Success for Courier Country universities in national survey

No1 spot for St Andrews with Dundee’s two institutions in top 10

St Andrews University has been voted number one in the UK for its student academic experience.

The accolade was given for the 10th time in 12 years following a census of nearly half a million students carried out by the National Student Survey.

The 2018 results named St Andrews as the top mainstream university after carrying out the comprehensive analysis of the student community’s views.

It found 94% of final year learners at the institution gave it top marks for the quality of learning and teaching experience – the same as it was in 2017.

Dundee University came joint second for satisfaction with 88%, down 2% from the previous year.

Abertay University also experienced a slight drop but still placed a respectable eighth on the list of all Scottish institutions surveyed. Students reported a 79% satisfaction rate compared to 84% in the 2017 survey.

St Andrews principal Professor Sally Mapstone said: “This is a terrific result and a tribute to the commitment of academic and professional staff who provide an outstanding environment and experience for our students.

“St Andrews students recognise the exceptional quality of learning and teaching, facilities, and support at our university.

“We work in partnership with our students to ensure we continue to excel in this regard, and we take nothing for granted.”

Paloma Paige, president of the St Andrews Students’ Association, said: “It is gratifying to see these results reflect the unique student experience we offer at St Andrews.

“The students’ association, university and individual students work to contribute to that overall experience, contributions which make a positive and lasting impact.”

Professor Sir Pete Downes, principal and vice-chancellor of Dundee University, said: “In Dundee the interests of students are at the heart of everything we do.

“I am grateful to all our staff who really care about students, which shows in the consistent recognition that we provide one of the best student experiences anywhere in the UK.”

A spokesman for Abertay University said: “Student views are important in shaping our development and although we are disappointed by the decline in our overall score this year, we also welcome the noted improvements in many areas including IT facilities, learning resources and organisational matters.”