National Student Survey
National Student Survey
The National Student Survey (NSS) is a UK-wide survey that gives students the chance to share their thoughts on their course and overall experience of studying. It’s your opportunity to say what’s worked for you, what hasn’t, and what could be better.
At LCCA, we take student feedback seriously. Your NSS responses help us understand your experience and make meaningful improvements for future students.
What is the NSS?
The National Student Survey is an annual survey for students across higher education in the UK. It asks about different parts of your academic experience, including teaching, learning, and the support you’ve received.
The survey is run independently, and your responses are anonymous. The results are used by universities and colleges, as well as by regulators and prospective students, to get a clear picture of student experiences across different institutions.
Why Take Part in the NSS?
The NSS is one of the simplest ways to have your say.
By taking part, you can:
- Share honest feedback about your time at LCCA
- Help shape improvements to courses, teaching, and student support
- Influence the experience of future students
- Play a part in keeping higher education transparent and accountable
Your feedback helps highlight what’s going well and where things can improve.
Who Can Take Part?
The NSS is open to eligible students, usually those in their final year of an undergraduate-level course.
If you’re eligible, you’ll be contacted directly by email with information about how and when to complete the survey.
Completing the Survey
If you’re eligible, you’ll receive an email invitation with a unique link to the survey.
- It usually takes around 5-10 minutes to complete
- You can fill it in online using a laptop, tablet, or smartphone
- Your answers are confidential and can’t be linked back to you by LCCA staff
Answer the questions honestly and based on your own experience. There are no right or wrong answers.
Inappropriate Influence
LCCA is committed to making sure the National Student Survey is fair and independent.
Students should never feel pressured or guided to respond in a particular way. This includes:
- Being told how to answer certain questions
- Being offered incentives or rewards for taking part or for specific responses
- Being discouraged from sharing honest or critical feedback
Staff are not allowed to influence NSS responses. Students should complete the survey independently and share their genuine views. This helps make sure the results are accurate and trustworthy.
More About the NSS
The NSS is run on behalf of higher education funding and regulatory bodies across the UK and has been in place for a number of years.
It helps build a national picture of the student experience and supports ongoing improvements across higher education.
The Survey Questions
The survey uses a standard set of questions that are the same across all participating institutions. These focus on key areas of student life, including:
- Teaching and learning
- Academic support
- Learning opportunities
- Organisation and management
- Student voice and representation
- Overall satisfaction
Because everyone answers the same questions, results can be compared fairly across courses and institutions.
Opting Out
Taking part in the NSS is completely optional. If you decide not to take part, you can opt out.
Your choice won’t affect your studies, results, or relationship with LCCA.
Publishing Results
NSS results are published in an aggregated way, and individual responses are never linked to named students.
The data is used:
- By LCCA to help improve courses and the overall student experience
- On national platforms to help future students make informed choices
NSS feedback is one of several ways LCCA listens to and learns from students.
Further Information
If you have questions about the National Student Survey or just want to know more, you can contact the LCCA team at: