Almost half of undergraduates say courses are 'poor' value for money

Students are less satisfied than ever: Almost half of undergraduates say their courses are ‘poor or very poor’ value for money during Covid pandemic, survey shows

• Survey found 44% of university students are dissatisfied this year up from 29%
• Recent poll found only that 27% think they’re getting good value for money 
• Researchers said it was the lowest level of satisfaction they had ever recorded 

Students’ satisfaction with their courses is at a record low because of the pandemic, with almost half saying they were ‘poor or very poor’ value for money.

A survey found that 44 per cent of university students are dissatisfied this year, up from 29 per cent in 2019, before Covid-19 struck.

The Higher Education Policy Institute poll found that only 27 per cent thought they were getting good value for money compared with 41 per cent in 2019.

Researchers at the think-tank said it was the lowest level of satisfaction they had ever recorded. Many students have spent most of the pandemic working remotely from their parents’ homes, watching lectures online despite still paying full annual fees of £9,250.

A survey found that 44 per cent of university students are dissatisfied this year, up from 29 per cent in 2019, before Covid-19 struck

The impact has been particularly bad for first years, who have been unable to make friends or join societies.

While universities have said the quality of their courses has not suffered from going online, students responding to the survey disagreed.

One said: ‘Covid undermines what we’re paying for because I’m sure in person it would be great, but online isn’t worth £9,000-plus.’

Another said: ‘Online learning is extremely different to in-person learning. University was great up until the pandemic hit.’ The study was based on a survey of 10,186 full-time undergraduates in the UK.

Among those who were dissatisfied, 54 per cent said there was too little in-person contact with other students and 51 per cent said there was too little in-person interaction with staff. Students from England – where undergraduates pay up to £9,250 in tuition fees – are the least likely in the UK to report that their course is value for money. Only 24 per cent said this was the case.

The Higher Education Policy Institute poll found that only 27 per cent thought they were getting good value for money compared with 41 per cent in 2019

Wellbeing was low among students, as they battled isolation during lockdown. Only 6 per cent said they were very satisfied with their lives, and just 12 per cent said they felt their life was highly worthwhile.

Just 11 cent reported being very happy, while 13 per cent said they had low anxiety. Most students in England were told not to travel back to campus as part of the third national lockdown in early January. Students on practical courses, who need specialist equipment, began returning to face-to-face teaching on March 8, but the rest were not allowed back until May 17.

Alistair Jarvis, chief executive of the representative organisation Universities UK, said: ‘It is disappointing – albeit not surprising – to see how the pandemic has shifted views on value for money.

‘Universities remain hopeful that increased amounts of face-to-face teaching and other activities will be possible next year, whilst ensuring the latest health advice is followed to keep staff and students safe.’

Exams next year and beyond are likely to be made easier to help pupils whose education was disrupted by the pandemic, Gavin Williamson said yesterday.

The Education Secretary’s comments to MPs sparked fears of more grade inflation that would undermine the A-level and GCSE system.

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