THE Royal Agricultural University (RAU) in Cirencester has been ranked in the top 30 per cent in the UK for student satisfaction. 

Results of the National Student Survey (NSS) showed that the university achieved 87 per cent student satisfaction, coming in three per cent higher than the national average (84 per cent). 

It is placed 39th out of 151 institutions.

The university also performed well in a new category for 2017, which focused on the Learning Community, achieving a score of 89 per cent.

The survey revealed that students feel part of the RAU community, and that they have the right opportunities to work with other students. 

In the new Student Voice category, students also feel that staff value their views and opinions about the course (81 per cent).

RAU vice-chancellor Professor Jo Price said: “We are very pleased to continue to achieve high levels of student satisfaction in the 2017 NSS.

"Our students are at the heart of everything we do at the RAU, and ensuring that they have a positive experience is our number one priority.

"I would like to thank academic and professional services staff for their tireless commitment to improving teaching, assessment, and feedback, and for supporting the students throughout their studies.

"Moving forwards, we will strive to improve these areas further and ensure that our students receive the best possible education, are awarded degrees of the highest quality, and are fully prepared for their future careers in the land-based sector.”

The NSS is an annual survey of final year undergraduate students, which runs from January to the end of April.

It aims to gather feedback on various aspects of the student experience. Results contribute to university league tables and enable prospective students, parents, and teachers to make informed choices about their higher education options.