Results from the National Student Survey (NSS) 2023 have revealed an outstanding level of satisfaction with teaching and learning experiences among students in the Department of Earth Sciences at Royal Holloway, University of London.
In the most recent survey, 100% of students agreed that staff are good at explaining things and 100% said courses are intellectually stimulating, confirming the quality of teaching experience for Earth Sciences undergraduates, and reinforcing the department’s position among the top institutions in this subject area.
The department achieved some of the highest results nationally among Earth Sciences departments in key measures, including assessment and feedback, academic support, learning opportunities, well organised courses and student voice.
Head of Earth Sciences at Royal Holloway, Dr Kevin Clemitshaw commented,
“This is a friendly and supportive department where students feel welcomed, supported, and valued as members of our close-knit community. We are delighted that this has been reflected by our students giving such positive feedback in the NSS.”
As a department we have a strong culture of support for our students, with approachable staff, an allocated personal tutor system and individual supervision of projects. This is complemented by an extensive fieldwork training programme that fosters a real sense of community, while also bringing the syllabus to life in some of the best geological locations in the UK and Europe.
The department’s high quality student experience has also been recognised in national university league tables, where it is placed first in the UK for continuation of students and eighth in the UK for student satisfaction by The Complete University Guide, 2024, and ranks among the top 10 UK Earth Science departments by The Guardian University Guide, 2024.
