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Student Representation and Feedback

Give us your honest feedback and help us improve as a School and as a University.

Help us improve

We value your opinion. We want to know when things are going well and where you think we can improve as a School and as a University.

You can give us feedback through:

  • stage evaluations (surveys)
  • participation in student committees
  • your programme or school student representatives

This can help us focus on specific areas that need improvement. But it’s important to give your honest opinion, and provide specific examples.

You should always be respectful when submitted feedback. You should consider the issues or successes rather than criticising individuals.

Student representation

Student representation is a key part of how the University engages with students.

The Student Representation Policy

The Student Representation Policy is owned by the University and the Students’ Union.

The aim of the policy is to ensure that every student:

  • is represented in institutional decision-making processes
  • can contribute to the enhancement of their programme and learning experience

You'll have an opportunity to elect academic student representatives within our School.

Academic student reps are a crucial link between students and staff. They often work with University staff to help improve the student experience.

Find out more about student-staff committees and student representation roles.

Stage evaluations and module feedback

The evaluation is anonymous and can be completed online. You'll receive a link to the evaluation via email.

We use these evaluations to:

  • find out about your experience in the school
  • assess the positive features of your programme
  • identify anything that we can improve on in future

We'll ask about your experience with:

  • library and electronic resources
  • assessment and feedback across the programme
  • personal tutoring
  • student representation

When completing these evaluations, you should:

  • be specific about what's been positive and negative during your semester
  • be realistic and focus on the issue
  • suggest solutions
  • be respectful of all those involved in the module or programme

Do not:

  • say anything offensive about someone involved in the module or programme

We take these evaluations very seriously.

Evaluations through Canvas

You'll find links to your evaluations in the ‘My EvaSys’ panel in Canvas (on the My Institution page). These links only appear when there is an evaluation open and ready for you to complete.

We'll give you the opportunity to give feedback on your modules at the end of the semester. In 2020/21, we'll combine with the stage evaluations we've mention above. You may also have the opportunity, during the module delivery, to offer feedback. Please look out for these opportunities.

Responses and actions

We'll communicate any responses and actions taken by the School through:

  • Board of Studies meetings, where Student Representatives will be present
  • vocally via lecture shout outs
  • online resources

External surveys

If you're chosen to take part in a national survey, you'll receive an official invitation from the University.

National Student Survey

The National Student Survey (NSS) helps inform prospective students and can enhance the undergraduate student experience. It also contributes to public accountability.

The NSS usually runs from February to April every year.

It includes all UK, EU and international final year undergraduate students. This also includes eLearning students in the UK.

Students based outside of the UK can take part in a Newcastle Student Survey through EvaSys. This applies to students at Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia or are non-UK based eLearners. Students should still meet the basic NSS requirements.

Newcastle University Singapore is surveyed under the Joint Degree Programme.

The NSS excludes incoming and exchange students.

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey

The Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) explores postgraduate taught experiences in:

  • learning and teaching
  • skills development
  • organisation
  • resources
  • engagement with the course

The PTES usually runs from mid-April to mid-June every year.

It includes full-time and most part-time postgraduate taught students. This applies to UK, EU and international students in a programme of at least 60 credits. Most students are at Masters level, including eLearning students.

It includes exchange students and those studying abroad.

It excludes students who are only studying a single module.