New Students Survey

New undergraduate and postgraduate students with us for the first time can tell us about how they are used to learning, what their expectations and motivations for studying are and how experienced they are with the use of technology in their learning so we can see how we can best support them during their time with us.

When does the survey take place?

This year’s course survey will launch on 29 September and closes on 10 October.

How you can fill out the survey

You will receive a weekly reminder to take part in the survey from Student Surveys (studentsurveys@port.ac.uk). Teaching staff on your course may also ask you to complete the survey by scanning a QR code or sharing a link during a teaching session.

What does taking part in the survey involve?

The survey will usually take no longer than 25 minutes to complete. The surveys will contain a mix of closed and open-ended questions on topics like:

• Prior Educational Qualifications
• Previous study experiences (for example how you are used to accessing learning materials, submitting and using feedback)
• How you like to fit in with others
• Prior experience of seeking support and levels of attendance at your prior place of learning
• Motivations and expectation of studying at university
• Experiences of using different types of software

How it helps?

The data helps course leaders, heads of school and others within the university understand what you like about your course and experience of the university so far and what you would like to see improved.

Data protection

If you ever have any queries about how your data will be used or processed, please contact the University’s Disclosure and Complaints Manager, Samantha Hill at complaintsadvice@port.ac.uk. You also have the right to lodge a complaint about how your data has been used with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

If you do not wish to take part in the survey, please contact studentsurveys@port.ac.uk to be removed from the PAQ 2025 mailing list.

Please note that because the survey data is anonymous, if you have a specific concern that requires action by the University, you should contact your personal tutor, course leader or your Head of Department.

Is it anonymous?

Whilst the survey is taking place the database will record user details to allow the survey software to send targeted reminder emails to students who have yet to complete the survey. Whilst the survey is open you have the right to withdraw consent for us to use or store your data. At the end of the survey period (10 October 2025) it will no longer be possible to withdraw your data as the linked email address will be deleted and the data will be held so that individuals are no longer identifiable.
 

After the survey has ended your anonymised data will be held securely for up to 10 years and may be used in summary form by AdvanceHE and the University of Portsmouth in scientific, research or statistical reports to better understand the experience of students as they begin studying with us. No individual will ever be identified in any reports or publications. 

More information

If you're unsure about anything to do with the survey, or have any difficulty, please see your course leader or contact the surveys team by email on studentsurveys@port.ac.uk.