School of Business and Economics ranks first in National Student Survey for fourth year in a row

30 September 2024

Each year, students in the Netherlands rate the quality of their Universities and study programmes in the National Student Survey (NSE). This year’s results on the survey’s core questions positioned Maastricht University School of Business and Economics (SBE) in first place again, making it the leading faculty for business and economics education in the country for four years in a row.

With a response rate of 23%, SBE students rated the School with an overall score of 3.81 out of 5 when looking at the survey’s core questions. “These results reflect the hard work of our entire faculty. That makes us very proud!” says Wilko Letterie, Vice Dean of Teaching and Learning at SBE. 

Top ratings in various categories 

Compared to other Dutch universities, SBE received top scores in terms of involvement and contact, with a rating of 3.91 out of 5. The content and structure of the study programmes were also positively assessed, achieving a rating of 3.82 out of 5. Moreover, SBE remains topnotch in terms of English proficiency with a rating of 4.46 out of 5. Additionally, SBE scored high in study guidance, achieving a score of 3.81 out of 5. The connection from education to professional practice was also well-regarded and received a 3.51 out of 5, and exams and assessment received a 3.69 out of 5. 
 

How SBE will use the results for continuous improvement

While SBE scored well overall, the School will take a close look at students’ feedback, including the answers to the survey’s open-ended questions. Mark Vluggen, Scientific Director of SBE’s Education Institute, stresses the importance of the National Student Survey. “We use our students’ feedback to continuously improve the quality of education at our School. Over the years, we have responded to the feedback by expanding the availability of study spaces, moving away from traditional multiple-choice exams in many courses, and reshaping the thesis writing process. This year, we will for instance take a critical look at the feasibility of the study load in master programmes with a heavy project component. I would like to thank our students who have taken the time to fill in this survey!” 
 

About the NSE

The NSE is an annual nationwide satisfaction survey for students. All students in Dutch higher education are asked to give their opinion on their study programme and university. You can find more information about this on the National Student Survey website.

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