Factors for success: Physics students from non-traditional pre-university education

Summary

This project will explore the factors involved in students settling into a physics degree and making a success of it. Arriving at university can be overwhelming for some students. And especially so if they are from a non-traditional background, making them feel different from the start. In this context traditional entry routes are with A levels in Physics, Maths, and a related science (eg Further Maths, Chemistry, Computing) at age 18 or 19 years. Non-traditional routes are from a Foundation/Access year, from overseas, with a Baccalaureate, mature students and those with a gap since previous study, or even those with a non-science 3rd A level subject. Success will be defined from a combination of 1st year marks, progression to higher years, degree classification/grade, employment attainment, along with feelings that they are accepted and good enough, and able to establish a social support network.

The aim is to understand the needs of non-traditional entry students. Are they different to traditional entry route? How can curriculum and support activities level the playing field? Do these students have advantages over traditional routes? How can these be maximised for them? How can curriculum delivery bring these advantages to traditional entry route students? The research will use a mixed methods approach to analyse existing data and survey/interview students from varied backgrounds.

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.