We hosted two focus groups for those who access and analyse National Student Survey (NSS) data for their university, college or students' union for planning and higher education quality enhancement purposes.
The NSS is the largest student feedback survey in the UK. Every full-time undergraduate student is invited to complete the NSS at the end of their course.
The NSS is currently used:
- to inform applicants about the student experience in higher education
- to improve the student academic experience at universities and colleges
- for public accountability
The UK higher education funding and regulatory bodies are currently in phase two of reviewing the NSS. This stage of the review is exploring the questions the survey should pose to students, and the publication of data we obtain from the NSS. The aim of this work is to ensure that the NSS remains fit for purpose, and that it continues to support regulation and student information across all four countries of the UK.
About the focus groups
We hosted focus groups on Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 June 2022.
The aim of the focus groups was for the OfS and UK funding and regulatory bodies to understand:
- the types of groups in your organisation who need to access the NSS data
- how the NSS data is used, what analysis is carried out on the data and the tools are used
- what NSS data or analysis is not currently available and how this would be useful
- what support and guidance is required in using NSS data
- what and how the NSS data should be presented publicly and on the NSS results portal
- how we can remove burden on users
- how we can encourage responsible use of NSS data.
Participation will inform the development of the UK-wide consultation on the NSS data and dissemination in summer 2022.
If you missed out on this event, find out more about how you can inform our review of the NSS.
Additional information
Privacy: Please see our full privacy notice and our Eventbrite privacy notice.
Further questions: Please email [email protected].