February 22nd, 2017: More than nine out of ten international students are satisfied with their experience at Newcastle University, according to an influential survey.
Latest results from the International Student Barometer (ISB) place Newcastle University 5th in the UK and 18th in the world with an overall satisfaction rating of 94% - a 1% rise on previous year.
Conducted by i-graduate, the ISB autumn 2016 is the biggest survey of its kind, reaching almost 160,000 students from 82 institutions in 17 countries. It covers a range of student experience aspects, including pre-arrival, arrival, learning, living and support.
International students placed Newcastle University among the best in the world for the learning environment on campus, giving a 96% satisfaction rate for expert lecturers and 93% for the quality of lectures.
The University also scored highly for student support (93%), living experience (92%), campus environment (96%) and campus safety (93%).
Satisfaction with Careers Service is ranked in the top 10 in the world with 93%. The digital library resources received 96%, putting it in the world’s top 5, while and physical library received a 95% satisfaction score.
Professor Richard Davies, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Engagement and Internationalisation, Newcastle University, said: “We believe that education and research transcend international boundaries andwe are proud to be a thriving global community, with approximately 6,000 international students from over 130 countries.
“The consistently high ISB scores are a great achievement. They reflect the commitment of everyone at Newcastle University who provides outstanding academic and personal support to our international students.”
Newcastle University Students’ Union received a 98% satisfaction rate, which is well ahead of the ISB average score.
Jack Taylor, President of Newcastle University Students’ Union, said: “We are extremely pleased with the results of the ISB as we have once again scored highly in terms of satisfaction levels with our international students.
“The Students’ Union works to encourage all students to engage in as many opportunities as possible throughout their time at University, so it’s great to see that we’re providing this to such a high satisfaction level for another year.”
Brynelle Myers, from India, enrolled on a Master’s degree in Oncology and Cancer Biology, after graduating with BSc Hons Biomedical Science at Newcastle University.
She said: “Newcastle has earned its place in top ranking tables due to its excellent teaching quality. The lecturers are up to date with the latest research being conducted worldwide whilst keeping their lectures very engaging. They make it very interesting by linking videos, pictures and adding a bit of their own humour to liven up a lecture. The lecturers are very approachable and always willing to help at any point of time be it with regards to academics or a personal issue.”
Meenakshi Lachman, a postgraduate student from Malaysia, said: “The Master of Medical Education course seemed like a good addition to my undergraduate medical degree as medical professionals are expected to be involved in education more than ever.
“As students, we are able to interact with professionals working in the medical field and academics alike being able to share ideas with them and learn from their experiences. The University has great facilities which are very accessible throughout the course and help in the planning and executing of our research projects.
“Newcastle as a city is beautiful and student friendly, there’s never a lack of things to see and do. The university is in walking distance from most student accommodation sites making it incredibly easy to get around.”
Newcastle University also achieved high satisfaction score of 91% in the latest National Student Survey, placing it joint 12th in the UK against comparator institutions.
Name: Brynelle Myers
Nationality: Indian
Course: BSc Biomedical Science
Stage: 3
Why did you choose to study at Newcastle University?
Newcastle University is part of the Russell group of Universities which also includes Oxford and Cambridge. Newcastle University has state of the art Research facilities which was the primary reason for my choice. It has been ranked highly in terms of student satisfaction, teaching facilities and student wellbeing.What do you most enjoy about studying your course?What has been your favourite module?
My course is flexible in terms of choosing modules and we have the added advantage of being able to switch over to different modules. We also have practical and seminar sessions which gives us the chance to interact with our Professors and peers which is helpful in developing an excellent rapport with them. In our final year we are given the opportunity of working in a laboratory for 12 weeks which is such a huge bonus as it pushes us to think out of the box and experiment in order to understand and learn the science behind it. I am drawn towards Cancer and therefore my favourite module has been Cancer Therapy & Biology.
What do you think of the teaching quality on your course?
Newcastle has earned its place in top ranking tables due to its excellent teaching quality. The Professors and Doctors are up to date with the latest research being conducted worldwide whilst keeping their lectures very engaging. They make it very interesting by linking videos, pictures and adding a bit of their own humour to liven up a lecture. The lecturers are very approachable and always willing to help at any point of time be it with regards to academics or a personal issue.
If you had to recommend your course to a student trying to choose a university what would you say to them?
Without a shadow of a doubt, apply to Newcastle University and would be able to assure them that it is something they will forever be grateful for. Newcastle University has given be the best years of my life. Newcastle University has so much to offer from the social point of view and is such a lively University which makes studying a better experience.What do you enjoy most about life in Newcastle? If you had to recommend it to a friend what would you say?
Newcastle is one of the friendliest cities I have been to. It has such a lively and brilliant atmosphere year round. It is very student friendly and it is very convenient for one to navigate through the city. It has plenty of restaurants, pubs, iconic structures, beaches and of course the famous Quayside which never ceases to bring a smile to anyone's face.What do you think about the clubs and societies that you can join? If you have been a member of one, what sort of activities has it involved?
Newcastle University has over 250 clubs and societies for students to be a part of. I have joined various different societies over these 3 years and I have made friends from different countries, different degree programmes and different age groups and that is the best part of being involved in societies and clubs.
I am part of the Biomedical Science society which is my course society and its brilliant because they have plenty of socials, pub nights, charity events, bowling nights, cinema trips and lots of fun activities that keeps everyone on their toes. There are alot more fun and engaging societies like the Cocktail society, 20 minute society, International Society etc.
Where do you live? Was it easy to sort out accommodation?
I currently live in an apartment above Grainger market. This is such a convenient location as it is right in the centre of town. In my first year I stayed at Central Link (Liberty Plaza) and it is such a fabulous and modern student accommodation as it is centrally located and very convenient.
There are plenty of agencies that offer apartments/houses for students to rent at various locations in Newcastle to suit every student's whims and fancies. The University also provides support and guidance to students looking for student houses.
Do you have any tips on budgeting, student finance or funding your studies?
Newcastle has the famous Grainger market where one can do their groceries at a really subsidised rate. When it comes to student finance, it is really easy to budget as Newcastle is relatively small which helps in cutting down travel cost, but still has the luxury of being a well equipped city with everything ranging from the train station to clubs to grocery stores all only a short distance from each other.