Research into the feasibility of developing a student satisfaction survey of taught postgraduate higher education courses

The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) is working with IES to explore the feasibility of developing a student satisfaction survey aimed at those studying taught postgraduate courses. These important students currently lie outside the remit of the National Student Survey (the NSS) , the survey that acts as a key source of information guiding student choices; and the sector are concerned that as a consequence the information needs of prospective postgraduate students are under served.

This new research will therefore consider the feasibility, design and options for conducting a survey of taught postgraduate students, and, if appropriate, will undertake a short pilot to pave the way for a potential full-scale national survey. The research is funded by HEFCE and will involve a review of domestic and international surveys, consultation with sector stakeholders, and, critically, consultation with higher education institutions. A sister research project, will investigate the information needs of postgraduate students, assess the perceived usefulness of a satisfaction survey and help to develop appropriate survey questions.

Project details

Client	Higher Education Funding Council for England
Year	2012
IES contact	Emma Pollard
Research partners	National Centre for Social Research