University number one in National Student Survey for student satisfaction

The University of Bolton has been named number one in Greater Manchester and the North West for student satisfaction with its teaching.

The National Student Survey (NSS) preliminary results reveal that the University came top in the region in seven of the nine categories:


  -   Teaching on my course
  -   Learning Opportunities
  -   Assessment and Feedback
  -   Academic Support
  -   Learning Community
  -   Student Voice
  -   Students’ Union

The University scored 80 for overall student satisfaction, higher than any other university in Greater Manchester.

It is the fifth year running that the University of Bolton has been top in Greater Manchester in the NSS Survey.

The news comes as the University holds its ‘Alternative Graduation’, one of very few institutions across the UK to organise a series of Covid-secure ceremonies, enabling students to graduate and receive their degrees face-to-face and wearing gowns, provided free of charge.

Professor George E Holmes DL, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bolton, said he was delighted.

He said: “This is excellent news, particularly after the extremely challenging year-and-a-half we have all faced."

“In spite of the pandemic, we have been determined to provide the best possible learning experience for our students."

“Our focus is offering teaching excellence, so it is wonderful that we are the number one University in the whole of the North West for teaching."

“Student satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do, so to be first in Greater Manchester once again and second in the North West is a fantastic achievement.”

Professor Holmes added: “All of our staff have worked tremendously hard to make the overall experience for our students the best it can be whatever the circumstances."

“This news is all the more special as the NSS Survey is completed by the people who know the University the best - our students."

“We are extremely focused on making students feel welcome, valued and part of a friendly learning atmosphere."

“Smaller class sizes and one-to-one tutoring is something not every university can offer, and we know that our students greatly appreciate them.”

Student Fatma (correct) Mohammed, aged 23, from Hulme, Manchester, graduated with a First in Motorsport Technology.

She said graduation had been a lovely day and she had thoroughly enjoyed it.

Fatma added: “During my time at Bolton I have been impressed by the University. The teachers have been really supportive throughout our journey."

“I would strongly advise others to attend the University of Bolton.”

The NSS is managed by the Office for Students (OfS) on behalf of the UK funding and regulatory bodies.