Writtle University College (WUC) is one of England's top university providers based on the 2023 National Student Survey (NSS).
Amongst all universities in England, the latest NSS places the Essex-based institution fifth for academic support, seventh for assessment and feedback, and ninth for learning opportunities.
"These are outstanding results," said Caroline Flanagan, Writtle University College's Director of Higher Education. "We work hard to offer every student the best possible university experience and we're delighted to see our dedication reflected in the NSS scores."
The annual survey encourages final year university students to voice an opinion of their course. Their honest feedback is used to shape the future for fellow students and make real changes to the student experience.
Writtle University College was the highest performing provider in the east of England, outperforming many larger universities.
Writtle topped tables in the region for four of the survey's seven categories, including 'Student Voice', 'Organisation and Management', 'Academic Support' and 'Assessment and Feedback'. These areas reflect the friendly community's small class sizes, experienced lecturers and industry-led approach to teaching.
Based near Chelmsford, Writtle University College has delivered specialist courses for 130 years. The university's programmes relate to animals, equine, land, health and wellbeing and sport.
The NSS placed Animal Science and Equine degree courses as sector leaders in England for teaching and for learning opportunities. Sport also triumphed, outperforming average score for providers in England across a number of categories including 'Learning Opportunities', 'Academic Support' and 'Student Voice'.
Subjects relating to veterinary science - including the BSc (Hons) Animal Therapy and Integrated Masters in Veterinary Physiotherapy - had outstanding feedback across the board. They topped six out of seven areas included in the survey, with 97% positive about the teaching on their course.
Programmes are delivered on a large countryside campus just two miles from Chelmsford. The estate includes extensive gardens, green spaces and a reservoir. A welfare-led animal unit is home to dozens of species including capybaras, alpacas and emus. Impressive veterinary physiotherapy facilities are available, in addition to a working farm, research greenhouses and a specialist equine centre that can house over 70 horses.
To apply for university courses starting in September visit writtle.ac.uk/clearing.
[1] NSS 2023 results by teaching provider, see: Download the NSS data - Office for Students