UCU warns cuts threaten student satisfaction

The National Student Survey (NSS) of 250,000 students revealed that four-fifths (82%) of higher education students in England were satisfied with their course. There were slight improvements in the level of satisfaction in most areas, including overall satisfaction, on the previous year.
 
However, the union said students were unlikely to remain as satisfied if the coalition government pushed ahead with planned cuts to higher education budgets. A move the union said would also put the UK's strong international reputation for excellence at risk.
 
UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'It is really encouraging that there are again such high levels of student satisfaction and staff deserve full praise for continuing to deliver the goods despite the spectre of job losses and swingeing cuts. What the coalition government needs to quickly understand is that you cannot make the kinds of cuts it is planning and expect no consequences.
 
'If the coalition government pushes ahead with its punitive cuts agenda we will see teachers on the dole, students in larger classes and a higher education sector unable to contribute as much to the economy or society. How all that marries up with a university sector that is more reliant on student feedback is beyond me.'