The University of Bedfordshire has been named one of the most improved institutions in the country for student experience, following a string of positive results in national surveys.
Students across undergraduate, postgraduate taught and research programmes have reported steadily rising levels of satisfaction over the past three years, according to the latest data from the UK’s main higher education surveys.
The 2025 National Student Survey (NSS) shows the university has improved in 26 out of 27 areas, continuing a four-year upward trend. In the East of England, it ranked first for learning opportunities, second for assessment and feedback and student voice, and third for teaching quality.
Vice Chancellor Professor Rebecca Bunting said the results reflect the university’s efforts to build an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
“The improvements we’ve made, particularly in feedback, academic support and student voice, are clearly being recognised by our students,” she said.
The university also achieved one of its strongest-ever showings in the 2024 Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES), placing third overall out of 107 institutions.
It ranked first nationally for both engagement and community, and second for teaching and learning, as well as organisation and management.
“Our students clearly value both the academic rigour and the supportive, inclusive environment we offer,” Professor Bunting added. “These rankings show we are delivering an experience that’s intellectually rewarding and professionally relevant.”
The biggest gains were seen in the 2025 Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES), where overall satisfaction rose by ten percentage points to 83 per cent. This lifted the university from the bottom quartile into the second quartile of UK institutions.
Among 89 participating universities, Bedfordshire was ranked second for progression and research skills, and third for professional development.
Professor Bunting said: “To place in the top three nationally for key PRES measures is a fantastic achievement and reflects the strength and impact of the improvements we’ve made.”
She added that the results across all three surveys highlight the efforts of staff in enhancing the student experience.
