Motivations, expectations, and student journeys: a case study of level 1 Sociology and Criminology students at the University of the West of England

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1 Motivations, expectations, and student journeys: a case study of level 1 Sociology and Criminology students at the University of the West of England Jodi Collett & Kate Daguerre

2 Introduction Recent graduates of the University of the West of England Year long internship as part of a University-wide student retention project Action research project exploring student experience

3 Context National awareness of student retention Funded by the Access Agreement University of the West of England a post 1992 university

4 Objectives 1. Discover whether students felt their expectations of their chosen programmes were realistic 2. Explore students reasons for applying to university and motivation to attend their chosen program 3. Consider the need for increased and appropriate support for these students, through our graduate advisor roles 4. Investigate the knowledge of and use of support services by the first year students 5. Explore whether the development of a cohort identity could function as a significant aspect in first year student experience

5 Methods Study skills/graduate advice service: emerged from a pattern of under-developed study skills, providing an informal and relaxed space for students to voice their concerns Student interviews: 16 semi-structured student interviews, and four follow up in-depth interviews giving valuable insight into the student experience Graduate observations and reflections: Utilising our unique position as recent graduates, and reflecting on our own experiences when interacting with students

6 Headline findings Expectations vs. Reality Cohort Identity Support services

7 Headline Findings Expectations vs. Reality That s been the biggest shock for me [ ] because like at sixth form when they say do some reading it would be like few pages [ ] that s been the biggest worry because it s like trying to get on top of things. It is time consuming and difficult. (Female, Young, A level, White)

8 Headline Findings Cohort Identity For me it s completely different really [ ] I ve done all the drinking and all that so it doesn t interest me but I do find it a bit of a barrier connecting with people. (Male, Mature, Access course, White)

9 Headline Findings Support services I m disabled so I obviously went through DSA, and they put me in touch with my mentor and wellbeing. So I ve got a mentor and I ve got a scribe and all these facilities that are wonderful and really enable me to stay here and stay active. (Female, Mature, Access course, White)

10 Learner journeys Four follow-up interviews To gain a deeper understanding of our students experiences

11 Female, Mature student, Access course, BME, First generation to access HE

12 Tammy I don t know. Obviously you could get a better job, that kind of thing but I don t know. It feels like everyone has to go to university to be someone. Obviously I know you don t but it s like a kind of pressure. What are you going to be are you going to be on the minimum wage forever or like do volunteering forever?

13 Learner journeys James Male, Mature student, Access course, White, First generation to access HE

14 James I was completely opposed to education because of the environment that I was in it was not acceptable that sort of mentality. I was a heroin addict. I shop-lifted, I sold drugs and I spent my days asleep and when I was awake I was out earning money.

15 James I couldn t really continue living like that. I didn t want to live anymore but I was too scared to die. Its full steam ahead now, I ve wasted enough years.

16 Conclusions What have we learnt about student experience? Motivations and student experience are unique and personal to the individual A responsibility to provide support appropriate to the diversity of the student body

17 Thank you!

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