The National Student Survey (NSS) is a government survey for final year undergraduate students in the UK. Approximately 300,000 students participate in the survey each year, sharing their opinions and feedback about their experiences while studying at university. The survey usually opens in January or February and closes at the end of April.  

The Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) and the Postgraduate Research Survey (PRES) both help us understand your experiences as a postgraduate student and improve the quality of our courses and services. These surveys operate in the Spring each year and are run nationally. 

Throughout the academic year, you may also be asked to participate in other internal surveys the University runs, such as ‘How’s it Going?’ which we will send to you during each term. These opportunities are typically sent to your UCA email or shared by your lecturers or Programme Director. As well as giving you the opportunity to share your views and help the University to drive positive changes for our students, they sometimes include a prize draw or other incentives.  

Representation is important. The UCA Students’ Union (UCASU) provides many opportunities for you to impact the student experience at UCA.

For example, every year, UCASU run elections where students vote for their Union Presidents and a Union Council. These elected officers help shape student life through policy, the promotion of student rights and by running projects and campaigns on the things that matter to you.    

Each course and year of study also has a Course Representative whose role is to gather student feedback on anything academic.