UEL graduate positivity achieves record high in NSS 2023

The analysis revealed that the University of East London ranked 13th for overall positivity compared to all large UK institutions*, demonstrating UEL’s careers-focused, student-ready environment supporting their future success and driving forward that future inclusively and sustainably.

The NSS is an annual survey of almost 350,000 students across the UK managed by the Office for Students. One of the UK’s most diverse and socially inclusive universities, UEL’s NSS response rate was an impressive 76 per cent – five per cent above sector average. According to the NSS 2023 results, UEL ranks ninth among all 128 higher education institutes (HEI) surveyed for Assessment and Feedback, 10th for Student Voice, and 12th for Learning Opportunities. In London, UEL is ranked third among all universities** across Assessment and Feedback, Student Voice, and Learning Opportunities.

The University’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Amanda Broderick, said,

The student voice is incredibly important in our educational mission to prepare our students for the jobs and opportunities of the future, enhancing lives and enriching futures for a constantly changing world. As such, I am delighted that our final year students’ positivity in student voice is ranked top 10 nationally with record-breaking positivity across all dimensions of NSS 2023.

As UEL celebrates its 125th anniversary, these results are a fantastic demonstration of our positive impact in and with the communities we serve. As we celebrate the important feedback from our students and the achievements of our staff, our focus remains on our journey of continuous improvement and the creation of a truly transformative educational environment.”

This year’s NSS results have revealed significant progress for UEL, reflecting the institution’s dedication to fostering a supportive and enriching learning environment for its students.

In addition to overall institutional success, six of UEL’s courses – Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Hospitality Management, Human Resource Management, Special Education, and Sports Coaching and Performance – achieved a score of 100 per cent in Wellbeing Support, an area surveyed in this year's NSS for the first time.

This builds on UEL’s commitment to health and well-being which saw the institution recognised with one of the UK’s first five Mental Health Charter Awards in December 2022.

Other notable achievements include the School of Architecture, Computing, and Engineering, which achieved an outstanding 91 per cent positivity score in the "Teaching On My Course" section. Additionally, the Royal Docks School of Business and Law attained an impressive 87 per cent score for "Learning Opportunities", while the School of Health, Sport and Bioscience secured an 87 per cent approval rate for "Learning Resources".

*Rankings from Times Higher Education

** excludes specialists