Students voice opinion and put Edge Hill in the UK top ten

Edge Hill has earned a place as one of the top ten universities in the UK for its courses and lecturers - and it's all thanks to the students.

Over 7,000 students submitted their reviews and opinions to the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2009. The data was compiled by the makers of the Whatuni website and looked at all aspects of university life including accommodation, overall experience, and facilities as well as courses and lecturers.

John Cater, Vice-Chancellor at Edge Hill University said: "To be one of just a handful of universities given an 'eight-star' rating for the programmes we deliver and the staff who deliver them, and a 'seven-star' rating for university facilities, job prospects and overall satisfaction, gives a real indication of what Edge Hill University is achieving.

"We now have national awards or commendations for University of the Year, Outstanding Student Financial Support and Sustainability, and the Student Services team was shortlisted this month for the Times Higher Award. My colleagues have earned the right to feel justifiably proud of their efforts and their achievements."

Editor of Whatuni.com Oliver Brann comments: "There are a number of factors that prospective students should take into account whilst deciding on which university will most suit their needs. The internet and in particular the arrival of web 2.0 has meant that students' opinions and assessments themselves can be utilised as a whole, as with the Student Choice Awards, or with specific pieces of information and advice within the reviews themselves."

Baroness Estelle Morris commented: "I think these awards are a highly welcome and important addition to information channels available to prospective students. Students can be seen as the ‘customers' of a university and as such they are uniquely positioned to provide insight and make assessments across a wide spectrum of university life.

"It is logical that their voice should be heard and seen as a significant contribution to the wider perception of their institution."