a variety of areas in Hull, including Student Voice, Learning Opportunities, Academic Support, and Learning Resources.

Professor Petley said: “These results reflect our whole community’s continued efforts to prioritise the quality of our education provision and student experience. I want to thank all of my colleagues across the university for supporting our students on their learning journeys.

“I also want to give thanks to our students, and Student Union, whose influence and input into shaping our offering ensures we are continuously improving our courses and the work we undertake at Hull.”

The results come just ahead of A-Level results day on August 17 when students across the land find which university they may be heading to. Many will also begin the process of trying to find courses through a process known as “clearing”.

Prof Petley said: “For those who might consider the University of Hull through clearing, this is a very positive result that we’re extremely proud of – and it’s just the beginning. As we look ahead to September and the start of the new academic year, we will continue to build on our success to create a truly exceptional experience and environment for all of our students.”

The University of Hull has places available on a variety of courses through clearing, including:  Business and Management, Marketing, Criminology, Computer Science, Sport and Exercise Science, Adult Nursing and Law.

Prof Petley added: “We are a close community here in Hull, and I am so pleased that our students, staff and, indeed, our partners in the region can celebrate this recognition at a national level.”

Each year, five million students from universities, colleges and other higher education institutions across the UK are asked for feedback for the National Student Survey, with questions ranging from quality of teaching and learning resources to feedback for assessments.

The NSS is an anonymous survey that provides universities with helpful feedback and real indications on how students are feeling. It also acts as a guide for prospective students who are yet to make their university choices.