An evaluation of an internal audit on student feedback within a British university: A quality enhancement process

Abstract

Purpose

Final year students attending British universities now complete an annual questionnaire to assess their views on their learning experiences of higher education (HE) from a variety of perspectives. They undertake this process as part of the National Student Survey (NSS). These data are then collated and an annual report with associated league tables is produced. Swansea Metropolitan University (SMU) decided to undertake an internal audit to contrast their own results against the national review in order to better understand and improve their own quality enhancement and student feedback processes. The purpose of this study is to examine this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

A three‐tier methodology approach was utilised involving both qualitative and quantitative methods, staff and student involvement and interview and questionnaire techniques.

Findings

The findings are presented by faculty and overall indicate that, while most students are satisfied with existing feedback schemes, some variations in practice occur. Students value some feedback approaches more highly than others.

Practical implications

The SMU internal audit results closely match those obtained by the NSS for both the University and sector‐wide and the implications of these findings and the internal results are discussed and considered. These findings may point the way forward for other fields of future research, especially those involving students within universities.

Originality/value

The paper has two clear benefits. First, it shows the clear relationship between the NSS results in the UK with those undertaken independently. Second, it provides one of the most comprehensive analyses of student feedback. The paper is particularly relevant for all those engaged in quality assurance and enhancement processes.

Citation

Reid, K. (2010), "An evaluation of an internal audit on student feedback within a British university: A quality enhancement process", Quality Assurance in Education, Vol. 18 No. 1, pp. 47-63. https://doi.org/10.1108/09684881011015990