Student satisfaction

Question-marks over whether students are having a sufficiently good experience at university have been raised today.

Results from the annual national student survey show overall positive levels, but between a third and a quarter of students are not satisfied in some areas.

Two-thirds said they were unhappy with assessment and feedback, while a quarter were unhappy with organisation, management and academic support.

The issue is especially relevant because of the ongoing debate about tuition fees, which the National Union of Students fears could be doubled if the coalition government's plans to introduce a graduate tax are implemented.

Lord Browne is working on a review of higher education funding which is set to report this autumn. The Liberal Democrats, who have consistently opposed top-up fees, have pledged not to challenge the Tories on the issue if it comes to a vote in the Commons.