The study interviewed lower sixth form students (aged 16 to 17) and asked them to review and score the websites of 152 higher education institutions.
They were rated on the following questions:
How easy is the website to digest and navigate?
How easy is to get in touch with someone at the university?
How easy is it to find out what current students think of the university?
Can you tell what the university’s unique selling point is?
How much insight into life on campus did the website give you?
Abertay was ranked either 'good' or 'great' in all categories, and awarded full marks for the ease of navigation and finding contact information. In total Abertay scored a 22 out of a possible 25.
Warts and all guide
The study has indentified that students want a warts and all guide before they make a decision about which university to apply to. Students no longer want to read 'corporate copy' rather, true testimonies from students already studying with a university.
The results of this survey is a huge endorsement of Abertay's online activities and the efforts dedicated to the planning, launch and continued work on the new website. There is still a lot of work to do but this is a clear indicator Abertay is making positive steps in meeting the needs of its target audience, engaging with students before they come to the university and using emerging technolgies to reach potential students.
If you would like to comment about the Abertay website, why not email the web team in the Communications Centre. All suggestions and comments are welcomed.