Physics tops Guardian table

Friday 16 May, 2008
Teaching of Physics at Aberystwyth tops Guardian poll

The teaching of Physics at Aberystwyth University has prompted the highest level of satisfaction amongst students of the subject at University level in the UK according to the Guardian University Guide 2009 which has been published this week.

In all 10 subject areas taught at Aberystwyth feature in the top 10 for student satisfaction with teaching according to the Guardian University Guide 2009.
They are:
1.    Physics: 1st with student teaching satisfaction of 94%
2.    Sports and Exercise Science: 3rd with student teaching satisfaction of 97%
3.    Earth and Marine Sciences: joint 3rd with student teaching satisfaction of 94%
4.    Economics: 3rd with student teaching satisfaction of 91%
5.    Geography and Environmental Studies: 4th with student teaching satisfaction of 95%
6.    Agriculture and Forestry: Joint 4th with student teaching satisfaction 88%
7.    American Studies: Joint 4th with student teaching satisfaction of 93%
8.    Media Studies, Communications and Librarianship: joint 6th with student teaching satisfaction of 81%
9.    Politics: 7th with student teaching satisfaction of 93%
10. English: 10th with student teaching satisfaction of 94%

Other subject areas taught at Aberystwyth that feature in the top 30 include Computer Science 11th (85%), Art and Design 18th (82%), History 22nd (93%), European Languages 22nd (89%) and Biosciences 27th (82%).

Professor Neville Greaves, Head of the Institute of Mathematics and Physics said:
“Staff at the Institute of Mathematics and Physics are delighted by this recognition from our students. There are always several factors behind student satisfaction, but a significant reason for this at Aberystwyth is the comfortable class sizes which encourage student learning.”

“It is heartening to know that our courses are so well received. A good deal of work goes into ensuring that staff are available for laboratory sessions, projects, etc., and it is nice to see that this is appreciated by students. Aberystwyth is a great place to learn and engage with Physics, as well as a relaxing environment to study”, he added.

Full details of the Guardian University Guide 2009 are available online http://education.guardian.co.uk/universityguide2009.