NUS launches first major study into student life and learning

NUS (National Union of Students) today announced a ground breaking three-year research project into students’ experiences before, during and after their studies.

The in-depth study will examine all areas of the student learning experience, including the number of contact hours that students receive with tutors, the quality of accommodation, the 'hidden' additional costs associated with studying, and the number of hours that students spend in paid employment during term time. It will also examine whether students’ experience of higher education matches their expectations.

“This is a significant and substantial piece of research that will help NUS to focus its representational activities in order to make a real difference to students' lives in years to come,” explains NUS National President Gemma Tumelty. “It will provide us with a solid evidence base upon which to base our campaigns, so that we can fight for students' rights even more effectively in the future.”

The research will be funded by a grant from HSBC. HSBC’s support for the study resulted from consultations with NUS following the bank’s decision last year not to charge interest on graduate overdrafts after feedback from its customers and NUS.