Open University top in Scotland for student satisfaction

The Open University in Scotland has been ranked first for overall student satisfaction amongst all universities in Scotland in the National Student Survey (NSS) 2024, published today.

With 89.2% of students satisfied with their overall experience, the Open University (OU) is leading the NSS ranking, ahead of the University of St Andrews (88.1%) and the University of Aberdeen (85.5%).

The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) 2024, commissioned by the Office for Students (OfS) is an annual survey gathering feedback from final-year undergraduate students across the UK and is a crucial benchmark for assessing student satisfaction in higher education institutions. It compares 19 universities across Scotland.

Students at the OU have praised the University for its comprehensive support services, which include personalised tutor guidance and extensive online resources. Many students highlighted the University's ability to accommodate their individual needs, whether they are balancing studies with work, family commitments, or other responsibilities.

Susan Stewart, Director of The Open University in Scotland, said:

"The Open University's top ranking in Scotland is a testament to unwavering dedication to our students, our talented staff, and our unique learning model which caters to a diverse student body through innovative approaches, flexible course offerings and robust support systems. While we are a distance learning university, we offer individual support based on the unique needs of each student.“ 

That such a diverse group of students are happy with us as an institution is fantastic news." 

Susan Stewart, Director of The Open University in Scotland.

“We have almost 20,000 students in Scotland, from the Borders to the Highlands and Islands, and we are delighted that so many of them expressed their satisfaction in this way. Many of our students face significant barriers to accessing higher education and gaining degree-level qualifications - supporting them on their journey is really important to us.”

The OU is the largest part-time study provider in Scotland, with 73% of our students working either full-time or part-time, and 17% living in the most disadvantaged areas. 28% of our undergraduates in Scotland declared a disability and 22% live in remote or rural areas. 23% of our undergraduate entrants joined with qualifications below standard university entrance level and 21% were resident in the most deprived areas of Scotland. 

“That such a diverse group of students are happy with us as an institution is fantastic news. We will keep working closely with our students and will build on these excellent results to help further improve the overall experience for our current and future learners,” added Susan Stewart.

Footballer-turned-coach Richard Foster, who left school at 16 to pursue a sports career playing for clubs including Rangers and returned to education in his late 20s to undertake a Psychology degree at the OU, said that throughout the six years of his degree had “excellent support” from OU tutors: 

“My questions and queries were usually resolved and answered promptly, and on a couple of occasions when I felt snowed under my tutors stopped me from giving up. I wouldn’t have made it through the degree without their help and support.”

Recent nursing graduate Nicola Hehir from South Lanarkshire, who juggled healthcare support work in A&E alongside studying for an OU BSc (Honours) Adult Nursing, welcomed the structure, support and flexibility that the OU in Scotland offered. 

She said: “The flexibility of the course meant I could study at 2am or 2pm with no restrictions, which was helpful as a shift worker. The support of the tutors was invaluable and I could access this by a simple email. The OU programme is also really well managed, with all deadlines available to see on the opening day of each module.”

Just before the final work placement that Nicola needed to complete her degree, she found out she was expecting a baby: “I was worried about working while pregnant, and I found it challenging to focus on the academic work while feeling unwell with first trimester symptoms. I liaised with the OU team and my education department, had the relevant risk assessments, and made a plan which allowed me to complete my placement. I didn’t need extra time for completing my academic work, but the options were explained to me around possibly deferring the last module.”

The OU has continued to perform particularly well for its teaching and learning offer, with over 93% of students in Scotland naming courses ‘intellectually stimulating’ and responding positively on how teaching staff explain content. Another strong area is assessment, with over 93% of students responding positively when asked about receiving their assessment feedback on time - around 13% higher than the sector average.

Photo: Kathryn Tuckerman

10 July 2024