National Student Survey 2026

If you're applying to university, National Student Survey (NSS) results can help you make an informed choice about where you want to study.

The survey gathers students’ opinions on the quality of their courses. We really value the results, as they help us to enhance our students' experience.

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Our overall satisfaction score of 77% is above the average for universities in England.

How does the NSS work?

Every university in the UK takes part in the NSS, as do many colleges.

Students are asked a series of questions about aspects of university life, including teaching, assessment and feedback, learning opportunities, and student voice.

In 2025, 65% of our final-year students responded.

What do our students like about ARU?

  • We’re in the top 15% of mainstream* universities for Learning Opportunities – students said their courses allow them to bring information and ideas together from different topics and give them opportunities to apply what they have learnt.
  • We're ranked in the top 14% for 'My course has challenged me to achieve my best work'.
  • Our commitment to provide a fair, supportive and inclusive learning environment for our students was also recognised.
  • We're in the top 20% of mainstream universities for Assessment and Feedback; Learning Community; Student Voice; Students' Union (SU) Representation.

If I could highlight one great thing about ARU, it would be my lecturers. They are so passionate and so knowledgeable that it makes it an enjoyable and rewarding experience to learn from them.

Laura, BA (Hons) English Language and Linguistics
Talha Mehmood receives a cheque for £20,000 after winning the Ignite business competition

Student success

Our students are bursting with bright ideas, often sparked by tutors or experiences on their course. The ARU Enterprise Academy is on hand to offer mentorship and start-up support.

Mo the greyhound with ARU graduates

Real-world impact

Our graduates find success in many fields, from animal care to the arts. They hone their skills in specialist facilities at ARU – then take what they've learned and apply it to their professional lives.

Member of the Student Services team at ARU

Support at ARU

We're here to support you throughout your time at ARU. Find out more about some of the services available to you.

Discover ARU

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Come and explore

What could you achieve at ARU? Join one of our Open Days to find out more.

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Apply for a course

Apply through Clearing today, and start a course in September.

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Hear from our students

What's it really like to study here? Let our student bloggers be your guide.




*A mainstream university is defined as a university in England with a student population over 500, excluding specialist, alternative and further education providers.