This OIA annual report shows it received 2,604 complaints in 2020, 10% more than 2019. Of these, 43% concerned service issues, including facilities, teaching time and academic supervision, and disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
The OIA, which covers England and Wales, said it had been a uniquely challenging year for students. The profound impact of coronavirus has raised difficult questions around what fairness for students looks like in this context.
Many students have experienced huge disruption to their lives as well as to their studies.
University teaching moved online in March 2020, when the first national lockdown was announced, and only students studying more practical courses have been allowed back on campus, since the start of the year.
The report details a number of cases the OIA has reviewed over the past year, including examples relating to course delivery, and the impact of Covid-19.