THE annual survey to rank which UK universities have the most satisfied students has found that 88 per cent overall were happy with their courses at the University of York and 84 per cent at York St John.

The National Student Satisfaction Survey (NSS) ranked the University of York in joint 27th place with 11 others in the UK across all institutions.

The satisfaction score was 95 per cent or above for overall satisfaction in archaeology, law, drama, media studies, philosophy, maths, and chemistry.

The university prefers to calculate its ranking relative to other full time institutions and based on an analysis that excludes small and specialist institutions and further education colleges.

Professor John Robinson, pro-vice-chancellor for Teaching, Learning and Students, said: “York’s aim is to be strong in every aspect of teaching.

"I am delighted that this year York is ranked in the top 20 of every continuing NSS dimension, one of only five universities to achieve this breadth of quality.

"Compared to the range of full service HE providers who participated, this means that the university increased from 25th place to 17th."

The NSS ranked York St John University in overall 110th place in the UK league (62nd in England).

Vice chancellor Professor Karen Stanton said: "'This year York St John University has matched, or exceeded the national average score across eighteen of the twenty seven questions used by the National Student Survey.

As a university with a strong sense of community, we have performed particularly well on the new areas the survey looks at, which measure student engagement. The quality of our learning resources is also recognised."

The University of Buckingham, Royal Veterinary College and the University of St Andrews topped the league with 94 per cent.