What is the NSS?
Each year, final-year students nationally are invited to complete the National Student Survey (NSS). The NSS asks you about key elements of your programme of study, including teaching, assessment and feedback, learning resources and other important areas of your learning experience. The NSS is run on behalf of the Office for Students (OfS), which oversees universities across the UK.
Why should I take part?
We really value your feedback, and it genuinely informs how we grow and shape your programme for current and future students. The survey is completely anonymous, and course-level results are published on the Discover Uni website.
Here are some examples of how students' NSS feedback has led to change at the RAU.
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You said |
We listened |
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You wanted clearer and more consistent feedback across your modules. |
We’ve introduced new feedback guidance for staff as well as standardised marking rubrics for clarity and consistency. |
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You enjoyed the hands-on, practical elements of your programmes and wanted to see more of them |
This year, we’ve focused on enhancing our experiential learning offer for students and have increased the number of lab sessions, field trips, and practical sessions within the curriculum. |
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You felt there wasn’t always the right balance between directed and independent study. |
From September 2025 we increased the timetabled in-person contact from 8 to 12 hours per week. |
…also, raise money for RAG charities while you do it!
Alongside sharing your views, you will also be supporting Raising and Giving (RAG) week, raising money for good causes. We are really proud of you all for the effort you put into fundraising events – and we want to support your fundraising, too. As a result, we are very pleased to tell you that the University will donate £5 to your SU RAG Week charities for every survey completed. So, remember – the more of you who complete the survey, the more you’ll raise for the RAG charities! You will also be entered into a prize draw for 2 x pairs of May Ball tickets*.
How do I take part?
The NSS is run by an independent research company called Ipsos MORI.
All eligible students will be sent an invitation link from Ipsos MORI, to complete the survey. The survey is completed online, and you can use your smartphone, tablet or computer. Students can choose to complete the survey any time up until the 30 April 2026.
Don’t leave it too late!
Please note that Ipsos MORI contact students who haven’t completed the NSS. We recommend completing it early to avoid reminders, though the survey is optional.
GDPR
As described in the Applicants and Registered Students Privacy Notice, and as the survey is a task carried out in the public interest, your contact details will be transferred to Ipsos MORI for the purpose of the NSS only. All the data is held in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. All your responses will remain strictly anonymous, and you will not be identified at any point. Ipsos MORI will securely delete all information after the survey closes and will not be shared with any third parties. More information is available on the NSS website.
Useful information
*Prizes will be awarded to two RAU students. Cash alternatives cannot be given in exchange for prizes. Winners will be contacted by 17 April 2026.