Open AccessStudent and Staff Perceptions of the International Postgraduate Student Experience: A Qualitative Study of a UK University
Author(s) -
Emma Bird
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of international students
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.47
H-Index - 15
eISSN - 2166-3750
pISSN - 2162-3104
DOI - 10.32674/jis.v7i2.384
Subject(s) - thematic analysis , internationalization , focus group , qualitative research , medical education , public university , perception , study abroad , pedagogy , psychology , higher education , sociology , medicine , political science , social science , public administration , neuroscience , anthropology , law , economics , microeconomics
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 in 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