Exploring Students’ Experiences of Full Time and Flexible Study Intensity on English and Creative Writing Qualifications

There is data suggesting that a significant success rate gap exists between students studying on our English and Creative Writing undergraduate degrees at full-time and part-time intensity. Data from the 18/19 academic year shows a 9% gap on Q66, and a 14% gap on Q86, for students opting to study at full time intensity (FTI).  

A core element of the project will be the collection and analysis of qualitative data captured through survey, interview and via focus groups. The qualitative research elements within this project will capture individual students’ experiences of full time and flexible study intensity (i.e., where students have switched between full and part time study): we will explore the barriers and challenges that students encounter, and also identify any successful strategies individuals have developed that enable them to succeed in studying our modules at full time intensity. The project will also draw on quantitative data, regarding completion and progression, to assess student success on English and Creative Writing modules; and to identify whether certain module combinations yield a higher success rate than others. Where patterns and themes emerge from the data, we will be able to develop additional support initiatives or resources that could benefit particular groups of students and/or the wider population of FTI students.