Description

The study Non-Traditional Postgraduate Student Success: The Development of an Institutional Framework investigated the challenge of student retention and success faced by higher education institutions worldwide, from an African perspective.
The study focused on three African countries, namely Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa, as they were seen as representative of the continent.
The study followed a qualitative research design and used grounded theory as its mode of enquiry. A total of 28 semi-structured interviews were conducted with non-traditional postgraduate students in the three countries outlined above, and a focus group discussion with faculty and support staff, was also conducted in each country.
The findings lead to a systemic understanding of the non-traditional postgraduate students and their unique contexts and challenges, as well as the role of the institution and the role and impact of the academic supervisor. The study is concluded with an institutional framework for intervention, which should assist in improving student success.