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Are postgraduates happy with their courses? Our postgraduate survey results

Are postgraduate students happy with the quality of their courses and the value that they offer? Our survey reveals all.

Approximately, 2,000 postgraduate students responded to a unique survey organised by targetcourses.co.uk. Here's what they said.

Postgraduate students are generally happy with the contact time that they get from their tutors and the level of support that their university gives - although in both cases there's room for improvement. Students are most satisfied with the location of their universities, which might be expected as, presumably, it matches their previous expectations. Teaching and research are considered to be generally ‘excellent' or ‘good'.

The lowest ratings - and worse comments - are in response to the following question: ‘What value for money did the course provide?' Very few students answered wholly negatively but they're highly aware of the high costs of studying and most expect very sharp service from universities as a result! The most upbeat observations in the survey come from students who feel that the academic excellence of their course is matched by genuine care for their progress and well-being.

The most damning comments arise where there is a perception that academics care more about research than people or that the department is disorganised or that the content of the course has been watered down to attract higher numbers of fee-paying students. However, there are more ‘satisfied customers' than unhappy ones and the majority of postgraduates feel that their study helps to prepare them for a career.

The postgraduate opinion survey results in full

What did you think of the university location?

  • Excellent 56%
  • Good 34%
  • Average 8%
  • Below average 1%
  • Poor 1%

How would you rate the one-to-one contact time with tutors?

  • Excellent 37%
  • Good 33%
  • Average 18%
  • Below average 6 %
  • Poor 6%

How would you rate the support from other members of staff?

  • Excellent 30%
  • Good 36%
  • Average 20%
  • Below average 9%
  • Poor 5%

What were the facilities at your university like?

  • Excellent 36%
  • Good 46%
  • Average 14%
  • Below average 3%
  • Poor 1%

How would you rate the quality of teaching and/or research?

  • Excellent 41%
  • Good 43%
  • Average 12%
  • Below average 3%
  • Poor 1%

How would you rate the campus?

  • Excellent 36%
  • Good 43%
  • Average 16%
  • Below average 3 %
  • Poor 2%

How would you rate the social activities, clubs and societies available?

  • Excellent 29%
  • Good 40%
  • Average 23%
  • Below average 5%
  • Poor 3%

How well did your course prepare you for your career?

  • Excellent 28%
  • Good 43%
  • Average 21%
  • Below average 5%
  • Poor 3%

How well did the course meet your expectations?

  • Excellent 31%
  • Good 43%
  • Average 15%
  • Below average 8%
  • Poor 3%

What value for money did the course provide?

  • Excellent 27%
  • Good 37%
  • Average 24%
  • Below average 7%
  • Poor 5%

Top tips on deciding if postgraduate study is your best move