What are students saying about their workload?
Students consistently express their workload is often unmanageable, leading to extreme stress and pressure. They feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of assignments, exams, and projects, which are frequently due at similar times, creating an uneven distribution of work throughout the term. This imbalance hinders students' ability to achieve the best possible outcomes and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Many students struggle with clashing deadlines, particularly when working simultaneously on multiple modules or placements. The intensity of the workload is exacerbated by the lack of allocated time for learning new skills or concepts, often introduced without sufficient support or guidance.
Students also feel that the assessment structure can be mentally stressful, with a focus on strict deadlines and high-pressure exams. They believe that this approach can damage their results and overall well-being. Furthermore, students think that the workload is sometimes unreasonably heavy, with some courses having more work than others despite similar credit values.
Some students appreciate efforts to manage workload effectively, acknowledging that adjustments have been made to reduce stress and pressure. However, many still feel that the system needs to be improved at its core to address the root causes of these issues rather than just providing support services for students struggling with mental health.