MMU scores well on life skills

STUDENTS are getting much more than they expected by coming to Manchester Metropolitan – and that’s official!

On top of their degree, students at MMU are acquiring a vast range of skills and attributes, many more in fact than most of their counterparts at other universities, according to a national survey by pollsters MORI.

The UNITE Student Living Survey 2004 asked students at 20 universities which skills they felt university had equipped them with.

65% of MMU students compared to 51% nationally believed they were competent in giving speeches/presentations, 54% compared to 49% (nat. average) said they had acquired self confidence and 57% against 48% cited ability to work under pressure.

Many more MMU students (66%) believed they had learned how to work constructively with others compared to just 44% in all universities surveyed.

MMU scored higher too in helping young people acquire organisational skills (50% against 35%, verbal skills (48% against 39%), initiative (30% against 28%) and good grammar (22% against 19%).

Asked if their university has set them in good stead for working life, 38% at MMU agreed strongly, compared to 28% across the sector.

Additionally, 51% said they were very optimistic about the future, 11% higher than the average student. 2% though claimed to be unhappy against an average of 4%.

46% said they were very optimistic about getting a job when they leave, compared to 38% nationally. Only 7% were not optimistic.

Overall 91% agreed that going to MMU was a worthwhile experience with 63% strongly agreeing.

NOTE: The UNITE Student Living Survey was compiled via interviews with 1,065 students between October-November 2003, under the leadership of Professor Robert Worcester. For more information go to www.mori.com