Student and staff perceptions of the international postgraduate student experience: A qualitative study of a UK university

Bird, Emma

Abstract

This study aimed to explore student and staff perceptions of academic, personal and social factors influencing the international postgraduate student experience at a UK University. Focus groups were conducted with international students enrolled on a Master in Public Health programme (n=10). An in-depth survey containing open-ended questions was completed by university staff that contribute to postgraduate teaching (n=12). Qualitative data were analysed using Thematic Analysis. Student and staff perceptions of the international postgraduate student experience were broadly similar, although some discrepancies were identified. Five themes emerged: adjustment to academic expectations; adjustment to academic conventions; programme internationalisation; adjustment to the local culture; and, future plans. Findings add to the limited evidence base on the international postgraduate student experience in UK universities.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 6, 2016
• Online Publication Date: Apr 1, 2017
• Publication Date: Apr 1, 2017
• Deposit Date: May 9, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: May 2, 2017
• Journal: Journal of International Students
• Print ISSN: 2162-3104
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 7
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 329-346
• Keywords: experiences, international students, postgraduate, qualitative research, university staff
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/888544
• Publisher URL: https://www.ojed.org/index.php/jis/article/view/384
• Contract Date: May 9, 2016