Number of student complaints up as fees rise to £9,000-a-year

UCU said complaints going up should not come as much of a surprise as students have been encouraged to think themselves as consumers in the era of £9,000-a-year fees.

The union said some students and parents expected more bang for their increased buck after fees tripled from £3,000-a-year in one of the coalition's first and most controversial moves. However, UCU said the fees hike was brought in to plug funding gaps following massive cuts to government funding for universities.

UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'The increase in complaints comes alongside a massive increase in fees and some students and their parents might now expect more bang for their increased buck. Universities spend plenty of money on marketing, but substance is always more important than style. Universities need to clarify exactly what students can expect from a course and what is expected of them.

'Most students remain very happy with the quality of their course and particularly the teaching they receive. Universities should focus on the learning experience they provide, including support for hard-pressed staff, rather than flashy buildings and expensive marketing.'

The vast majority of students are still very happy with every aspect of their time at university. The most recent National Student Survey confirmed that satisfaction among students in the UK remains high. Each of the eight assessment categories saw improvements on the previous year's results or remained the same.