Birkbeck, University of London Centralizes Course Evaluations Across 19 Departments with Explorance Blue

About Birkbeck, University of London

Founded in 1823, Birkbeck, University of London is a leading research and teaching institution offering evening education in the heart of London. With a student population of around 12,000, many of whom are mature learners balancing study with work, Birkbeck is committed to academic excellence, student voice, and accessible education.

The Challenge: An Inconsistent Evaluation Process with Limited Impact

Birkbeck, University of London faced a fragmented and inconsistent approach to course evaluations, with each of its 19 departments using their own tools, including paper-based and unstandardized digital forms, resulting in a non-unified structure for data collection or reporting.

“It was a completely devolved process,” explained Garmon ap Garth, Academic Services Manager. “Some departments used four to five questions, others had 20 to 30. There was no consistency, no longitudinal analysis, and no clear way to capture what students were actually saying.”

Compounding the issue, there was no formal mechanism for following up with students on how their feedback was used, leading to a lack of transparency and low engagement. “It was unclear what staff were doing with the feedback, or whether students would hear back again,” Ap Garth added.

The Solution: A Unified Platform for Consistent, Actionable Feedback

Birkbeck selected Explorance Blue to establish a centralized, consistent evaluation system across all departments. With Blue, the university introduced a common core set of questions, automated report generation, and centralized data collection—all designed to deliver actionable insights and meet the reporting requirements of the UK’s Office for Students.

A standout feature of the implementation was the "closing the loop" process. When course evaluations close, instructors receive the results and are prompted to respond to three follow-up questions about how they’ll act on the feedback.

These responses are then included in the student reports—shared within two weeks of survey completion. “Closing the loop was one of the key outcomes we wanted,” said Ap Garth. “If students know their feedback is being acted on, they’re more likely to participate again.”

The Outcome: Improved Engagement, Faster Reporting, and Deeper Student Connection

Birkbeck saw immediate gains in feedback engagement and reporting efficiency. Within the first year, the university’s National Student Survey (NSS) results showed a 2% increase in agreement for statements like “I have had the right opportunity to provide feedback on my course” and “Staff value students’ views.”

Reports are now distributed to students quickly and consistently, encouraging a culture of responsiveness and trust. “One of the most important things is our ability to get the reports out to students without delay,” Ap Garth noted.

By adopting Blue, Birkbeck was able to ensure consistent evaluation practices and reporting, meeting external data requirements, and gain deeper insight into the student experience to support an equivalent experience for all.