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Kent Tops Sport Studies Poll

The University of Kent is leading the field when it comes to sports students who are satisfied with their studies. In the 2007 National Student Survey, Kent is ranked at number one in the United Kingdom for students who say they are satisfied with the overall quality of their degree courses in sports sciences. Kent shares top place with Aberystwyth University.

The University of Kent’s Centre for Sports Studies, based at its Medway campus, achieved several other ringing endorsements from students in the survey. Kent was ranked as the second-best university in the country for providing prompt and detailed assessment and feedback to its sports students, and third-best for the levels of personal support and advice offered by staff.

Professor Louis Passfield, the University’s Director for the Centre for Sports Studies, said a key to Kent’s success in the survey was that its sports courses were set up to lead graduates into professional careers in the sports industry. ‘All the time they are here, students are developing their skills, and training for the next stage in their careers. The courses focus on giving students that vital edge in a highly competitive jobs market, where we have an impressive track record,’ he said.

The University runs three undergraduate sports degree programmes from the Medway campus, including Sports Therapy, Health and Fitness, and one postgraduate degree in Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation. In 2007, applications to study sports degrees at Kent rose by more than 50 per cent on the previous academic year.

Deputy Director for the Centre for Sports Studies Jane Glew said the survey showed there was a feelgood factor from students about their experiences at Kent. ‘Students are telling us they have gained alot from their time at Kent in all respects, in both academic and personal terms,’ she said. ‘The ‘open door’ policy we have, and the close bonds students develop with their tutors at Medway, are clearly of great value and were highlighted throughout the survey.’

Since its launch three years ago, the National Student Survey (NSS) has become vital reading for anyone thinking of going to university. A survey targeted mainly at final year undergraduates, this year’s NSS was completed by 177,000 students throughout the country. It provides finalists with an opportunity to give feedback on their academic experience, while the results are also used to help future students to make informed choices about university courses.

The NSS asked students to rate their university experiences in several areas, including quality of teaching; assessment and feedback; academic support; learning resources and personal development.

Overall Kent achieved a top seven position within the survey, out of a total of 53 other higher education institutions in the country which teach sports.

The NSS also spelled good news for the University of Kent as a whole, as once more students ranked Kent as the top university in the South East. Kent was also placed among the top ten universities nationally for overall course satisfaction.

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