Swansea University was named best for international experience at this year’s Whatuni Student Choice Awards, at its annual event in London.
The Welsh university was also selected University of the Year, judged on reviews from more than 41,000 students from the UK’s 160 institutions.
Student satisfaction is up in 2018, said Simon Emmett, CEO of IDP Connect, which owns Whatuni.
“Reviews and comments are vital to improving the student experience”
“This year’s strong results are a clear indicator that despite the increasing cost associated with accessing a university education, students recognise and value the opportunities, support and teaching that they receive,” Emmett said.
Overall student satisfaction stood at 80%, with 69 universities registering improved satisfaction ratings from their own students.
This marks the second time in five years that the Welsh university has claimed the top spot, and the first time it has won the International category.
“This latest outstanding achievement is testament to the exceptional performance of our staff across the university, and the strength of our relationship with the student body through the Students’ Union,” Paul Boyle, VC Elect of Swansea University said.
“This reinforces our position as a high-performing, global university that delivers top quality teaching, world-leading research, and a superb student experience,” Boyle added.
“As the award is voted for by students, it makes it even more special as they are at the heart of all we do at Swansea.”
Of the 15 categories, eight were won by Welsh universities, continuing to dominate the satisfaction results for the third year in a row.
Welsh universities took the top three places in the International category, with Aberystwyth University and Bangor University coming second and third, respectively, following Swansea’s win.
The University of Swansea revealed plans to open a £45m college for international students on its campus in 2018.
The awards offer a chance for students to “suggest creative and innovative solutions which institutions may not have considered”, Martha Longdon, Student Experience Board Member for the Office for Students and Whatuni Student Advisory Board Member noted.
“Reviews and comments are vital to improving the student experience and provide an invaluable narrative of university life by allowing students to feedback on the issues they care most about,” Longdon said.
Whatuni Student Choice Award winners
University of the Year: Swansea University
Accommodation: Loughborough University
City Life: University of Edinburgh
Clubs & Societies: Bangor University
Course & Lecturers: University of Wales Trinity Saint David
FE College: DN Colleges Group
Independent HE: Norland College
International: Swansea University
Job Prospects: Harper Adams University
Postgraduate: Aberystwyth University
Student Support: Harper Adams University
Students’ Union: University of Sheffield
Uni Facilities: Leeds Arts University
Prospective Student Engagement: Goldsmiths, University of London
Giving Back: Birkbeck, University of London
For the full list of winners, and runners up, click here.
