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University of Kent tops Social Work standings

The University of Kent's Social Work degree programme has been voted number one for student satisfaction in the United Kingdom - for the second year running.

In the National Student Survey (NSS) for 2009, no less than 100 per cent of Kent's final-year undergraduates said they were pleased with the overall quality of their degree course.

The University has topped the NSS for Social Work in both 2008 and 2009, coming out on top of more than 60 other higher education institutions which run similar degrees.

Based at the University's Medway campus, the Social Work degree was ranked as the country's number one in several categories within the satisfaction survey.

Students voted it the best for overall quality of teaching; for assessment and feedback from their tutors; and for levels of advice and support during their studies.

The National Student Survey gives final-year students the chance to turn the tables on their teachers, when they give their views on every area of university life, from lecturers to libraries. Established in 2004, it has become vital reading for anyone thinking of going to university.

David Shemmings, Professor of Social Work and Deputy Head of the School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research at the University of Kent, said the results were a tribute to his team. 'This year we had more than 500 applicants from across the country for just 45 places, which speaks volumes for our reputation for first-class teaching and support,' he said.

'To have such an outstanding satisfaction rating is a reflection on the commitment and calibre of staff at Medway.'

Students also gave the University of Kent as a whole a resounding vote of confidence in the national Student Survey, once again rating it among the UK's top universities. This follows the news earlier this year that Kent was ranked 12th in the country for student satisfaction in the Sunday Times University Guide 2009.

Medway School of Pharmacy - which is run jointly by the universities of Greenwich and Kent - topped the entire National Student Survey in 2009, after ninety-seven percent of its final year undergraduates said that that they were 'satisfied or very satisfied' with their education.

Contact: N.J.Ellwood@kent.ac.uk

Story published at 3:08pm 25 November 2009