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Who benefits? What benefits? Part-time postgraduate study in health and human services

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-19, 00:21 authored by Shannon, EA, Sue-Anne PearsonSue-Anne Pearson, Wendy QuinnWendy Quinn, Pamela MacintyrePamela Macintyre
Part-time postgraduate students make up a significant proportion of the student population, yet their experience remains poorly understood. In this article, a multi-phase, explanatory mixedmethod study conducted within Tasmanian health and human services provides some answers. Students reported improved job performance, self-esteem and increased motivation to learn as primary outcomes. Other benefits of significance included an increased ability to manage change and increased job satisfaction. At the other end of the scale, fewer than half of all respondents agreed that part-time postgraduate study led to increased pay or remuneration, and only one-quarter of respondents believed their study led to improvements in personal relationships. There were significant associations between organisational placement and perceptions of benefit. The managers of those who were studying were less likely to perceive either increased job satisfaction or improved job performance in their subordinates. Amongst postgraduate, mature-age, part-time student respondents, their prior experience in higher education, professional background, seniority in the organisation, age and gender were also associated with differing perceptions of the benefits of higher education. These results add to the body of knowledge around the human, social and identity capital benefits associated with lifelong learning, and this study provides guidance for students, employers and universities.

History

Publication title

International Journal of Lifelong Education

Volume

36

Issue

4

Pagination

422-441

ISSN

0260-1370

Department/School

Tasmanian School of Medicine

Publisher

Routledge

Place of publication

United Kingdom

Rights statement

Copyright 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Learner and learning not elsewhere classified

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