Open University joint top in Scotland for student satisfaction

The Open University in Scotland has been ranked joint first for overall student satisfaction amongst all universities in Scotland in the National Student Survey (NSS) 2025, published today.

With 90% of students satisfied with their overall experience, the Open University (OU) along with St Andrews are leading the NSS ranking, ahead of Strathclyde (87%) and Aberdeen (86%). The OU in Scotland has been ranked highly consistently for many years, including top spot in 2024.

The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) 2025, commissioned by the Office for Students (OfS) is an annual survey gathering feedback from final-year undergraduate students across the UK and is a crucial benchmark for assessing student satisfaction in higher education institutions. It compares 19 universities across Scotland.

Students at the OU have praised the University for how well they feel it is acting on their feedback. They are also positive about the University’s communication of mental health and well-being support, plus the organisation and management of its courses.

Martin Boyle, Director of The Open University in Scotland, said:

“Once again, The Open University in Scotland’s strong performance in the National Student Survey reflects our unwavering commitment to students across the country. Our continued top ranking is a testament to the dedication of our outstanding staff, the power of our flexible learning model, and the trust our students place in us. As Scotland’s national university for widening access and lifelong learning, we support learners regardless of background, income, age or location — from the Scottish Borders to the Highlands and Islands." 

"With nearly 20,000 students across the country, it’s inspiring to see so many express high levels of satisfaction with their experience. Many overcome significant barriers to access higher education, and we are proud to stand by their side, providing tailored support to help them achieve their goals. Our students’ success is at the heart of everything we do.”

The OU is the largest part-time study provider in Scotland, with 72% of our students working either full-time or part-time. 30% of our undergraduates in Scotland shared a disability and 23% live in remote or rural areas. 22% of our undergraduate entrants joined with qualifications below standard university entrance level and 42% are resident in the most deprived areas of Scotland.

Once again, The Open University in Scotland’s strong performance in the National Student Survey reflects our unwavering commitment to students across the country."
Martin Boyle, Director of The Open University in Scotland

The 2025 National Student Survey result adds to a growing list of accolades for The Open University, including a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2023), being named University of the Year 2025 for Teaching Excellence (Daily Mail University Guide) and a Top 3 University for Employability 2025 (University Compare).

Open University in Scotland Director Martin Boyle added: “To see the Open University recognised across such a wide range of national measures is both humbling and energising. These accolades reflect the consistent quality of our teaching, the real-world relevance of our courses, and the impact our graduates are making in their communities and workplaces. They also reaffirm the value of a learning model that’s built around flexibility, innovation and inclusion — and tailored to help students succeed on their own terms.”

Flexibility and support offered by the OU in Scotland made it possible for Leigh Blaney to gain not only her Master of Science (MSc) degree in Computing but also her dream job as an engineer, and achieve promotions. Over her six years of studying, Leigh says: “I had some pretty difficult health and life circumstances – including loved ones dying, moving house, and divorce. The Open University was fantastic in making sure I was able to take time off or adapt.”

Leigh is now a Senior Software Engineer and her work involves renewable energy.

To anyone wanting to study but facing barriers, she suggests: “If it’s what you want, then assess the challenges you face and work with the OU to plan how your study can be most effective. They are used to working with students with a variety of difficulties, and able to offer advice and support.”

9 July 2025