The fine city's universities have proved their popularity after more than eight out of 10 students said they were happy with their course.

Norwich Evening News: The Ziggurat buildings at the University of East Anglia. Picture: Simon FinlayThe Ziggurat buildings at the University of East Anglia. Picture: Simon Finlay (Image: Archant Norfolk)

More than 300,000 final-year students at higher education (HE) providers took the National Student Survey which, among other areas, examines the percentage of university and college students satisfied with their courses.

In Norwich, the University of East Anglia (UEA) had an overall student satisfaction rating of 90pc, while Norwich University of the Arts (NUA) scored 82pc.

While the 460 national providers cannot yet be ranked overall, UEA said 90pc puts it fourth out of English mainstream universities. NUA said its 82pc leaves it third out of the UK's eight specialist arts, design and media universities.

Professor David Richardson, vice-chancellor at UEA, said: 'We're delighted with this year's scores, which mean UEA remains the only English mainstream university to achieve a top five ranking for student satisfaction every year since the survey began in 2005.

Norwich Evening News: UEA vice-chancellor, Professor David Richardson.UEA vice-chancellor, Professor David Richardson.

'We work hard to offer our students a stimulating and challenging learning environment backed with excellent support and exciting extra-curricular opportunities that help them prepare for the world of work.'

Though changes in the survey - which found that 84pc of students nationally are content with courses, down from 86pc last year - make it difficult to compare like for like, it is a 3pc rise for NUA on last year.

Professor John Last, NUA vice-chancellor, said: 'We're pleased to see the increase in overall satisfaction among NUA's students, particularly against the backdrop of a disappointing decline nationally. Once again, NUA has been rated highly for the quality of academic support students receive throughout their course - from sound advice on course choices to the quality and timeliness of feedback and assessment.'

It was less positive news for City College Norwich (CCN), which runs HE courses, with 70pc of students content with their courses.

CCN said it was 'very disappointed' with the figure but added that several courses had achieved high satisfaction rates and that it had identified areas for further development.

The survey is produced by the Higher Education Funding Council for England.