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Students score Teesside University highly for satisfaction

27 September 2012

 

Teesside University’s Students’ Union is one of the best in the country scoring 84% for satisfaction from full-time first degree students – 17% above the national average – putting Teesside in the top five in the 2012 National Student Survey.

And students studying Diagnostic radiography are among the most satisfied in the whole of the UK awarding their course top marks – 100% for overall satisfaction – ranking their subject in joint first place nationally.

The annual survey gives undergraduates the chance to rate their university and subject across a whole range of areas including teaching, assessment and feedback, academic support and personal development.

Teesside has consistently scored well above the national average in a number of significant areas in 2012:

• assessment and feedback 77% (national average 70%) • learning resources 88% (national average 82%) • personal development 84% (national average 81%).

Overall satisfaction has also risen by 4% to 86%. Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Henderson CBE DL said: 'It is excellent to see Teesside rated so highly by our own students. It proves that our continuous commitment to offering a high quality student experience is giving our students what they want and need from Teesside University.

'These results reflect the talent and commitment of colleagues throughout the University in supporting our students and always looking to find new ways of improving the student experience. Both the 100% satisfaction score in Diagnostic Radiography and the fantastic performance of the Students’ Union are examples of that commitment and a source of great pride for the University.'

Teesside University was the making of me Hannah Parratt, Student Activities Officer at Teesside University Students’ Union said: 'The University and Students’ Union National Student Survey results are a richly deserved testament to the incredible impact both organisations have on student’s lives.

'I know from my own time here what a difference they can make. I began University life as a fairly shy person who lacked confidence and had struggled with some health problems but getting involved in volunteering, being part of a sports club and then eventually leading it and finally chairing the Students’ Union Athletic Union have been the making of me.

'I never dreamed when I first started that I would one day be one of the four people who lead the Students’ Union and I know I would never have had the drive and confidence to run for election to my current post without all the opportunities for development that both the University and Students’ Union provide.'

Other subjects scoring highly for overall satisfaction at Teesside from full-time first degree students are:

• English Studies – 95% (joint seventh nationally) • History – 93% • Fine Art – 96% (joint third nationally) • Nursing – 93% (joint eighth nationally) • Social work – 93% (joint seventh nationally) • Subjects allied to Medicine (primarily Occupational Therapy) – 93%.

Case study: Neil changes direction with Diagnostic Radiography Neil Gavin, 38 from Hartlepool, graduated from Teesside University with a BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography. He now works in Orthopaedics at Sunderland Royal Hospital and credits his time at Teesside for helping him achieve his dream career.

It was following an accident that Neil, who used to work as a financial advisor, decided he wanted to change careers and he chose Diagnostic Radiography after being inspired by the work of the doctors who were treating him.

As a keen photographer, Neil was fascinated by scan pictures and how doctors used them to determine what was wrong with a patient.

His wife, Cheryl Gavin, works as a nurse, so having seen first-hand how rewarding it is to work as a health professional, Neil did not hesitate to apply to study Diagnostic Radiography at Teesside University.

Neil said: 'I knew that Teesside University had a really good reputation and that it would provide me with a fantastic opportunity to peruse a different career.

'Tutors and other students were always there to give me support. They were approachable, and the best part was if they helped me solve a problem, I could then help other people with their problems.'

Throughout his time studying Diagnostic Radiography, Neil acted as a course representative, helping and supporting other students on the course.

He really enjoyed the degree and was not surprised to learn Diagnostic Radiography had gained 100% for overall satisfaction in the National Student Survey.

'The course surpassed my expectations”, explained Neil.

'I really enjoyed learning about anatomy, pathophysiology and image interpretation. It was also really interesting looking at x-rays of people and learning how to figure out the problem and then solve it.'

Neil is really enjoying his current job but has ambitions to one day move to Australia to continue his profession.

He added: 'If it wasn’t for Teesside, I wouldn’t be where I am now. I have already recommended the University to some of my friends and I would definitely recommend it to anyone else looking to go far in the world.'


The National Student Survey results are available on the Unistats website
 
 
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