23/24 BUCS Student Survey: What do students think about university sport?

The results of the BUCS 23/24 Student Survey were released last month and revealed a largely positive student reaction to sports at the university level. 1,502 students responded from 120 institutions regarding 51 BUCS level sports, allowing the organisation to understand and, in turn, enhance the student experience of competing in BUCS competitions.

The survey’s main aims were to investigate students’ overall experience of BUCS sports, as well as look into how this has impacted their higher education experience by identifying any enhancing or weakening factors. Additionally, the survey considered the role of club committee members and their engagement with the organisation.

BUCS CEO, Will Roberts, explains that the survey “captures vital insights that help ensure we are focused on what matters” by providing a sporting experience that helps to “inspire, develop and unite”. He equally recognises the “essential role that sport continues to play” in students’ higher education experiences, and the “significant social, emotional, and cultural value” that it holds.

88.5% of students claimed BUCS had a positive impact on their overall university experience

Generally speaking, students rated their BUCS experience positively, with 78.2% deeming it excellent or good, and 88.5% claiming that it had a positive impact on their overall university experience. This is an increase from previous years with 45.6% of students considering their experience this year to be better or much better than the 22/23 academic year. The reasons behind this positive reaction include the support offered for students’ mental wellbeing, as well as the pride associated with representing their institution and the sense of belonging to a team (93.5% identified this as a benefit).

Another positive note was the role of club committee members and the critical part they play in the BUCS experience. 65.2% of students identified these committee members as enhancing their sporting experience as a result of the passion and dedication demonstrated due to the immense time commitment that they are required to make. This was deemed the most significant enhancer of student experience above other factors such as quality of training and matches (56.3%) and quality of coaching (49.3%).

Whilst the general consensus was positive, the most significant detracting factor identified was the BUCS Play app, with 40.3% of students rating their experience as either poor or very poor. The app is considered slow and difficult to navigate, particularly in relation to its events section (arguably one of the most important features). Other than this, detracting factors include the way that member institutions recognised teams’ successes, with 23.6% of students stating this had a negative impact on their experience; as well as the standard of officiation which 22.7% of students considered of poor quality, due to its inconsistent nature.

The survey has identified that there is still progression to be made

The release of these findings has since allowed BUCS to identify areas of improvement and consider how they will act in order to ensure that the student experience remains as positive as possible.

In terms of the BUCS executive, areas such as the timing of engagement with students, as well as the time allowed for institutions to promote the survey have been identified for improvement. Equally, factors such as the functionality of the app and an increased focus on diversity and inclusivity are listed as recommendations for the future.

For member institutions, these recommendations include factors such as understanding whether students feel supported in their sport, as well as whether they feel that their successes are celebrated appropriately. It is equally necessary for these institutions to review their committee member training, and maintain strong relationships with their club committee members, given the positive impact they have on student experience.

As a collective, it is important that BUCS and its member institutions remain in agreement with regard to leaving Wednesday afternoons without classes and designated for sporting events.

Ultimately, whilst the overall reaction from students was very positive, it is important that BUCS has identified that there is still progression to be made in order to ensure that all students view BUCS sport in a positive manner and as something which enhances their overall experience at university.