UWTSD: 7th in the UK for Academic Experience

“Staff at UWTSD work hard to make university life for our students enjoyable and fulfilling, so to be recognised in this way, based on student feedback, is excellent news.” – Dr Mirjam Plantinga, Associate-Pro Vice-Chancellor for Student Experience, UWTSD

Known for sporting passion, stunning coastlines and friendly natives, Wales is a popular choice for the aspiring international student. Last year, a report released by Universities Wales revealed the impact global learners have on the Welsh regional economy, with the strength of Welsh universities drawing more than 22,000 students from 140 countries worldwide.

“Wales continues to be recognised internationally as an exceptional place to study and live, with a reputation for excellence,” says Kirsty Williams, Cabinet Secretary for Education.

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is one such institution. This pioneer of higher education empowers and inspires students across its beautiful campuses, drawing on the elegance and heritage of some of Wales’ most breath-taking locations.

When it comes to academic and employment value, it’s hard to compare to UWTSD – a school that delivers tangible benefits to learners, employers and communities alike. UWTSD ranked 11^th in the UK for university of the year (Whatuni student choice awards 2018).

“As a Spanish citizen from Barcelona, I can experience the benefits of learning a different language and can set an example for my students,” says Guillermo Hidalgo, trainee teacher of modern foreign languages at UWTSD. “My best moment has been discovering how well Welsh students can compete with students in Catalan,” he adds.

And the praise does not stop there. Just last month, the institution landed a Top 10 finish for Academic Experience in THE’s Student Experience survey for 2018. A total of 116 UK universities took part in the review, with UWTSD ranking an impressive 7^th in the UK overall and 1^st in Wales. The institution rests among good company, sitting next to Harper Adams, Oxford, St Andrews, Cambridge, Chichester and the Royal Veterinary College.

This year, survey participants were asked for their ratings on a range of study aspects, describing both their academic and overall student experience. In the academic experience category, UWTSD scored 1^st in Wales and 4^th in the UK, acknowledging its provision of ‘tuition in small groups’.

On top of this, the university came 1^st in Wales and 5^th in the UK for strong personal relationships between students and staff; joint 6^th in the UK for ‘Helpful and interested staff’; and joint 10^th in the UK for ‘High-quality staff/lectures’. In the ‘Student Welfare’ category, the school also excelled, placing joint 8^th in the UK and 1^st in Wales for ‘good support/welfare’.

“In a survey of all major universities in the UK, it’s particularly pleasing to see us score so highly in the ‘Academic Experience’ category. Scoring highly in this category is important to the university as this is a key area where we believe we are able to offer added value to all those studying with us,” says Dr Mirjam Plantinga, Associate-Pro Vice-Chancellor for Student Experience at UWTSD.

“The quality of our teaching and learning is central to our mission and we always look for ways to improve the student experience,” she adds. “Student engagement is a priority at UWTSD and working closely in partnership with our students is crucial to achieving a high-quality student experience,” she concludes.

“As we do with every survey we will be looking at the top results to help us identify areas for enhancement. National surveys provide us with that vital feedback that help us ensure we’re meeting the needs of our students.”

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