The highest scoring universities in the UK for student satisfaction have been revealed today by the National Student Survey 2015. For those of you contemplating your futures in higher education, take a look at which universities made it into the top ten.
1. Brighton and Sussex Medical School
Student satisfaction: 98 per cent
Sitting in top spot is Brighton and Sussex Medical School. Like Hull and York Medical School, the university was formed as a partnership between the universities of Brighton and Sussex in 2002. There are around 660 students and student-to-staff ratio is roughly three-to-one - a strong indicator of its higher satisfaction score.
2. St Mary's University College
Student satisfaction: 96 per cent
St Mary's University College was set up in 1850 but only gained the power to award degrees in 2007. As the third London-based university in this top ten list, St Mary's has plenty to offer. The river towns of Richmond, Kingston and Teddington are all within walking distance, while the Twickenham rugby stadium sits on the university's doorstep.
=3. Keele University
Student satisfaction: 95 per cent
Keele University was founded as the University College of North Staffordshire in 1949 and received its charter as the University of Keele in 1962. It's the largest campus university in the UK with 617 acres worth of estate for students to enjoy.
=3. Hull and York Medical School
Student satisfaction: 95 per cent
Hull York Medical School (HYMS) is one of Britain's newest medical schools, which started offering postgraduate courses in 2003, and is a partnership between the Universities of Hull and York and the NHS. We suspect the high student satisfaction score may have something to do with York's alleged 365 pubs - one for each day of the year...
=3. The University of Buckingham
Student satisfaction: 95 per cent
Britain's first independent university scores 95 per cent. The university was opened by Margaret Thatcher in 1976 with just 65 students and was awarded official university status in 1983. Undergraduate degrees at the university only take two years to complete.
6. Courtauld Institute of Art
Student satisfaction: 94 per cent
The Courtauld Institute of Art was founded in 1932 by Viscount Lee of Fareham, Samuel Courtauld, and Sir Robert Witt. The insitute's location may help to explain its high scoring satisfaction rate - the Courtauld is based on The Strand by the north bank of the River Thames, next to Waterloo Bridge, in central London.
7. Harper Adams University
Student satisfaction: 93 per cent
After opening in 1901 with just six students, Harper Adams has become one of the leading higher education providers of land-based education in the UK. There are currently more than 4,000 students at the institution, 50 per cent of which are undergraduates. It is currently ranked in the top 10 for graduate employment in the UK.
=8. The Royal Veterinary College
Student satisfaction: 92 per cent
The RVC is the oldest veterinary school in the English-speaking world, having been established in 1791. Since 1949, the college has been part of the University of London. Situated in Camden Town, the university has plenty to offer outside of its studies, with Camden Market and London Zoo in close proximity.
=8. University of Surrey
Student satisfaction: 92 per cent
Alongside its high student satisfaction, the University of Surrey also boasts an enviable track record in employability dating back over a decade. In July 2014, the graduate employability rate climbed to 97 per cent. The university's origins can be traced back to 1894.
=8. University of Winchester
Student satisfaction: 92 per cent
The University of Winchester is one of the new kids on the block after it was granted full university status in 2005 (although the main site dates back to the middle of the 19th century). Winchester is well-known for its primary teacher training, and also offers courses in the fields of performing arts, psychology and archaeology.
