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Student feedback - published for 2023-24
The Institute is interested in feedback on all aspects of its activities. Feedback on teaching, facilities, regulations and procedures can be made through the student representatives at the termly meetings of Institute Committees, through degree and module questionnaires, and through direct discussions with individual Module Co-ordinators, Degree Co-ordinators, Personal Tutors, the Year Tutors and other Tutors, the Departmental Tutor, the Academic Administrator, the Chair of Teaching Committee, the Chair of the Boards of Examiners, and the Director.
If students are concerned about any aspect of a specific module, we hope they will feel able to talk to the relevant Module Co-ordinator, but if they feel this is not appropriate or have more general concerns, they should consult the Departmental Tutor, Personal Tutor, or Year Tutor. They may also consult the Academic Administrator, the Chair of Teaching Committee or the Director.
18.1 The importance of feedback and how UCL uses the results
Student Feedback
Our goal is to put students’ feedback, insights and contributions at the heart of decision-making. We value students’ feedback and work with students as partners in the process of shaping education at UCL. In recent years, as a direct result of student feedback, we have opened the Library over the Christmas closure period and increased study space – including 1,000 in the 24 hour new Student Centre, we’ve focussed more on environmental sustainability and given clearer information about exams and assessments.
18.2 Student surveys and how UCL uses the results, including information about the the NSS,) Annual Programme Evaluations and New to UCL survey
Student Surveys
One of the principal ways in which UCL gathers and responds to student feedback is via online student experience surveys such as the National Student Survey, annual programme evaluations and the New to UCL survey. Whether it’s about teaching, accommodation, or facilities, surveys are a chance for students to have their say about what works and what needs improving, to help us make sure that UCL is delivering an excellent education for current and future students. Each survey takes just a few minutes to complete, all responses are anonymous, and some include a generous prize draw. Every piece of feedback is read and the results of each survey are shared with staff across UCL – including President & Provost Dr Michael Spence.
Further information:
18.3 Module Dialogue - what is it and why it's important
Throughout all modules students will be asked to answer short pulse survey questions, on a regular basis. These pulse surveys are important because it helps teaching staff ‘check-in’ with students, making sure that they can understand and access key aspects such as the content of the module, assessment information and learning resources. This provides an opportunity for students to reflect on their learning and also give constructive feedback by engaging in a dialogue with staff about the results. Helpful comments and ideas from students mean that changes and improvements can be made to the module before it ends, as well as shaping the module for future students.
18.4 The ASER process and how student representatives are involved
The Annual Student Experience Review (ASER)
UCL’s Annual Student Experience Review (ASER) process requires all departments to undertake an annual self-evaluation and produce a development plan for how they plan to improve in the coming year. The self-evaluation involves looking at student feedback from surveys and student module evaluation questionnaires as well as other data about student performance and academic standards, such as the feedback provided by the External Examiner, which helps departments to understand what is working well and what might need improving. Student’s Academic Representatives are active participants in the evaluation process and creation of the development plan through discussions at departmental and faculty committees, giving students an important role in identifying and planning improvements within their department.
Further information:
18.5 UCL ChangeMakers
UCL ChangeMakers helps students and staff work in partnership to make education better at UCL:
- Students and staff can apply for funding to collaborate on a project focused on enhancing education and students’ experience at UCL.
- Projects address issues that are important to students, often uncovered through student survey data, discussed at SSCCs, or as the result of ideas from students and/or staff.
- Students are recognised for their contribution to enhancing education at UCL through the payment of a stipend.
- There are two application deadlines a year, in terms 1 and 2.
Projects are open to all students: undergraduate, postgraduate taught and postgraduate research (MRes).
Further information:
18.6 Student Quality Reviewers
Student Quality Reviewers, where UCL students take an in-depth look at different areas of education and provide detailed feedback and analysis from a student perspective.
Through the Student Quality Reviewer scheme, students can:
- Act as a member of an Internal Quality Review panel;
- Take on a role to review new programmes or support enhancements to assessments through the Programme or Assessment Design Student Partner roles;
- Work with staff to reflect on their teaching through the ChangeMakers Teaching Dialogue scheme;
- Provide a student view on how teaching can include more diverse perspectives as a Student Curriculum Partner;
- Students are paid a stipend of £300 for around 25 hours work.
Further information: