Abstract
Attrition, which courses in the humanities and social sciences particularly suffer from, is a major problem for universities and students. This paper investigates the reasons students give for prematurely discontinuing studying the Bachelor of Arts. This is a qualitative study that thematically analyses semi-structured interviews. The sample represented a cross-section of the population of students enrolled in the course. The reasons for attrition can be divided into course-related or personal reasons. Amongst course-related reasons, the most important relate to: career direction and purpose, subject range and peer bonding, as well as teaching quality. Personal issues that interfere with study relate to illness, finances and employment. Course-related and personal reasons also interact and reinforce each other, with students studying the humanities and social sciences more vulnerable to personal pressures due to course-related reasons. Student engagement with support services is also analysed, and conclusions drawn on how attrition can be addressed.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Higher Education Research & Development |
| Volume | 35 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Oct 2016 |
Keywords
- Bachelors degrees
- Career development
- Educational quality
- Higher education
- Humanities
- Social sciences
- Student attrition
- Student engagement
- Student experience
- Student retention
- University students
Disciplines
- Higher Education
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Psychology