Durham University Achieves Strongest Performance in National Student Survey
Durham University has achieved its most impressive results in the 2025 National Student Survey (NSS), marking a significant improvement in student satisfaction and overall performance. The survey, which gathers feedback from nearly 500,000 final-year students across the UK, is widely regarded as a key indicator of the quality of higher education.
The university has seen notable progress in several areas, with improvements across almost all categories. It now ranks within the top quartile for teaching, academic support, learning opportunities, and organisation and management. This places Durham among the top 10 per cent of 126 non-specialist higher education institutions.
Tony Fawcett, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education at Durham University, highlighted the importance of the survey: “This is the definitive survey which gives students a voice. They have spoken. We have heard. And we are seeing the results of acting on students’ feedback.”
Key Improvements and Rankings
In addition to the overall success, Durham has made substantial progress in specific areas. Assessment and feedback, along with learning opportunities, have moved up from the lowest and mid-tier quartiles to the second quartile. Student voice has also improved, rising from the fourth to the third quartile.
Durham exceeded the Office for Students (OfS) benchmarks in three full domains and eight individual questions. Efforts to enhance mental health communications have been particularly praised, with a rise from the third to the second quartile for the relevant question. The university also maintains its position in the top quartile for freedom of expression.
When compared exclusively with Russell Group peers, Durham ranks in the top quartile for every domain except Learning Resources, where it is in the second quartile. Academic departments are meeting or surpassing subject-level benchmarks, and most programmes continue to deliver a student experience that exceeds expectations.
Broader Recognition and Achievements
These positive results follow other recent successes for the university. Durham remains in the global top 100 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and is ranked 64th in the world for employability. It has also climbed nine places for academic reputation and is recognised as a leader in sustainability, ranking 22nd globally.
In the UK, Durham consistently appears in the top five in both the Complete University Guide and The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide. These rankings reflect the university’s commitment to excellence in education and student support.
Importance of the National Student Survey
The NSS plays a crucial role in assessing and improving higher education provision. It is used by institutions, regulators, and prospective students to gain insights into the quality of teaching, support, and overall student experience. The survey provides valuable data that helps universities identify areas for improvement and implement changes based on student feedback.
For those interested in studying at Durham University, more information can be found on their official website. The university continues to build on its strong reputation and remains dedicated to delivering a high-quality educational experience for all students.
