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Published: 14 July 2026

Surrey’s engineering and science subjects rank among UK’s top 20 for student satisfaction in NSS 2026

Undergraduate students across the University of Surrey’s Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences (FEPS) have given their subjects some of the strongest results in the UK’s National Student Survey (NSS) - with several subjects ranking among the sector’s top 20*. 

Students work together in a Chemistry lab

The Faculty’s courses, spanning a broad range of engineering and physical science disciplines, performed strongly across the National Student Survey’s core measures. Several subjects also climbed significantly in the rankings, with some rising by more than 20 places compared to 2025.

  • 7th for Physics  
  • 11th for Chemistry  
  • 11th for Civil Engineering 
  • 12th for Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering
  • 15th for Mechanical Engineering 
  • 18th for Mathematics (up from 38th in 2025)
  • 19th for Electrical and Electronic Engineering (up from 35th in 2025). 

The results reflect the Faculty’s commitment to delivering high-quality teaching, industry-relevant learning and a supportive student experience that helps students succeed both during their studies and beyond graduation.

Across the University, Surrey has also ranked 7th* in the sector – ahead of every Russell Group university – and exceeded its own target of 87 per cent for the year

These results are something everyone across our Faculty can be proud of. They highlight the dedication of our colleagues, who work tirelessly to create an outstanding learning environment where students feel supported, challenged and inspired to succeed.
“It’s particularly encouraging to see several subjects make significant year-on-year improvements, which really shows our continued commitment to delivering an excellent student experience.
 Professor Bob Nichol, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean (FEPS)
I’m incredibly grateful to every student who shared their views through this year’s National Student Survey. Their feedback plays a vital role in shaping our courses, and we will continue listening, learning and working together to build on this success. We’re delighted to see that so many students have recognised the dedication of our staff and the learning experience we strive to provide. From all of us across the Faculty, thank you. Charlotte Foreman, Associate Professor, Associate Dean Education Faculty Engineering and Physical Sciences

*Measured by % positivity based on questions 1-24 for all institutions listed in the Guardian University Guide league table. 

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Featured Academics

Professor Bob Nichol

Prof Bob Nichol

Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean (FEPS)
Charlotte Foreman

Charlotte Foreman

Associate Professor, Associate Dean Education Faculty Engineering and Physical Sciences

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