Stran Number 1 in Northern Ireland for Student Satisfaction: 2025 National Student Survey

Stranmillis University College has achieved the highest overall student satisfaction score among Northern Ireland’s higher education institutions in the 2025 National Student Survey (NSS), with an impressive 89% satisfaction rate—up from 79% in 2024. 

This significant rise places Stranmillis well above the UK sector average of 82% and the Northern Ireland (NI) average of 84%.  

Professor Patricia Eaton, Director of Teaching and Learning, attributed the success to focused initiatives and the dedicated efforts of staff. “It is very pleasing to see our targeted work on assessment feedback and acting on student input reflected in these results. We are proud to lead the sector in Northern Ireland,” she said. 

Stranmillis saw increases in 23 individual question scores compared to 2024, with 22 questions scoring over 80% and 9 questions exceeding 90%. Notably, the College scored 98% on “How good are staff at explaining things?”—the highest individual score. Our library team and resources maintained a very strong 96% satisfaction rate. 

The Students’ Union also saw a marked rise in approval, with 87% of respondents saying it represents academic interests well—up from 71% last year. 

Stranmillis was above the UK sector average in all but one of the 27 survey questions, and exceeded NI sector averages in 23.  

Against Office for Students (OfS) benchmarks, the College performed strongly—surpassing benchmarks in 16 questions (compared to 7 in 2024) and falling below in only three. 

A response rate of 88%, ten percentage points higher than in 2024 and significantly above the NI average of 73%. At the programme level, satisfaction rose in four out of five programmes with comparable data. 

Professor Eaton emphasised that the College’s work is ongoing: “While we celebrate this year’s success, we are committed to sustaining and building upon these improvements. We will continue to reflect, innovate, and ensure our students’ voices are heard and acted upon.” 

The NSS is an annual, independent survey that gathers final year undergraduate students’ opinions on their university experience in the UK. The survey is run by Ipsos on behalf of the UK funding and regulatory bodies. Its purpose is to inform prospective students, provide data for universities to improve the student experience, and support public accountability.