Improving Student Retention Within UK Higher Education: A Case Study

This report investigates student retention within UK higher education, specifically focusing on a case study of the London School of Science and Technology. The research explores the concept of student retention, identifies challenges faced by institutions, and examines various strategies for improvement. The methodology includes a literature review, outlining challenges like cultural differences, financial constraints, and the need for innovation. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, including data analysis and discussion of findings. The report concludes with recommendations for the London School of Science and Technology to enhance student retention rates, addressing issues such as academic success, student support, and curriculum development. The findings provide insights into the factors influencing student decisions to remain enrolled and graduate. The study also highlights the significance of understanding student needs and providing appropriate support systems.

IMPROVING STUDENT RETENTION
WITHIN THE UK HIGHER
EDUCATION. A CASE STUDY OF
LONDON SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY
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Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................4
Research Overview......................................................................................................................4
Research Background..................................................................................................................4
Research Aims and objectives.....................................................................................................4
Research question........................................................................................................................5
Rationale and Significance of study............................................................................................5
Research Structure.......................................................................................................................5
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW.........................................................................................7
Concept of student Retention.......................................................................................................7
Challenges occurring at time of student retention.......................................................................8
Strategies for improving student retention for higher education.................................................9
Chapter summary.......................................................................................................................10
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOY..............................................................................10
Research type.............................................................................................................................10
Research approach.....................................................................................................................11
Research philosophy..................................................................................................................11
Research design.........................................................................................................................12
Data collection...........................................................................................................................12
Research Sample........................................................................................................................13
Data analysis..............................................................................................................................13
Ethical consideration.................................................................................................................13
Timeline.....................................................................................................................................14
CHAPTER 4: FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION...........................................................................16
Introduction:..............................................................................................................................16
Data presentation and analysis:.................................................................................................16
Research Discussion..................................................................................................................27
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION.....................................................29
Conclusion.................................................................................................................................29
Recommendations......................................................................................................................29
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Research Limitation...................................................................................................................30
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................31
APPENDIX....................................................................................................................................32
Questionnaire.............................................................................................................................32
Frequency Table........................................................................................................................34
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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
Research Overview
Student retention indicates how well college assures the academic success. Mainly the
stakeholders use this to analyse performance of the institution or college. Internal promotion of
the student retention is more useful to make improvement in programs, academic support,
teaching staff and curriculum. In enhancing competitiveness as well as the results oriented high
education, retention of student is necessary to institutions and faculty. The universities mainly
look to make improvement in rates of graduation and also reduce tuition revenue rate from
student’s wither moving to or dropping out to various institutions. More and more students study,
so that they will be sure of it. So more students read, the more they are able to learn from
teachers or staff, accept confusion, and collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds or
different viewpoints, the more they practice and get input about their writing and cooperation in
the solution of problems.
Research Background
In the current world we live the students are leaving the colleges before completing their degree
or the course. The reason behind the fact that student retention is very necessary for the colleges
and universities. Also, this is a major issue for the parents of student as they are also tense for the
career of their children. This is the main reason underlying this research. The present research is
based in London school of science and technology. This university, which is situated in London,
England and has 5 different campuses. This was founded in 2003. The present research will
outline the different strategies which London school of science and technology can be used to
retain the student within the society for higher education.
Research Aims and objectives
Aims
This research seeks to investigate the ways of improving student retention within the higher
education. A study on London school of science and technology
Objective
 To understand the concept of student retention.
 To outline the challenges occurring at time of student retention
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 To identify the strategies for improving student retention for higher education.
 To recommend strategies to London school of science and technology for improving
student retention.
Research question
1. What is the concept of student retention?
2. What are the different challenges faced at time of student retention?
3. What are the different strategies adopted by university for retaining student?
4. What is some recommendation for university to improve student retention?
Rationale and Significance of study
The present study which is on improving the student retention in university is incredibly
significant. This is because this could extremely be helpful for the other universities also who are
facing the same problem of student retention. And the same strategies can also be applied in the
other universities as well. Also, this research work is helpful for other researchers also who are
doing the research on the same topic or the related topic.
The main reason behind the selection of this topic is that this seems to be happening more
regular in universities. Thus, this research will help the company in outlining the reason behind
in which persist students to leave the university. Also, another reason for undertaking this topic
is that this is also the personal interest of the researcher because they want to know more about
the student retention and various relating strategies.
Research Structure
This section gives the detailed knowledge regarding overall investigation and structure that is
mainly adopted through researcher in conducting the present investigation. It is an overview of
each chapter that mainly going to used. The explanation of each chapter included in research
given below:
Chapter 1: Introduction
It is first chapter that gives the overview regarding research. This includes the
background, aim, objectives, questions, rationale, and significance. It present that what mainly
researcher is aiming to obtain from conducting present investigation.
Chapter 2: Literature review
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It is second chapter that provides detailed information regarding the proposed topic with
viewpoint of various publishers and authors. This chapter will include numerous books, journals
and online posts, newspapers and other published data containing information on soft skills in
properly carrying out their business activities. Separate information on all targets will be
collected here, using different sources. This section contributes greatly in less time for the
acquisition of full knowledge.
Chapter 3: Methodology
It is third section of research and initiated after finish of the literature review part. This section
mostly consists of various tools and techniques which the researcher uses to collect the required
information about the same relevant research results on the proposed subject. It mainly includes
different parts such as research philosophy, research approaches, design, data collection
methods, sampling, ethical considerations and limitations.
Chapter 4: Research and findings
This section of research considered the collected data that mainly gathered by using the primary
data collection method. Researcher analysed data in such as way so that this can be identified to
meet aim and objectives. This also contains detailed discussions on details gathered in portion of
the Literature Review and findings and analysis. The researchers concentrate primarily on the
general results and interpretation of the discussion. This segment allows researchers to improve
their awareness of what they really understood.
Chapter 5: Conclusion
This is last chapter of research which gives the researchers an actual conclusion on the topic.
Researchers may be said to draw conclusions from knowledge gathered in previous chapter.
Chapter 6: Recommendations
Moreover, the following section gives a suggestion to the institutions considered to assist their
managers in cultivating soft skills and enhancing their business output contributing to the
institution success.
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CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
Concept of student Retention
According to Raju and Schumacker (2015) the student retention refers to retention of student in
college in respect of gaining knowledge and helping them to improve their skills through
attending class of their professors. Thus, in such manner it is the major priority of the colleges to
make strategies regarding improving the student in college. Thus, in such aspect’s student
retention is necessary in respect of maintaining the reputation of the colleges and this can be
done in respect of improving the college’s administrators. As the dignity of the colleges is
reflected through number of students studying in the colleges. In these aspects, it is necessary to
retain the student’s interest in colleges so that they can build new institution in the premises.
Kimbark, Peters and Richardson (2017) criticised that retention of students is necessary in
colleges so that they can utilize the proper facility which is provided by the boards to the
students. In respect of improving the administrator it is necessary to appoint the skilled person to
handle the queries of the students in better way. The issue arises in respect of not using the
appropriate strategies to retain the interest of students in colleges. In respect of not managing the
student’s administrators in better way it reduces the rates of the studies and increases the cost of
the revenue. It gives rise to the tuition centres to earn more revenue in respect of attracting
customer through their services.
Beer and Lawson (2017) suggested that student retention is undertaken in respect of improving
the academic performance in colleges. So that they can improve the performance of the student
in respect of motivating them to focus more on other curricular activities rather than choosing the
academic studies. In such manner the retention is done in respect of attracting the students
regarding their interest field and then only the retention of students is higher in education field.
In such aspects the student’s retention is higher in respect of building the trust among students in
attracting them through their own interest field.
Harackiewicz and Priniski (2018) argued that sometimes it is out of the range of the students in
respect of fulfilling their needs to interact with professors and share their interest. Thus, the less
of retention also occurs in respect if lack of communication between the students and professors.
Students feel that their views and thoughts are not appreciated in the colleges and also,they are
not properly guided in right way.
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Mah (2016) stated that cost is also one of the major reasons in respect of lack of student retention
in higher education as every student are not capable to afford the fees of the colleges which is
higher due to changes in time. Students are attracted of they find any scholarship programs or
also any other monetary benefits in respect of reducing the cost of expenses in studying in higher
education. The student retention is necessary in respect of managing the overall structure of the
higher education.
Challenges occurring at time of student retention
As per Travers (2016) the challenges which is faced by higher education in respect of retaining
students is relating to having different culture background. As every student are different and
carry wide ranges of ideas which they use at the time of carrying the studies in better way. The
challenges which are faced by higher education in respect of building trust among the students
are in respect of guiding or motivating the students to learn or gain knowledge from other student
or commit such activity in group. As students do not easily prefer to mix with other person, thus
difficulty arise in respect of keeping all the students on single path and then undertaking the
teaching activity to keep every student on single track.
Brooman, Darwent and Pimor (2015) examined that another challenge is examined in respect of
facing changes in values and polices which is designed for every person. As the main reason of
lack of student retention also arises in respect of not manging the education fees in better way.
Thus, challenges for higher education arises in respect of making such polices which is specially
designed for middle and poor class students so that they can manage the studies in better way.
This can be done in respect of offering the scholarship or any other activity through which they
can manage their studies in better scale. As this procedure is simple for students in respect of
bringing changes in policies of higher education but it is difficulty for the higher education as
every student are equal for the colleges and thus the studies are also equal. As no discrimination
is made in respect of charging low fees from the middle class or lower-class people as the facility
are provided to every student is similar way.
Mooring (2016) said that the challenges are also resulting to bring innovation at campus. As this
is also one of the major reasons in respect of not motivating the students to attend the colleges or
retain at such places for longer time period. As they do not feel motivated to attend the classes or
visiting to colleges for further studies. Innovation is to be undertaken in respect of attracting the
student’s needs towards the campus, but the challenges are to be faced by the higher education in
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respect of adopting such changes. The challenges are examined in respect of making the
financial budgets in context of bringing such changes in campus or classrooms.
Moriña (2017) highlighted that the major issue which is identify in respect of student’s retention
to higher education is relating to lack of training sessions which do not motivate students to visits
to colleges for further studies. As due to organising the training session in which the activities
are to be organised or such training is to be organised on any different places which is some type
of trip or any other adventure activity. In such aspects they can retain the interest of the students
for longer way. And this could result in lack of training session in colleges which results in
facing challenges which occurs at the time of retention of the students.
Strategies for improving student retention for higher education
Mezick (2015) viewed that student retention is to be improved in respect of organising the
minute check regarding the strategies which is adapted by the higher education in respect of
detaching the student’s strategy of enhancing their needs. As students are sometimes
demotivated or not focused towards their studies. This can result in keeping an eye on the
students by keeping an update regarding their overall performance. In this they keep a check on
the behaviours, their attendance in college and, if they are involved in any cultural activities
which is organised in campus.
Gaytan (2015) on the other hand said that higher education can use strategies by organising the
social events in campus, where every student’s involvement in necessary and, they organise such
event at large scale. The students are motivated in performing or taking part in the events so that
they can promote the higher education at large level. Through these aspects, the universities pay
attention to students and how they are dealing with their emotional barriers which they are facing
at social levels. Hopefully, they can improve the performance of the students by them chances of
building their own identity in higher education. Another thing which they can also build is
relating to developing their skills and learning in university and by this procedure they can create
their own identity and make new friends in colleges. This is also one the issue which is identified
by lack of student retention as they not ready to engage with any other students which resulting
in lack of commitment in respect of attaining the particular task.
Stone (2017) suggested that innovate training session are to be organised so the interaction with
students personally and building trust among them. As students do not retain in respect of not
having rights to share the information or any other matter with their superiors. Organising the
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training session which is to be held outside the premises or may be in the form of any outing, this
helps them to build the trust among them. As the students leave with other students, this also
helps to know each other better and increases the chances of knowing each other in better way.
As it is in the hands of the professors to assign same task with different group so that they can
grab the learning capabilities individually and helps them to treat them in better way.
Mackey and Gass (2015) responses that various monetary benefits are to be given to the students
in respect of giving excellent performance during exams. Through these aspects, it results in
retaining their interest in universities for longer time and it also motivates other students to
achieve such task in better way. By these aspects it helps students in two major ways firstly they
can manage their own cost in own ways and secondly, they motivate other students to improve
their performances in exams. So that they can also learn or gain knowledge in respect of
attaining the classes on regular bases.
Chapter summary
Literature review is an important chapter that support researcher in gathering of secondary
information from different number of sources which are books magazines, articles etc. All these
are effective and useful sources for investigator in gathering of detailed and in-depth information
about the project.
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOY
Research methodology is defined as specific process that mainly used to determine, choose,
process, and also analyse the information regarding topic. It allows a researcher in evaluate
overall reliability as well as validity of study. The research methodology consists the different
parts such as type of investigation, research approaches, designs, methods of data collection, data
analysis, sampling, ethical consideration, and limitations. The use of all these methods helps
researchers to conduct systematic, effective research. With respect to current study, the
researcher uses different research methods which help the researchers conduct research in a way
that results in validity and reliability of research results. All the methods used by the investigator
are defined as follows:
Research type
This refers to as the type of method which is being used by the researcher for completing the
research on the topic improving the student retention in higher education. There are many
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different types of research methods which can be used but mainly are the qualitative research and
other is quantitative research (Kumar, 2019).
The research for the present research has been used the qualitative research. The main reason for
using this type of research is that the qualitative research helps the researcher in deeply
understanding the concept of the research problem. Rather than emphasizing more on the
numerical facts and figures. Qualitative research is frequently used to study the subject. It helps
the researcher to obtain a reliable understanding of basic opinions, reasons and intentions. It
provides in-depth information and insight into issue or encourages the creation of hypotheses or
opinions for prospective quantitative studies
Research approach
The approach is defined as the different steps and process which are taken by the researcher in
accomplishing the research aim. It is an efficient process created through the investigator based
on assumptions related to techniques or methods used by investigators to effectively conduct
various kinds of task or operation during the analysis and to generate positive results effectively.
There are many different approaches which can be used to complete the research but the two
most important are inductive and the deductive approach.
For the present research in student retention the approach which has been used is the inductive
approach. This is pertaining to the fact that inductive approach helps in generating some meaning
from the raw information and to draw some conclusion from that information to solve the
research problem.
Research philosophy
The research philosophy is defined as the assumptions and beliefs on which the whole research is
being based. The research starts with these assumptions only. The philosophy of research was
also defined as the successful step forward through which the overall methodology was properly
established. The main research philosophies which can be used at time of research are
interpretivism and positivism.
For undergoing the current research on improving ways of student retention has been
interpretivism (Mackey and Gass, 2015). This is majorly used by the researcher pertaining to the
reason that this philosophy helps the researcher in understand the main reason behind any of the
concept or anything. Its primary purpose is to interpret the information and converts the
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information collected in such a way that it can be easily understood by investigator and team
members working on the research. It also lets them draw valid conclusions on the topic they have
presented that allow them to draw valid results on the same topic.
Research design
It is set of procedures and methods which mainly used in gathering as well as analysing the
measures of variable which specified in research issue. This is related to the entire approach that
seeks to incorporate the different components of the analysis systematically and logically. This
means that researchers solve the study issue effectively. For data collection, evaluation, and
analysis, this forms the blueprint. There are descriptive, explanatory, and experimental are
different research design.
In conducting present research, there has been descriptive research design used because it
provides the information in detailed manner. Its focus is on describing the nature of the study and
gives in- depth investigation.
Data collection
This is defined as the act of collecting the data to complete the research. This is very necessary
because of the reason that without any data the research cannot be done (Fletcher, 2017). For
collecting the data there are mainly two sources of data that is primary and secondary data.
Collection of data is related to data collection techniques and the processing of information.
Data was collected for first time in the primary data gathering collection process, and multiple
forms of data collection include questionnaires, observations, focus groups, interviews, etc. Data
are, however, collected by some other person or affected in secondary methods and specific
sources of secondary data collection are journals, books, web sources and others.
For carrying on with the current research, the researcher has been the combination of both the
sources that is primary and secondary. The underlying reason behind this fact is that the primary
source of data is the original source where the first- hand data is collected. Under this, researcher
has been developed the questionnaire as collecting the data and information from selected
sample size. On the flip side, the secondary source of the data is the one which has already being
used.
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Research Sample
It is explained as process that mainly used in the statistical analysis in predetermined
observations numbers which are taken from larger population. Methodology mainly used to
sample from the large population that based on analysis types that being performed but this may
consist the random sampling. For doing the research the researcher cannot apply the test on all
the population. Thus, a small sample size is selected from the whole population and then the tests
are being done on the sample size. The sample is defined as the small part of the population
which is being selected for the completion of the research. The sample size that will be used for
researching for improving the student retention in university of London will be up to 15 of the
university.
Data analysis
To find useful information for decision-making, data analysis is characterized as process of
maintenance, transformation and modeling data. Data analysis is intended to collect useful data
and to take a decision based on data analysis. The collection of data is not enough it is very
essential for the researcher to also analyze the data. This is majorly because of the reason that the
data collected is of no use if any meaning is not coming from that data. It is very necessary for
the researcher to accurately analyze and interpret the data to draw some meaningful conclusion
from it.
In this, collected data will be analyzed by using the thematic analysis techniques. There
has been interpretation of the collected data to know about the detailed information and getting
positive results.
Ethical consideration
This is very necessary for the researcher to take into consideration all the ethical requirements of
completing the research. This is very necessary for the researcher to consider all the
requirements of the research completion. These are like the data must be collected from the
ethical sources and before taking the data from the participant the researcher must ask the
respondent to fill the ethical consent form and the ethical approval form. Also, the researcher
must not use such information which may mislead any participant and the researcher must ensure
the participant that the data collected from them is kept confidential and safe and will not be
misused. To collect the data in literature review part, it is necessary for the researcher to use the
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authentic as well as reliable source. This helped in giving the better outcomes in an effective
manner. In this, information gathered through magazines, books, internet sources and articles
were rephrased and provided because credits to authors to neglect misconduct risk in plagiarism
form.
Timeline
The timeline is the time plan which is made by the researcher. In this plan the researcher
outlines a schedule which will be followed by the researcher to complete the research project.
This plan outlines the different parts of the whole research and decides the time that in which
time frame what work will be completed.
Activity WK1 WK2 WK3 WK4 WK5 WK6 WK7 WK8 WK9 WK10 WK11
Selection of the
research topic
Formation of aims
and objectives
Conducting the
literature review
Analysing the
methods used in
research
Preparation of the
questionnaire
Collects facts and
data of that topic.
Analysis of the data
with help of
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thematic data
analysis
Rechecking the
data and
information before
final submission.
Final submission of
the report
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CHAPTER 4: FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION.
Introduction:
It is the best way to obtain true and accurate outcomes as this segment of study is efficient in the
review of the collected knowledge. The main purpose of this chapter of the investigation is to
collect sufficient information and make the correct decision that is consistent with data analysis.
Furthermore, the data analysis is successful in providing the researcher with the correct guidance
to help the entire study in reaching the main findings. In relation to present research, work is
based on investigating ways of improving student retention within the higher education. Under
this, research findings are based on the primary and secondary both the data collection method.
The primary data analysis has been conducted from questionnaire and secondary analysis is
related to literature review (Mertes and Jankoviak, 2016). Along with this, to analysis primary or
quantitative data about the topic, content analysis will be applied by researcher as a thematic
analysis. This technique will be useful and valuable for researcher in analysing and findings of
data within limited time. Thematic analysis is a type of analytical technique that will be useful
for investigation in making of themes and interpreting of data easily. In this technique,
researcher will require to makes themes on each question that resulted in valid data within lesser
time duration.
Data presentation and analysis:
To find out primary information about the current study, there is requirement of following some
steps which are making of frequency table, presenting graphs and interpreting quantitative
information easily (Mooring, 2016). These steps will be described as below in detailed manner
In this part of dissertation, number of tables and graphs has been developed that will be useful
for researcher in presenting of primary data effectively (Stone, 2017). Graphs and tables
according to the research questions will be shown as below:
Q1) What is your Age? Frequency
a) 18-24 9
b) 25-34 6
c) 35-44 0
d) 45-54 0
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e) 55 and above 0
Figure 4.1: Age distribution
Figure 4.1 above shows that majority of students are under the age group of 18-24. 6 out of 15
students are belongs under the age group of 25-24. Therefore, 18-24 age groups are main
students that are studies in the respected university.
Q2) What is your Gender? Frequency
a) Female 9
b) Male 5
c) Prefer not to say 1
d) Other 0
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Figure 4.2: Gender Distribution
Figure 4.2 above shows 9 respondents have knowledge as 9 are female students, 5 are
male students and remaining 1 is not preferred to say about this statement. Therefore, most of the
students are female that are studied in school of science and technology.
Q3) Do you have children? Frequency
a) Yes 5
b) No 10
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Figure 4.3: Number of children
Figure 4.3 above shows under the age group of 18-24 are almost female students that are
studied in the university. In these 5 female students have children, whereas remaining 10
respondents do not have children.
Q4) What is your Place of study? Frequency
a) London school of science and technology 2
b) Birmingham city university 4
c) Aston university 4
d) University of Wolverhampton 5
Figure 4.4: place of study
Figure 4.4 above shows there are different place of study such as London school of
science and technology, Birmingham City University, Aston University, and university of
Wolverhampton. All these are main place of study. In these 2 respondents are prefer to study in
London school of science and technology because they have effective education system. 4 must
study in Birmingham City University because this university provide online education facility.
Other 4 respondents are preferred to study in Aston University. Remaining 5 respondents are
preferred to study in University of Wolverhampton. Therefore, all these are best places for the
students to do study and improve their career growth.
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Q5) What is your current level at university? Frequency
a) Foundation 1
b) First year 3
c) Second year 8
d) Third year 3
Figure 4.5: current level at university
Figure 4.5 above shows London school of science and technology is a chosen university
for this project and this university helps students in completing of their foundation, First year,
Second year and Third year. As per the survey, most of the students are in secondary year and
gain education systematically.
Q6) What is your motivation for going to university? Frequency
a) Personal accomplishment 3
b) Available funding 3
c) Career prospects 7
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d) Role model 2
Figure 4.6: Motivation factor for going to university
Figure 4.6 above shows there are different numbers of motivating factors that help
students in going to the university. For these 3 out of 15 respondents have knowledge as personal
accomplishment is main factor because it helps in improving of career growth. Other 3
participants have idea as available funding is main factor because this is a top-level university
and charge more fees to the students. This means it is suitable those students that have high
income status. 7 respondents have idea as career project is main factor that motivate students in
going to university. Remaining 2 respondents have opinion as role model is best way and
motivational factor that attract students in going to the university for educational purpose.
Q7) Why did you choose your place of study? Frequency
a) Flexible entry requirement 3
b) Location 7
c) University ranking (quality) 2
d) Recommendation 3
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Figure 4.7: Reasons for selecting place of study
Figure 4.7 above shows there are several reasons for selecting place of study such as
flexible entry requirement, location, university ranking and others. 3 out of 15 respondents have
opinion as flexible entry requirement is best way that helps students in selection of university. 7
participants have opinion as location is best because it helps students in its convincing facility. 2
respondents have idea as ranking of students is effective way for example if university has 10 out
of 4 ranking, students do not prefer that university, and on the other hand, if university has 10 out
of 8 ranking them easily select university. Remaining 3 respondents must suggest as
advancement of technology at studding place is important and effective ways of attracting
students towards university.
Q8) What is the key challenge affecting your learning experiences? Frequency
a) Childcare 1
b) Delay in receiving student finance 3
c) Dissatisfaction with the university experience 2
d) Struggling with academic workload 7
e) Working whilst studding 1
f) Other 1
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Figure 4.8: Key challenges that have effect on students learning experiences
Figure 4.8 above shows there are various challenges that have direct effects on students
learning experience. These challenges are Childcare, delay in receiving student finance,
dissatisfaction with the university experience, struggling with academic workload, working
whilst studding and many other. All these are major challenges are issues that have effect on
learning experience of students. 1 out of 15 female students faced issue of childcare because they
don’t manage their personal and educational life. 3 respondents have opinion as delay in
receiving finance is major challenge experience by students. 2 respondents have view as
dissatisfaction with university experience is another challenge, 7 have idea as struggling with
academic workload is main challenge that effect on learning experience. 1 has opinion as
working whilst studding is main challenge because there is mismatch between the professional
and educational life. Remaining 1 respondent have another opinion about the same.
Q9) Do you work alongside studying? Frequency
a) Yes 8
b) No 6
c) None of the above 1
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Figure 4.9: Alongside studying
Figure 4.9 above shows 8 out of 15 respondents are work alongside studying, whereas 6
respondents are not work alongside studying. Remaining 1 respondent don’t have idea about the
same.
Q10) You receive sufficient support from my university? Frequency
a) Strongly disagree 1
b) Disagree 3
c) Neutral 6
d) Agree 4
e) Strongly agree 1
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Figure 4.10: Sufficient support from university
Figure 4.10 above shows 1 out of 15 respondents are strongly agreed about the supports
that are provided by university to their students. 3 are disagreed, 6 are neutral, 4 are agreed and
remaining 1 is strongly agreed about the same.
Q11) Your university has sufficient support systems to Cater for academic
needs of the students?
Frequency
a) Strongly disagree 0
b) Disagree 2
c) Neutral 6
d) Agree 6
e) Strongly agree 1
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Figure 4.11: Sufficient support systems to Cater for academic needs of the students
Figure 4.11 above shows London school of science and technology has sufficient support
system that helps students by catering their academic needs. For this statement, 2 are disagreed, 6
are neutral, 6 are agreed and remaining 1 is strongly agreed about the same.
Q12) According to you, disruptive student behaviour in lectures affects on
your concentration?
Frequency
a) Strongly disagree 4
b) Disagree 3
c) Neutral 2
d) Agree 6
e) Strongly agree 0
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Figure 4.12: Disruptive behaviour in lectures effects on concentration of student
Figure 4.12 above shows Disruptive behaviour within lectures effects on concentration of
student. Fir this statement 4 are strongly disagreed, 3 are disagreed, 2 are neutral and 6 are
agreed. Therefore, majority of students are agreed about the same concept.
Research Discussion
Concept of student Retention
From the above-mentioned secondary information, it has been interpreted concept of student
retention. Retention of students introduces to the effective way of retaining students in college.
To attract large number of students towards university different ways has been used which are
online material, technological advancement, effective environment etc. This will be essential for
students in increasing of their knowledge about the course and improving their progress in
educational field (Sweeney and et. al., 2016).
Challenges occurring at time of student retention
From the above gathered secondary data for literature review, it has been interpreted that there
are certain challenges that were faced by university during retention of students. One of the
main challenges analyzed in regard of confronting changes in qualities and polices which is
intended for everyone. As the fundamental explanation of absence of understudy maintenance
likewise emerges in regard of not dealing with the training expenses in better manner. Along
these lines, challenges for advanced education emerges in regard of making such polices which
is extraordinarily intended for centre and poor class understudies with the goal that they can deal
27

with the investigations in better manner. This should be possible in regard of offering the grant
or some other action through which they can deal with their investigations in better scale
(Thomas, 2016).
Strategies for improving student retention for higher education
From the above collected or gathered data from secondary sources such as books, journals,
magazines etc. for literature review, it has been interpreted strategies that are essential and useful
in retaining of students towards their course work or education. Reactions that different fiscal
advantages are to be given to the students in regard of giving phenomenal execution during tests.
Through these angles, it brings about holding their enthusiasm for colleges for longer time span
and it likewise persuades different students to accomplish such assignment in better manner. By
these angles it helps students in two significant manners right off the bat they can deal with their
own expense in own manners and furthermore, they propel different students to improve their
exhibitions in exams. So that they can likewise learn or pick up information in regard of
accomplishing the classes on standard bases (Mertes and Jankoviak, 2016).
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CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Conclusion
From the above mention information, it has been concluded that student retention is important
for university. Different ways used for improving student retention within the higher education
such as organising the social events within campus, where every student’s participation in
necessary and, they conduct such event at large scale. This will help university in retaining of
students for higher education. Along with this, majority of respondents are female that are
belongs under the age group of 18 to 24. Different number of places of study was discussed but
most of the respondents are favour in University of Wolverhampton because they provide better
education to the students. Different number of motivational factors has been determined such as
personal accomplishment, career prospects, role model etc. all these are effective in attracting of
students towards going in university. Along with this, there are different reasons were mentioned
that support students in selecting of best place for study. These reasons are flexible entry
requirement, university ranking, location etc. In learning experiences various challenges faced by
students such as childcare, struggling with academic workload, dissatisfaction with the university
experience, delay in receiving finance etc. All these are major impacts that have impact on
students learning in negative manner.
Recommendations
From the above-mentioned information, it has been recommended strategies to London
school of science and technology for improving student retention. These strategies will be
explained as below:
Teach Students Habits for Success: Numerous students forsake schools or colleges
since they do not comprehend what is anticipated from them or are new to the assets the college
offers. Along these lines, it is basic for colleges to make grounds assets accessible to
understudies through assembly, direction and second-year classes. The providence of
information about the habits of students help in building effective connection that further
contributes in their retention.
Develop Intervention Programs: One of the most effective approaches to improve
student’s maintenance is to reach in danger students before they leave the college.
Establishments like Beaufort County Community College do this by actualizing an early ready
29

student’s referral program. Student’s encountering scholarly, individual, budgetary, or social
issues get a letter illuminating them regarding the school's assets and accessible workshops that
can assist them with tending to the current issue. The development of intervention programmes
helps to get the knowledge about their behaviour and preferences that simultaneously used for
the purpose of improving current practices. This provides the opportunity in getting longer
retention.
Research Limitation
In this, there are several limitations which witnesses at the time of performing the research
activities. Time for this project is one of the key limitations. The subject of research is extensive,
and time is required to collect the response. It can also be clarified in general that time is not
enough for the entire analysis. There are various limitations that the investigator faced, such as
inaccurate funding, insufficient time, sample size collection, inaccurate behavior, etc. These are
all the main questions that the investigator has encountered in the ethical and systematic conduct
of each investigative mission. This impacts the investigator when research work is done in due
course as well as costs.
30

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Attia, M. and Edge, J., 2017. Be (com) ing a reflexive researcher: a developmental approach to
research methodology. Open Review of Educational Research, 4(1), pp.33-45.
Beer, C. and Lawson, C., 2017. The problem of student attrition in higher education: An
alternative perspective. Journal of Further and Higher Education. 41(6). pp.773-784.
Brooman, S., Darwent, S. and Pimor, A., 2015. The student voice in higher education curriculum
design: is there value in listening? Innovations in Education and Teaching
International. 52(6). pp.663-674.
Fletcher, A.J., 2017. Applying critical realism in qualitative research: methodology meets
method. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 20(2), pp.181-194.
Gaytan, J., 2015. Comparing faculty and student perceptions regarding factors that affect student
retention in online education. American Journal of Distance Education. 29(1). pp.56-66.
Harackiewicz, J.M. and Priniski, S.J., 2018. Improving student outcomes in higher education:
The science of targeted intervention. Annual review of psychology. 69.
Kimbark, K., Peters, M.L. and Richardson, T., 2017. Effectiveness of the student success course
on persistence, retention, academic achievement, and student engagement. Community
College Journal of Research and Practice. 41(2). pp.124-138.
Kumar, R., 2019. Research methodology: A step-by-step guide for beginners. Sage Publications
Limited.
Mackey, A. and Gass, S.M., 2015. Second language research: Methodology and design.
Routledge.
Mah, D.K., 2016. Learning analytics and digital badges: Potential impact on student retention in
higher education. Technology, Knowledge and Learning. 21(3). pp.285-305.
Mertes, S.J. and Jankoviak, M.W., 2016. Creating a college-wide retention program: A mixed
methods approach. The Community College Enterprise, 22(1), p.9.
Mezick, E.M., 2015. Relationship of library assessment to student retention. The Journal of
Academic Librarianship. 41(1). pp.31-36.
Mooring, Q.E., 2016. Recruitment, advising, and retention programs—Challenges and solutions
to the international problem of poor nursing student retention: A narrative literature
review. Nurse education today. 40. pp.204-208.
Mooring, Q.E., 2016. Recruitment, advising, and retention programs—Challenges and solutions
to the international problem of poor nursing student retention: A narrative literature
review. Nurse education today, 40, pp.204-208.
Moriña, A., 2017. Inclusive education in higher education: challenges and
opportunities. European Journal of Special Needs Education. 32(1). pp.3-17.
Raju, D. and Schumacker, R., 2015. Exploring student characteristics of retention that lead to
graduation in higher education using data mining models. Journal of College Student
Retention: Research, Theory & Practice. 16(4). pp.563-591.
Stone, C., 2017. Opportunity through online learning: Improving student access, participation
and success in higher education.
Stone, C., 2017. Opportunity through online learning: Improving student access, participation
and success in higher education.
Sweeney, M., Rangwala, H., Lester, J. and Johri, A., 2016. Next-term student performance
prediction: A recommender systems approach. arXiv preprint arXiv:1604.01840.
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Taylor, S.J., Bogdan, R. and DeVault, M., 2015. Introduction to qualitative research methods: A
guidebook and resource. John Wiley & Sons.
Thomas, L., 2016. Developing inclusive learning to improve the engagement, belonging,
retention, and success of students from diverse groups. In Widening Higher
Education Participation (pp. 135-159). Chandos Publishing.
Travers, S., 2016. SUPPORTING ONLINE STUDENT RETENTION IN COMMUNITY
COLLEGES. Quarterly Review of Distance Education. 17(4).
32

APPENDIX
Questionnaire
Q1) What is your Age?
a) 18-24
b) 25-34
c) 35-44
d) 45-54
e) 55 and above
Q2) What is your Gender?
a) Female
b) Male
c) Prefer not to say
d) Other
Q3) Do you have children?
a) Yes
b) No
Q4) What is your Place of study?
a) London school of science and technology
b) Birmingham city university
c) Aston university
d) University of Wolverhampton
Q5) What is your current level at university?
a) Foundation
b) First year
c) Second year
d) Third year
Q6) What is your motivation for going to university?
a) Personal accomplishment
b) Available funding
33

c) Career prospects
d) Role model
Q7) Why did you choose your place of study?
a) Flexible entry requirement
b) Location
c) University ranking (quality)
d) Recommendation
Q8) What is the key challenge affecting your learning experiences?
a) Childcare
b) Delay in receiving student finance
c) Dissatisfaction with the university experience
d) Struggling with academic workload
e) Working whilst studding
f) Other
Q9) Do you work alongside studying?
a) Yes
b) No
Q10) You receive sufficient support from my university?
a) Strongly disagree
b) Disagree
c) Neutral
d) Agree
e) Strongly agree
Q11) Your university has sufficient support systems to Cater for academic needs of the students?
a) Strongly disagree
b) Disagree
c) Neutral
d) Agree
e) Strongly agree
Q12) According to you, disruptive student behaviour in lectures affects on your concentration?
a) Strongly disagree
34

b) Disagree
c) Neutral
d) Agree
e) Strongly agree
Q13) How best can universities enhance student retention?
Frequency Table
Q1) What is your Age? Frequency
a) 18-24 9
b) 25-34 6
c) 35-44 0
d) 45-54 0
e) 55 and above 0
Q2) What is your Gender? Frequency
a) Female 9
b) Male 5
c) Prefer not to say 1
d) Other 0
Q3) Do you have children? Frequency
a) Yes 5
b) No 10
Q4) What is your Place of study? Frequency
a) London school of science and technology 2
b) Birmingham city university 4
c) Aston university 4
d) University of Wolverhampton 5
Q5) What is your current level at university? Frequency
a) Foundation 1
b) First year 3
c) Second year 8
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d) Third year 3
Q6) What is your motivation for going to university? Frequency
a) Personal accomplishment 3
b) Available funding 3
c) Career prospects 7
d) Role model 2
Q7) Why did you choose your place of study? Frequency
a) Flexible entry requirement 3
b) Location 7
c) University ranking (quality) 2
d) Recommendation 3
Q8) What is the key challenge affecting your learning experiences? Frequency
a) Childcare 1
b) Delay in receiving student finance 3
c) Dissatisfaction with the university experience 2
d) Struggling with academic workload 7
e) Working whilst studding 1
f) Other 1
Q9) Do you work alongside studying? Frequency
a) Yes 8
b) No 6
c) None of the above 1
Q10) You receive sufficient support from my university? Frequency
a) Strongly disagree 1
b) Disagree 3
c) Neutral 6
d) Agree 4
e) Strongly agree 1
Q11) Your university has sufficient support systems to Cater for academic
needs of the students?
Frequency
36

a) Strongly disagree 0
b) Disagree 2
c) Neutral 6
d) Agree 6
e) Strongly agree 1
Q12) According to you, disruptive student behaviour in lectures affects on
your concentration?
Frequency
a) Strongly disagree 4
b) Disagree 3
c) Neutral 2
d) Agree 6
e) Strongly agree 0
37