Sustainability Skills Survey: Worcester Students Given a Voice. Written by Sian Evans and Rosie Bramwell. Graphics by Fay Askew.
According to a recent Sustainability Skills Survey, there is more to choosing which University to attend than just the campus and various courses it has to offer. At the start of the 2022/2023 academic year, NUS hosted a Sustainability Skills Survey. Worcester University had the fifth highest number of responses across the country, with 421 students getting involved. This survey is a chance to review the appeal of the University, and the progress being made towards helping the environment and its students. With a mixture of responses from students in different years, it is an opportunity to improve and choose the next steps for the future. Of the responses, 55% were first years, 22% second years and 23% were in their third or subsequent year. This post highlights some of the key findings from the survey.
What the survey said students found important (when choosing Worcester University)
Looking at what influenced students to choose Worcester, can help the University attract more students in the future. 59% stated âemployment prospectsâ as the most important factor for choosing Worcester. Knowing the opportunities and success rates of previous students is encouraging and reassuring to newer students.
65% chose âattractiveness of locationâ as somewhat or very important, suggesting that the appearance of the University and its campuses is a significant factor alongside the courses and capabilities.
55% noted the main reason for choosing their course was âto gain qualificationsâ, as well as 40% choosing Worcester to âimprove my ability to make a difference to other people.â This suggests that location and appearance of the University is influential enough for some students over the success and employment rates of the course.
This compares to only 28% choosing Worcester for âhow seriously it takes environmental issuesâ as a somewhat important factor. 26% for âhow seriously the place of study takes global development issues.â Students seem particularly keen to see ethical issues addressed and evidently care about the impact and influence the University has for environmental and global changes.
How Important IsâŠ
Students on the survey were asked to rate nine phrases on their importance, marking them on a scale between âvery importantâ to ânot at all importantâ. The phrases looked specifically at inequality, resources, challenges, ethics, the environment, and the local community. The results show clear indications of the studentsâ opinions, with many of the options having low numbers for âdonât knowâ.
The study found that many students identified learning sustainability skills, attributes and knowledge as being valuable. For example, 65% placed importance on âunderstanding how human activity is affecting natureâ, 82% on understanding the âcauses of inequality in the worldâ, and 77% on using resources efficiently to âlimit the impact on environment and peopleâ.
Students were particularly keen to see ethical issues addressed with 89% placing importance on âconsidering ethical issuesâ linked to their subject and 76% wanting to understand problems âfrom the perspective of people from around the worldâ.
The survey also identified the continued importance to many students(83%) of knowing how to challenge the way things are done (e.g., in business, politics and education), particularly to learn and understand how to create change (rising from 85% last year to 88% this year).
Comparison of Pay and Ethics
âAssuming all other factors are equal, would you rather?â
When given the option of a ÂŁ1000 lower than average salary, 71% of respondents opted for this if the company had a strong environmental and social record, assuming that all other factors were equal. This compares to 29% choosing ÂŁ1000 higher in poorer conditions. This suggests that students care more for a comfortable and reliable workplace, over a high salary after leaving University.
When that ÂŁ1000 changes to ÂŁ3000, the balance shifts significantly. Assuming all other factors are equal, 50% of respondents said theyâd choose the higher salary in poor conditions. The 50/50 split would suggest that although students would prefer a reliable workplace over a higher salary. If that salary change is noticeably higher, they would rather opt for the money.
To what extent do you agree?
Respondents were asked to what extent they agreed with social/environmental skills, impacts, and actions taken by the University and the Studentsâ Union. Rating between âstrongly agreeâ and âstrongly disagreeâ, many responses suggested that Worcester University is actively working towards improving its environmental and social impact.
What is Sustainable development?
According to respondentsâ current knowledge, it refers to the changes made to have less of a negative impact on the environment. There is an understanding that some things have negative impacts and we can adapt to use things that are less damaging. For example, moving away from fossil fuels and using solar panels as an energy source. Itâs arguably a realist approach, where progress should be based on sustainable efforts and work towards future social and environmental goals. To summarise: we need to grow in a way that doesnât harm the environment.
Why would students like to learn more about sustainable development?
Despite this, respondents admitted to not knowing enough about sustainable development. They would like to learn more to ensure confidence in discussions and incorporate it into their studies. In the long run, it is vital for the benefit of the planet and the human race. Some respondents admitted to feeling unsure of its meaning and feeling powerless regarding the future. Education promoting sustainable development can show everyone how they can play their part and do just a little bit more.
Similar to last year, students strongly emphasise the relevance of placements and work experience in gaining sustainability skills (up 2% to 82%). Linking coursework, projects or dissertations to sustainability skills was also popular (78%). Many felt it should be built into the curriculum or as a standalone module, with 79% agreeing that sustainable development âis something which all courses in places of study/apprenticeships should actively incorporate and promoteâ.
Students generally felt like their educational experiences to date had given them an understanding of âwhat climate change is and how it happensâ (84%) but slightly less on âWhat we can do at local and global levels to lessen climate changeâ (80%) and âWhat our daily lives will look like as a result of climate changeâ (70%).
According to the survey, what actions would students like to see at Worcester?
Responses were taken directly from the survey:
- More one-off volunteering opportunities for those who canât commit to a continuous role.
- Specific sustainable development workshops to engage students, as I feel many do not know its significance. If not workshops, perhaps promotional videos or talks from individuals/groups engaged in sustainable development.
- I would like them to make new students more aware of what they can do to be helping.
- Engage with social media more.
- Perhaps have more societies and groups to involve everyone and make everyone aware.
- I would like to see a wider range of disposal units that are available for students to sort their waste into on campus (cardboard, food, cans and plastic recycling).
- To reduce any unwanted spending and to implement methods that are sustainable.
The majority of students recognise the increasing value that employers are placing on recruiting graduates with a range of sustainability skills. Graduates are also increasingly questioning the sustainability credentials of future employers. The survey identified that 39% of students said it was very important to them to get âa chance to work in a business/organisation that makes a difference to social and environmental issues, 28% said it was very important to get a role that âcontributes to helping the environmentâ and 40% a role that âcontributes to development in the local communityâ.
What impact, if any, has learning about any of the issues in the previous question had on students personally?
Responses take directly from the survey:
- Learning about climate change has helped me to understand how I can do my bit.
- It has made me more aware of my surroundings and helped me think about preserving it.
- Opens your eyes to the inequalities and problems that surface in the world.
- I consider a lot of these factors during my studying now.
- Unsure.
If you would like to read the full survey for 2022- 23 it’s available here
Next steps for Worcester University after this survey
âThe Worcester Studentsâ Union will continue to commit to being a sustainable business, as well as offering tools to students to also feel confident to be able to deal with different sustainable issues.
We will do this by taking on feedback from students, by creating and promoting volunteering opportunities as well as supporting campaigns and events that our student body is interested in.
We will also work with the Networks, particularly the Sustainability Network to bring together students and ideas to champion the work of Students to ensure that our work as an SU is student-led.â
Take a look at a previous Student and Staff survey and our SDGs in the Institution post to see how the University of Worcester has changed things for the better!
