Dundee University has been voted the best in the UK by its own students.
More than 14,000 undergraduates from 105 institutions took part in the annual Times Higher Education student experience survey.
They ranked their university on a range of criteria, from the quality of its facilities and accommodation to the social activities on offer and how good their lecturers are.
Once all the data was analysed, Dundee came out on top taking first place from long-time champion Loughborough University. Loughborough, which came second this year, had held the top spot for five years.
Its delighted principal, Professor Pete Downes, said: ”There is nothing more important to a university than the quality of the experience enjoyed by the students who attend it, so to come out top in the UK in a major survey like this is very encouraging.
”It is a credit to all staff across the institution and also to the students’ association, with whom we have a very good relationship and who work very hard to help deliver quality to students in all aspects of campus life.
“Our ambition is to be Scotland’s leading university, so we must build on this very positive result and work hand-in-hand with our students to achieve that.”
Association president Iain Kennedy said the poll result was “fantastic news”, adding: “Dundee is a great place to come to university and it really is tremendous to see that being recognised in this survey.
“We have worked very hard as a students’ association, alongside the university, to deliver the best possible experience to students here. That covers everything from students having a real voice in the university’s decision-making to having some of the best social activities of any institution.
“There are so many good things about being a student in Dundee. Almost all of the accommodation is either on campus or within a few minutes’ walk so there is a real ‘student village’ feel to the place, and at the same time we are right in the centre of a vibrant city.
“The university has invested a lot in facilities over the past few years and that has had a very positive impact on student life.”
Dundee was ranked first out of 105 in the poll for convenient facilities and joint second for student accommodation. The students’ association was rated joint third as were the social activities on offer, while the high-quality staff lectures came fourth.
The university has completed a £200 million campus masterplan in recent years which included building new student residences, a major extension to the library and learning centre and new sporting facilities.
It has also placed an emphasis on the quality of the student experience with the appointment of a director of student operations.
Photo by Andy Barratt